Hitch-Mounted 4-Bike Carriers With Tilting Feature While Loaded For Explorer Recommendations
Question:
I am comparing numerous 4-bike hitch racks Thule Apex, Yakima Fulltilt 4, Swagman Titan Four, etc. and have one question: Do you know of any 4-bike racks than can be tilted away from the vehicle with bikes loaded? We often stop on road trips to get the dog out, grab a jacket or cooler, etc. and Id hate to have to take the bikes off to get into the back of our Explorer.
asked by: Ryan T
Expert Reply:
We do carry several bike carriers that can tilt while the bikes are loaded allowing you access to the rear of your Explorer. You can choose from either hanging bike carriers or platform-style carriers. Some of the carriers can be quite heavy, so you want to consider the weight of all of the bikes combined with the weight of the carrier and make sure you do not exceed the tongue weight capacity of your vehicle.
If you choose a hanging bike carrier, and plan on carrying any bikes with alternative frames like kids bikes or women's bikes I recommend using an adapter bar like part # 64005. This attaches between the handlebar stem and the seat post and allows the bike to be carried more level while providing more ground clearance.
When choosing a hitch mounted bike carrier you will want to make sure you have the clearance at the rear of your Explorer. I have attached a helpful article that shows how you can measure to make sure the carrier you choose has the clearance from your rear bumper.
The platform-style carriers you can check out are part # SA4414B, and part # SA4414B-FB. Again, you can check these out and see which carrier has the features you like most and make your decision. If you have more questions about some of the bikes and want more specific information just let me know.
Products Referenced in This Question
Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- 24-3/8 - 33-3/4 Inch Long
- Swagman
more information >
Saris Freedom Bike Rack for 4 Fat Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 4 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fat Bikes
- Saris
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Saris Freedom Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 4 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Saris
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Comparing the Saris Freedom and Yakima HoldUp 4 Bike Platform Racks
- Q&A: Could Curt Platform Bike Rack Carry 50 lb E-Bike
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Recumbent Bikes (2023)
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Families with Kids (2023)
- Q&A: Best Bike Rack for a Mountain Bike, Kids Bike, Carbon Fiber Bike, and Step-Through Womens Bike
- Q&A: How Does Kelsey Energize Brake Controller Remove from Vehicle
- Q&A: Weight Capacity of Saris Freedom 4 Bike Rack # SA4414B
- Q&A: Platform Bike Rack Recommendation with Great Ground Clearance
- Q&A: How Far Out Does Saris Freedom Bike Rack for Fat Bikes Extend
- Article: Rolling on a Budget: Top Wallet-Friendly Platform Bike Racks
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Article: How to Choose a Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Fat Bikes