Softride Cargo Carriers
Softride
As a company that specializes in making every day tasks easier, Softride has developed a line of ball mounts and bike racks that alleviate the stress often found with these products. High-quality materials and craftsmanship combined with innovative designs ensure the products are not only easy-to-use, but that they will last a lifetime.
- Innovative, patented designs make products simple to use
- High quality materials and craftsmanship
- Lifetime warranty
Softride Reviews and Installation Videos
Expert Answers about Softride
Which Tailgate Pad Bike Rack Fits a 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac- The Softride Tailgate Pad, # SR26461, for mid size trucks is probably going to be the best option. It measures 54 inches long so compare that to the tailgate on your 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac to determine fit. The model for a full size truck, # SR26457, is 61 inches long.
Thule also has a similar product, # TH823 for a 54 inch or # TH824 for a 62 inch.
And Yakima is a player in this game as well. They have the 54 inch model # Y02455 and a 62 inch model # Y02456.
All of these items
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- Thule Apex 4 Swing versus Softride Dura Parallelogram for a 2012 Honda CR-V
- Both racks are great. However, I really like that the Thule Apex Swing 4 # TH9027 can swing completely out of the way to give you complete access to the rear of 2012 Honda CR-V. Whereas the Softride Dura # SR26247 will only pivot down for limited access.
Both racks have anti-rattle devices as well to prevent noise from the rack in the hitch. What is nice about the # TH9027 is that its anti-rattle device is a tool-free setup up that can be used without having to use a wrench unlike the # SR262
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- Differences Between the Softride Dura and Alumina Bike Racks
- There are two main differences between the Softride Dura Bike Rack # SR26247 and the Softride Alumina Bike Rack # SR26428. The first difference you already are aware of, the Alumina is lighter weight at 25 lbs. While the Dura weighs 39 lbs. This weight difference will make installing and uninstalling the rack much easier.
The difference in weight is because the Dura is made of steel whereas the Alumina has an aluminum body for lighter weight. The second difference between the racks is that th
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- Fit of Softride Dura Hydraulic-Assist 4 Bike Rack # SR26321 on 2010 Toyota Rav4
- To determine which racks will clear the spare tire on your Rav4, you will need to measure rearward from the hitch pin hole to the furthest rearward portion of the spare tire. The bike rack you choose will need to have a shank that is longer than this dimension. (See link to FAQ article).
Since the shank of the Softride Hydraulic-Assist Dura is 3-1/2 inches from the hitch pin hole to the closest portion of the rack, it will not clear your spare tire. If you add the Softride Extender Bar, part
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- Which Stainless Steel Ball Fits QuietRide Aluminum Ball Mount # SR26039
- To find you the correct stainless steel hitch ball for the QuietRide Aluminum Ball Mount # SR26039 we tested a few different products. A couple things to keep in mind when picking out the proper hitch ball are the diameter of the shank as well as the length of the shank. The QuietRide ball mount can accept hitch balls with either a 1-1/4 inch or 1 inch shank diameter and I recommend a shank length no shorter than 2-1/2 inches.
Limiting the search to stainless steel hitch balls, the only optio
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- Locking Hitch Pin Recommendation for a Softride Element Parallelogram Bike Rack
- Since the Softride Element Parallelogram Tilting 4 Bike Rack # SR26248 you referenced has a threaded shank you will want to use a Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock and Bolt for 2 inch Softride Hitch Racks # SR25056.
The Stainless Steel Locking, Anti-Rattle Threaded Hitch Pin # SR25219 that you referenced is designed to work on accessories with hollow shanks and would not work for your rack.
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- Are Replacement Straps Available for Softride Shuttle Pad Tailgate Bike Carrier # SR26457
- We do offer the part you are looking for on your Softride Shuttle Pad Tailgate Bike Carrier # SR26457. The Softride Soft Velcro Tie-Downs # SR26260 include the plastic clip and the velcro strap that hold the bike to the bike carrier. Each pack comes with 4 straps.
