I am yet to buy a rack for my car and have needed one for quite some time, now that I have some money to spend on one i do not know which way to go in terms of 1. ease of use 2. durability and 3. Price. I dont think that a typical trunk style rack (e.g saris bones) will be compatible, though I am not sure. So the question is get a trailer hitch and go with a hitch rack or get a roof rack?

Hitch rack

A lot of them are adjustable to fit the curvature of your car. These would be much cheaper than a hitch rack; I think you should look into one first.

If you already have a factory roof rack with cross bars,the easiest route would be to get something like the Rocky Mount trays: https://www.rockymounts.com/TieRod_p/1012.htm

JB

I have a Lexus RX-400h and use a hitch mounted bike rack. There is no chance I am using a bike rack on this car that will rub on the paint. The hitch rack also folds down so I can easily open the back door and use the storage space on trips. The existing roof racks on these vehicles are certainly not sturdy enough for bikes.

Having a hitch on your SUV will add a little to the resale value even if you don't need it for towing.

Why do you say that? Bikes are pretty light, and the ones on mine seem sturdy enough. I was just about to get some sort of rack mount for my bike so I'm curious as to why you think its a bad idea.

I had a Chevy Blazer once with factory roof racks that would have been fine for a bike. This certainly isn't the case with my Lexus RX though. It just depends on the vehicle.

I wouldn't put my bike on the roof anyway but that is a different discussion.

Funny thing on different opinions. I trust myself with a Bike on the roof of my SUV over the person not paying attention behind me in traffic. Crunch.

Hitch mounted Thule T2.

You'll see.

So, rkelley23, what did you end up doing? I own the 400H and I'm wondering if it's worth going through the hassle of installing a hitch receiver, to mount a bike rack, instead of just putting the two bikes I want to transfer in the back seat. Is it worth it in the long run?

Thanks

If you go with the roof rack on factory installed rails, get the Rocky Mounts tray...those are good ones and available in a choice of colors. They are strudy enough and safe for bikes. A firing in the front is highly recommended to reduce wind noise. And mileage will drop.

A trunk rack...sooner or later you will scratch the paint, if not from accidentally scraping against it, thru road grit getting in between the rack contact point and the car body (ask me how i know!)

I'd recommend the hitch receiver+ mount solution anyday.

I installed these: https://www.cargogear.com/OneItemInfo...partnum=THLXRX on our RX350, then you just need to add the bike tray, either fork mount or sidearm (have the sidearm, do not like it). The base rack is very easy to install compared to the towers I used for my Acura TL. I've also used a Saris Bones rack on the RX350 without a problem.

+1 for the Thule 916XTR-T2. Nothing touches the frame with the exception of the security cable when needed, but that only wraps around the head-tube. If your OEM hitch has a 1/4in. receiver, then go with the 917XTR.

Thule 916XTR-T2

Hitch and a 1up rack. Miles better than Thule, Yakma or Kuat.

Thanks -- what is a firing?

That's a good looking rack.

Yeah, I figured the hitch is the way to go. Did you guys install yours or had the shop do it? Amazon seems to have some good quality receivers for a good price. Any advice? Thanks

Aren't you worried about forgetting that the bikes are on the roof and ramming them onto something low hanging? RX350 much taller than the TL

Installation of these racks is an easy DIY. I actually bought my T2 from www.autoanything.com. Free shipping plus 15% for new customers; but since I buy my rotors/pads for my suvs from them, they always have some type of coupon code floating around the web.