Hitch-Mount 4-Bike Platform Carrier for Use on 2014 Mazda CX-5

Question:

Hi ~ I am trying to decide on a 4-bike platform rack. I have a 2014 Mazda CX-5. I have read a bunch of reviews and I believe I narrowed it down to the Hollywood rack or Swagman. I like how some you can remove the 2-bike extension. 1 Does any bike rack have this section lock in place to deter theft? 2 Can a locking anti-rattle bolt also be used for the extension to keep it secure? 3 I see that the platform racks are generally heavy. I am not that weak but I dont want anything that would be very hard for one female to lift up to install. When you tested all these platform racks, any that appear easier to handle in weight and leverage? Thank you.

asked by: Kathy

Expert Reply:

Your 2014 Mazda CX-5 can be fitted with two sizes/classes of trailer hitch, either a 1-1/4-inch Class II or a 2-inch Class III type, but since you are looking into 4-bike platform carriers I will trust that you have a higher-capacity 2-inch hitch. If not, please let me know.

One important consideration for any hitch rack is the clearance needed for it to safely clear the rear-most part of your vehicle. In this case that will be the bumper. Bike racks offer varying amounts of clearance from their hitch pin holes, so you will want to take a quick measurement of the distance from the center of your hitch pin hole to the rear-most part of the car. You will need a rack that provides at least this much clearance. The linked article illustrates how to do this.

Another consideration is the total combined weight of the carrier and your loaded bikes, which cannot exceed either the tongue weight for the hitch or for the vehicle (which should be indicated in your owner's manual). You cannot exceed the capacity of the lowest-rated item. Weight also affects the ease of installation, as you note.

The Swagman XTC4 4-Bike Rack # S64665 weighs about 59-lbs without your bikes and it has 12-3/4-inches of clearance from the hitch pin hole to the closest wheel hoop. This rack comes with a cable lock to secure the carrier to your hitch and your bikes to the rack.

The Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE 4-Bike Platform Rack # HR1400Z weighs 81-lbs as a 4-bike rack and 51-lbs as a 2-bike carrier; it offers 7-1/2-inches of clearance from the hitch pin hole. Like the Swagman, its sections can be locked together by using the included cable lock but are not usable with an anti rattle device between the two halves.

The maximum wheelbase size on the Swagman is 51-inches, while the Hollywood Racks can handle bikes with up to a 60-inch wheelbase. Both racks are covered by a limited lifetime warranty. Videos for both are linked for your review.