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- Will the Softride Alumina 3 Bike Rack # SR26428 Fit on a 1999 Eurovan with Rear Hatch Clearance
- I have some information that will help determine if you will be able to open the rear hatch of your 1999 Volkswagen Eurovan with the Softride Alumina Bike Rack, # SR26428, attached, however, we have not had a chance to test this bike rack with a Eurovan to see if the bike rack would interfere with the rear hatch.
When this bike rack is extended, the closest part of the upright is 7-1/4 inches away from the furthest hitch pin hole and the top of the upright bar will be 29-3/4 inches away from
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- How Much Effort is Needed To Lift 4 Bikes Into Position on Softride Element 4 Bike Rack # SR26248
- To lower or raise the bikes on the Softride Element Parallelogram Tilting 4 Bike Rack, part # SR26248, there is a spring-loaded, quick release pull knob on the side of the upright. You would pull it out to release the rack and it will tilt down. When you push the rack back up, the knob will lock back into place. It is fairly easy to a manipulate and maneuver, but it does not have any type of hydraulic assist when raising the bike rack. If it is loaded with four bikes it would take more of an eff
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- Trailer Hitch Recommendation for Softride 4 Bike Rack # SR26247 On A 2012 Honda Odyssey
- For a Softride Dura Parallelogram Tilting 4 Bike Rack # SR26247 on your 2012 Honda Odyssey, I recommend the Hidden Hitch Trailer Hitch # 87479. It is a 2-inch hitch with a GTW of 3500 lbs and a tongue weight of 350 lbs and requires no welding to install. I recommend a 2-inch hitch over a 1-1/4-inch hitch in the event you decide to tow a trailer. I have included links to the installation instructions and a video showing the installation of this hitch on your vehicle.
I have also provided a lin
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- Can A Womens Bike Be Used On Softride Element 4 Bike Rack # SR26248 Without an Adapter
- You can hang certain womens bikes on the Softride Element 4 Bike Rack # SR26248 without the need for an adapter such as the Softride Tube Bike Adapter # SR26373. However, I would recommend using the adapter because you will lose some ground clearance without an adapter as the bike will tilt and on some bikes, such as the step-through models, a two-arm carrier will not work without an adapter. I have included a photo showing a womens bike on this rack without the adapter.
I have provided links
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- Will Mounting Straps on Softride Tailgate Bike Carrier, Part # SR26457, Wear Paint Off Tailgate?
- In actual use the Softride Shuttle Pad Tailgate Bike Carrier, part # SR26457, will be held in place both by the four supplied nylon straps and also the weight of the loaded bikes. It is not necessary to make the straps excessively tight to the point that they will wear the paint on the bottom edge of the tailgate. They just need to be snugged down with moderate tension to hold the pad in place. I have included a video for this item showing how it installs on a tailgate. A nice feature of this pr
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- Trailer Hitch Mount Bike Rack Recommendations for Alternative Frame Bikes and 2012 Nissan Xterra
- There are platform style bike racks that hold the bikes at the wheel and/or frame that can accommodate alternative frame styles like the ones you have mentioned. However none of those are available in a swinging style. If you are set on a swinging bike rack then you will need adapters to carry those bikes.
For a swinging rack I recommend the Thule Vertex, # TH9031. It will offer the most clearance from the hitch pin hole to the back of the upright bar, 14 inches, 8-1/2 to the foot of the car
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- Recommendations for a 5 Bike Carrier on a 2010 Honda Odyssey and Tips on Softening Rack Straps
- We have bike racks that fit the requirements you need, but let me address your concern regarding the straps first. The straps on the bike carriers we carry must be durable to ensure safe and secure transportation. While the straps tend to be stiff at first, they will become softer over time. Another tip is to either place the straps in direct sunlight or indoors prior to transport. This will allow the straps to soften before you need to use your bike rack.
