[cynergy]

Hi All,

I'm thinking about getting a bike rack for our minivan. I currently have a two bike rack that I can attach to our small car (sedan). We put my wife's bike and my bike on the rack, and the kids bikes/trike in the trunk. However, our kids are getting older and they're going to be moving up to large bikes. I'd like to get a multiple-bike rack for our minivan.

I have installed a 2" trailer hitch on my minivan already and I'm thinking about getting a rack that woudl fit in my existing hitch. I'd like to be able to cary at least 4 bikes, but since we do have five people in our family, I guess it makes sense to get a rack with space for at least 5 bikes.

What do you like and why?

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[funrover]

Well.... I am a fan of the roof mount more than hitch.. However the Yakima hitch mount my parents have is great. It only carries 4 though!!! I like it because you can keep all of the bikes loaded and swing it out of the way to access the rear cargo area, it is easy to load, and it tucks nicely against your vehicle, Holds bikes secure(clamps down on frame and wheel to keep from bouncing all over) Comes with a lock to lock all bikes on also. The only real downside is the initial cost.... But we have used it for years and has never failed us... I can take pics if needed!

[Floyd]

I see 2 distinct advantages to a "plug in" rack as opposed to roof... you don't have to worry about low flying roofs :) and even if you change vehicle you can still plug in the same slot.... ... .. ... .. .. .. .. peace

[bbattle]

I'm happy with my two bike Xport hitch rack from performancebike.com Each bike sits in wheel "wells" and has a padded arm that holds the top tube securely. Doesn't swing away from the rear door with the bikes on it, though. Maybe not quite as nice as a Saris but much cheaper. There's a 4 bike Xport, too.

I did find a 5 bike hitch rack. LINK (http://www.bikerackshops.com/TU915.html)

You might want to carry three or four on a hitch rack and put one or two on top. Roof racks, and the bikes up there, can make wind noise, get bugs all over the bikes. Gas mileage may be affected and you'll feel the wind on the bikes, too.

[DieselDan]

Depending on the minivan, you can put a fifth bike inside. I had a Ford Aerostar (stop laughing) that did not have a middle seat, but the mounts were designed to accommodate the third row seat on the middle row. I ended up with a five passenger minivan with a large cargo area. My current 1st generation Odyssey came with the second row option of two captain's chairs, giving my only four passengers with the third row folded down.

I've only got two kids, and will not be having anymore. Right now, my Grabber three bike rack works perfectly. Once the baby goes onto the trailercycle, I'll be using the custom interior rack I fabricated for it with the outside rack.