Trailer Hitch and 4-Bike Hitch-Mount Carrier Recommendations for 2010 Toyota Highlander

Question:

I am looking for a recommendation for a trailer hitch and bike rack that can hold 4 bikes including mens, womens, and childrens bike as well as any necessary accessories for a 2010 Toyota Highlander. Thanks.

asked by: Scott

Helpful Expert Reply:

A hitch-mount rack is a great choice for transporting 4 bikes on your 2010 Toyota Highlander and we offer 2-inch Class III hitches with very substantial capacity that can easily handle this weight load.

For a hitch I suggest Draw-Tite hitch # 75726 which bolts on without drilling using the included hardware (but tow hooks need to be removed and the underbody panel requires trimming or removal). This hitch carries a 750-lb tongue weight rating, making it ideal for your application. You will have a generous safety margin even with a fully-loaded 4-bike rack installed. I have linked a video and two helpful articles to aid you in your hitch installation.

I suggest the Yakima FullSwing 4-bike carrier, part # Y02465. This unit swings out of the way of the rear of your Highlander, even when fully loaded with bikes, to give you the convenience of full rear-of-vehicle access. The rack includes locks for the rack itself and for your loaded bikes. It is covered by a limited lifetime warranty. Please see the linked video.

If you will be transporting any bikes that lack a horizontal top frame tube (as found on a typical man's bike) such bikes will benefit from an adapter bar such as Thule's # TH982XT. This attaches between the seat and handlebar posts to provide a level mounting surface to mate with the carrier's arms. The adapter bars will keep these bikes level for safe ground clearance. The linked video will illustrate.

expert reply by: Adam R