MagChase

We will be having a 2 inch "hitch" installed (Class 3) on our 4-Runner this week. Then, it's off to the LBS's to find an appropriate 4 bike carrier.
For those who are familiar and experienced with this merchandise, we would truly appreciate your input as to Name Brand to consider and what to look for in a bike carrier.
Thanks, Thanks, Thanks!!!
cw & nw
Lancaster, PA

twahl

Performance Bikes carries several different ones at different price ranges, many of which are available at their local stores.

I have this one that I bought for the cabability to still be able to pull a trailer while carrying bikes, but they carry several models as well. I'm happy with mine, although it's not the fastest thing to load and unload, it's not horrible by any means.

pathrider

I run a sportworks transport,it has trays for the bikes to sit on and clamps the front tires.Nothing touches the paint!Very quick to load and unload and very stable.I'm particular about my paint and such so the hanging type of carriers was out of the question once I saw how the tray style worked.Delta,hollywood,saris make tray styles as well.

Thomas15

I have a SportRack "system". The idea is that you buy the upright support, then add-on the proper "head" for your activity. I got the 4 bike holder. It has ratchet straps and adjustable 3 way cradle to keep the bikes secure.

I have mixed feelings about this rack. I load up (1) womens 16" MTB, (2) 16" mens MTB, and (1) 18" mens MTB. The only bike that is big enough to use the lower (of the 3 way) cradle is the 18" MTB. So I can get all of the bikes on the rack, but they are supported only by the top tube. This is ok though. Also, it is tricky to get all four bikes on the rack at one time, but it is doable. What I do is wrap masking tape around any of the points on the bikes that I think will rub another bike this to keep the paint looking good.

The rack comes with a cable lock for the head and the bikes and a lock for the receiver mount. The whole carrier tilts away from the vehicle so you can access it when loaded. I use it on my on a ford f-250 Pick up that has a bed cap installed and find this to be a good feature.

I called the mfg. to ask a question. They couldn't answer it right away, but tech support got back to me in short order. The instructions are the multi language picture type that are not very clear. I don't know why, I know it is supposed to be idiot proof, but it isn't.

So in closing, it's a decient rack, does what I want it to do. I little pricey IMHO.

You are smart to be choosing a 2" receiver hitch. If you haven't already purchased one, get something at or that exceeds the gross towing weight for your vehicle, you never know when you will need to tow someting.

Tom

tomsanborn

I have a Bauer 4 bike carrier and it is very heavy duty. It has an extender so if you are only carrying one or two bikes it does not stick out as far. I got the model that folds open so you can get into the back of your SUV if you need to. Definitely get this feature - it is handy. The carrier slides into the receiver hitch. I recommend the Bauer, but it takes some time to attach it to the vehicle and attach the bikes to the carrier. I have a medium size tote dedicated to all the hardware and straps that are used to attach the carrier and the bikes. I've never had a problem with bikes slipping or getting damaged with this carrier or any problems with damage to my vehicles. It is nice because you do not have to lift the bikes to roof level.

There is a lot of stuff to get with the carrier:

Special locking ping for the hitch.
Cable and lock to lock the bikes to the carrier. (The carrier locks, but they recommend a second lock to deter thieves.)
If you have kids bikes or ladies frames, you have to get a bar that extends from the seat post and the stem otherwise the bike won’t fit in the carrier
Various straps or bungee cords.

When I bought my carrier I had visions of family bike rides, but we used that carrier maybe 6 times for day rides only. We never took bikes on family vacations because I thought it would bee too much trouble. Four bikes on a carrier is a big object on the back of your SUV.

Now I transport my bike in the back of my pickup when I drive to a local bike trail because it takes way too long to mess with the carrier. The kids are too old and too cool to ride with dad and the little woman isn’t riding much these days. I still keep the carrier because as soon as I get rid of it I will need it.

I’m not sure it is safe to leave the carrier on the bike for weeks or months. One summer I left the bike carrier on the back of my jeep for several weeks. One day someone left a note on my jeep telling me that she had walked into the carrier and nearly knocked herself out. The top of the carrier is about 5 feet high so a person of that height who was not looking where she was walking could walk into it. After that I did not park on that street for a while. That may have been 1 in a million.

patnshan

CW & NW,
I have a Yakima Kingpin 4 rack and couldn't be happier. I got it online with free shipping for $180. The rack itself folds down for easy access to the trunk or tailgate. Also, the rack arms themselves fold down so that you can fit it in the garage with the rack still on if you want. It is very sturdy while driving. It secures the bikes nicely with 3 rubber straps for each bike. It hold the frame on trays very nicely, with a swing out tray for the vertical tube unde the seat, so it actually sits in three places, eliminating any swing. My wife's ladies bike even fits well without an adapter. I bought the factory lock as well, whick locks both the rack to the truck and the bikes to the rack. Look at it. I would highly recommend it. Good luck in your search.
Pat

philrush

Here is the carrier that I have.
It fits into a 2" reciever, and IS a 2" reciever in itself.

I bought it to use with my RV, so that I can still use my cargo carrier with it, or tow my boat.

It breaks down rather easily into 2 pieces for storage.

I dont like the head so much, as I would prefer a double arm to the single for stability and securiyy. A couple of long shank locks will keep it thief resistant. I have the 3 bike carrier, for about $220 and they have a 4 bike carrier for about $280. That price includes the hitch extention.

It can be found at www.rvbikeracks.com

EastKY

We've a Swagman Fold-Down, 3 bike, 2" Class III carrier in excellent condition. Found it on EBay, shipped direct to the front door for $91.00, total. Looks like it might have been used once, maybe twice. So, you might consider "surfing" over that way and doing a search on bike racks and just see what they've got on auction. You never know, just might find a steal of a deal over there. We sure did.

Portis

You won't go wrong with any of the Sportworks racks. I have the Sportworks Mod Series and I absolutely love it.

I can put the rack on my car and the bike on my rack in less than 3 minutes. YOu will have a hard time finding another rack that will do that. YOu ask what to look for.

Well the main thing to look for is the ease of putting the rack on the car as well as putting the bike on the rack. This rack is famous for these things. That is why you find these racks on many metro busses in the city. A person can quickly throw it in the rack and jump on the bus.

Another thing to look for is that it holds the bike securely. This rack does that. The spring clamp that locks the front wheel will never allow this bike to go anywhere. Read the reviews and you will see that many agree.

fasteddie51@com

I have a three-bike Allen Receiver for a 2" hitch that I picked up at Dick's Sporting Goods for $99. Strong, solid and the rack folds flat when not in use. The entire receiver tilts down with or without bikes to allow access to the SUV. The guy from my bike store saw it and after checking it out told me it was sturdier than the Yakima they sold for $200. Added a $20 locking hitch pin from an auto parts store. The only thing I'm not crazy about is the nylon strap system to secure the bikes. I like the rubber fasteners on the Yakimas better, but for under a hundred bucks I can't complain.