Bicycle hitch racks
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New User
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 24
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Bicycle hitch racks
Anybody have any opinions on hitch-mounted bicycle racks? I previously had a roof rack for my Expedition, and I think that the mounts are compatible with the Excursion, however, the reach is a bit far, even for lil' old me, at 6'5". (Or maybe I'm just getting too old...)
I'm looking at Thule hitch racks. Trying to decide between the 'tilt-down' and the 'swing-away' models. I'm not sure what's going to work better with the 1/2-doors, (if that's even really a factor) so I'm soliciting for some advice.
I'm looking at Thule hitch racks. Trying to decide between the 'tilt-down' and the 'swing-away' models. I'm not sure what's going to work better with the 1/2-doors, (if that's even really a factor) so I'm soliciting for some advice.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
Depends on what kind of bike you have.
If you have a carbon frame then you would not want either one of those.
if your frame is not carbon then either the fold down or swing will work fine.
I own all 3 of those plus a roof and a interior rack. I use the one that best suits my needs at the time. All of them are Thule but if I were to buy a new rack I would get a Kuat, better function and form then anything else on the market today.
I recently gave the swing away rack away because it is a PITA when not in use. it is just an awkward clunky mess and doesn't store well when not in use.
check out the Kuat racks ( your see the real difference when you compare them in the shop )
Küat Racks
If you have a carbon frame then you would not want either one of those.
if your frame is not carbon then either the fold down or swing will work fine.
I own all 3 of those plus a roof and a interior rack. I use the one that best suits my needs at the time. All of them are Thule but if I were to buy a new rack I would get a Kuat, better function and form then anything else on the market today.
I recently gave the swing away rack away because it is a PITA when not in use. it is just an awkward clunky mess and doesn't store well when not in use.
check out the Kuat racks ( your see the real difference when you compare them in the shop )
Küat Racks
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,066
Likes: 4
From: North Texas
Ultra-Tow 2-in-1 Steel Cargo Carrier with 4-Bike Rack — 500-Lb. Capacity, Model# FTF-2762KR | Receiver Hitch Cargo Carriers| Northern Tool + Equipment
I have this one. I like it because the bikes sit on the wheels so it fits the odd frames of my kids bikes. The bikes feel really secure on it. It also doubles as a carrier for other things with the wheel hoops folded down, or even removed with few quick pins. I have hauled Corvair engines and a greasy AOD trans on it with no issues. I have noticed some frame scuffing from the straps I have to run around the frame to keep the bikes in place. There is a pole that extends out of the back to attach a strap to. The biggest drawback is that it is heavy. It is best installed/removed with two people and not wearing flip flops. :-)
I have this one. I like it because the bikes sit on the wheels so it fits the odd frames of my kids bikes. The bikes feel really secure on it. It also doubles as a carrier for other things with the wheel hoops folded down, or even removed with few quick pins. I have hauled Corvair engines and a greasy AOD trans on it with no issues. I have noticed some frame scuffing from the straps I have to run around the frame to keep the bikes in place. There is a pole that extends out of the back to attach a strap to. The biggest drawback is that it is heavy. It is best installed/removed with two people and not wearing flip flops. :-)
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 57
Likes: 1
From: Dayton, OH
I looked at Thule but couldn't justify the price. I went with this from Allen Sports. So far no complaints.
http://www.amazon.com/Allen-Sports-Premier-Mounted-Carrier/dp/B00ASSOHH6
http://www.amazon.com/Allen-Sports-Premier-Mounted-Carrier/dp/B00ASSOHH6
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More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 609
Likes: 3
From: Central Va
I have a two bike rack, but find myself more often than not using a regular hitch hauler, I have welded up an arm that the bikes strap to at the top to hold them in place, wheels down on the rack, works fine, and multi function.
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