The Softride Dura Parallelogram 4 Bi
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- 20 Inch Long Trailer Hitch Extender for 2002 Ford F-250 and Trailer with 275 Pounds Tongue Weight
- If the Class V hitch on your 2002 Ford F-250 has a 2-1/2 inch receiver opening then you can use extender # RP45292. It will extend the hitch to either 24 or 34 inches. Using an extender in a 2-1/2 inch receiver does not decrease the tongue weight capacity of the hitch like it would with 2 inch hitches.
If you have a 2 inch receiver then I recommend the longest regular ball mount available, # 80232 (or # 80233 if you need more drop). These ball mounts measure 16 inches long from the center of
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- Will the Softride Parallelogra fit on a 2009 Lexus RX 350 with a Curt 13530 Receiver Hitch
- You should have no problem installing a Softride Element Parallelogram Tilting 4 Bike Rack # SR26248 on Curt Trailer Hitch # 13530 on your 2009 Lexus RX 350.
On the hitch there will be a distance of 3 inches from the center of the hitch pin out to the furthest point out on the bumper. The # SR26248 has a distance of 7-1/4 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the nearest upright bar of the rack. What this means is you have 4-1/4 inches of clearance and will be fine.
Check out the
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- Anti-Rattle Hitch Pin Recommendation for a Yakima Bike Rack with a 2 Inch Shank
- You can use the Softride Locking, Anti-Rattle Hitch Pin, # SR25219, as long as the shank of your Yakima bike rack is hollow. The block will insert into the shank of the bike rack and the threaded pin will thread through and lock.
If your Yakima bike rack has a threaded insert in the shank, then it should have come with a threaded pin. If this is the case, then let me know the model of your bike rack and I can see if we have a replacement pin for your bike rack. If the threaded insert is remo
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- Availability of Softride Tailgate Pad Bicycle Transporter in 45 Inch Width
- Softride makes another size, 54 inches, part # SR26461 designed for mid-sized trucks, but nothing designed for a 45 inch wide tailgate.
We do have some other options for carrying bikes in a truck bed, see the provided link. The Swagman # S64702 works very well, and is very highly rated by our customers. Topline makes a 2 (# UG2500) 3, (# UG2500-3) or 4, (# UG2500-4) bike truck bed bike rack that will allow you to leave the front wheel in place.
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- Anti-Rattle Ball Mount Recommendation for a 2012 Toyota 4Runner
- The QuietRide Ball Mount w/Lock # SR25735 that you referenced would be an excellent choice for an anti-rattle ball mount. This product has a built-in lock also.
Check out the review videos for this product that I attached also.
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- What Size Wrench Needed to Tighten Softride Replacement Anti-Rattle Hitch Bolt
- The size of the hex on the Replacement Anti-Rattle Hitch Bolt # SR19696 that you referenced is 22 mm.
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- Trailer Hitch Mount Bike Rack Recommendation for a 2011 Volkswagen GTI
- The Draw-Tite trailer hitch, # 24851 that you have, is a Class I trailer hitch. As a Class I hitch, you can only use accessories rated for use on a Class I hitch and for bike racks you are limited to carrying a maximum of 2 bikes. The Softride Element, # SR26248, will only work in Class II or III trailer hitches.
For a compatible bike rack, I recommend the Swagman Titan, # S63400. It is Class I compatible, it holds 2 bikes, and it has anti-sway cradles and the ability to tilt down. It also fe
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- Does the Softride Dura Bike Rack have enough Arm Spread to Carry a 29 inch Cruiser Bike
- The Softride Dura Parallelogram Tilting 4 Bike Rack # SR26247 that you referenced should have no problem carrying your 29 inch cruiser. The smaller distance between arms relative to other racks would not be an issue as this rack has been thoroughly tested to carry bikes and should work well for you.
If you plan on carrying womens bikes you may also be interested in purchasing a Softride Top Tube Bike Adapter Bar # SR26373 to provide a horizontal top tube for the rack to attach to easier.
