Trunk Mount Bike Rack for a 2008 Toyota Yaris for Long-Distance Highway Driving

Question:

Will this bike rack work well for highway driving? We have a seven-hour trip to college in my sons 2008 Toyota Yaris.

asked by: Kathy E

Expert Reply:

The Hollywood Racks Express trunk mount bike rack # HRE3 does fit your son's 2008 Toyota Yaris (sedan or hatchback) but it wouldn't be my first choice for long-distance highway driving. The rack would secure to the vehicle fine but this rack does not have anti-sway cradles which means the bike(s) would swing back and forth a lot.

I would go with the Thule OutWay # TH45JV. This is a quality rack that is the easiest to install when comparing it to other trunk racks. It uses only two rubber-coated straps instead of the 4-6 straps of other trunk racks. It would be a much better choice for a long trip. It also would allow him to remove the bike and keep them rack on to open the trunk or hatch. That is also not the case with other racks. I have linked video reviews of the Thule Outway for you.

If you will be carrying any bikes that do not have a top frame bar that goes straight across (like a typical men's bike would) then I recommend using bike adapter bar # 64005. This will allow you to carry those bikes more level and will provide better ground clearance. I have to use these adapters and without them my wife's bike would be at a severe angle and I would not be able to load my son's bike at all. I have linked a video showing how the adapter works.

expert reply by: Michael H