I
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- Fit of Softride Dura Bike Rack # SR26247 on 2005 Toyota Highlander
- To determine if the Softride Dura part # SR26247 would be a good candidate for your 2005 Highlander, you would need to know the distance from the hitch pin hole in your receiver opening to the furthest rearward portion of your bumper.
If this measurement is less than 6 inches, the Dura will fit. If the measurement is greater than that, the rack will fit if the # SR26033 extender bar is used.
You are correct, the arms do not fold, but can be easily removed.
The Element rack you reference
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- Locking Hitch Pin Recommendation for a Carpod Cargo Carrier on a 2007 Toyota 4Runner Sport
- The Softride Locking, Anti-Rattle Hitch Pin, # SR25219, is an excellent choice to secure a Carpod basket to your 2007 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition. This hitch pin will not only keep your basket secure, but it will keep the shank of the cargo basket tight against the receiver tube with the anti-rattle device.
We carry two Carpod baskets and they are the Carpod Walled, Folding Cargo Carrier, # M2205, and the Walled, Fixed Cargo Carrier, # M2200. I would recommend using the Folding Cargo Carrie
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- Can a Trailer Hitch Extension be Used to Carry a Softride Element Bike Rack on a 2012 Subaru Outback
- You would have to have an extension if you wanted to use the Element, # SR26248, with your 2012 Subaru Outback Wagon. However, the use of a hitch extension will reduce the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch by 50 percent.
To avoid lowering the tongue weight of the hitch, I have a different bike rack recommendation. You can use the Softride Dura, # SR26247, and then add the longer shank, # SR26033. The use of the longer shank will not reduce the tongue weight capacity of the hitch an
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- Will the Softride Dura Parallelogram 4 Bike Rack Fit on a 2009 Subaru Forester with 2 Inch Hitch
- The Softride Dura Parallelogram 4 Bike Rack, # SR26247, would be a great option to carry bikes on your 2009 Subaru Forester. Our hitch mounted bike racks are not vehicle specific so you could use any hitch mounted bike rack that is compatible with a 2 inch trailer hitch receiver.
I have attached installation instructions and a video review of this bike rack for you to check out.
If you plan on carrying any womens or childrens bikes with small or angled frames, then I would recommend pick
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- Will the Softride Dura Trailer Hitch Mount Bike Rack Clear the Spare Tire on a 2010 Toyota RAV4
- On a 2009 Toyota RAV4 on which we installed a hitch, the measurement from the center of the hitch pin hole out to the distance required to clear the spare tire was 6-1/2 inches. You will need to measure your vehicle to determine this same measurement.
At most, the distance from the hitch pin hole to the top platform on the Dura, # SR26247, is 6 inches so it will be too close for a a vehicle requiring 6-1/2 inches. But, if you also add the longer shank, # SR26033, then the rack will clear the
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- Compatibility of QuietRide Locking Ball Mount # SR25735 and Reese Sway Control Bracket # RP26003
- The QuietRide Ball Mount, # SR25735 can be used with the Reese Sway Control Bracket, part # RP26003. The bracket and ball mount are compatible with a trailer ball that has a 1 inch diameter threaded shank.
This ball mount can be used in the rise position.
When you receive your ball mount, do yourself a favor and record the key number and keep it in a safe place. If you should ever lose your keys, replacements are available as part # SR25881 only if the original key number is known.
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- What 4 Bike Hanging Racks Have the Most Room To Install All Four Bikes Easily on the Support Arms
- On hanging racks I would recommend to look at the newest models of the Thule bike racks. The Thule Vertex 4 Bike Carrier, part # TH9029, and the Thule Apex 4 Bike Carrier, part # TH9025. These bike racks do provide more space between bikes than the standard dual-arm racks. The weight capacity on the Vertex bike rack is 140 lbs and on the Apex bike rack is 150 lbs.
The Thule Apex, # TH9025, comes with some additional features that the Vertex does not. The Apex includes the Easy Mount system wi
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- Will the Softride Hydraulic-Assist Dura Bike Rack Fit on a 2012 Subaru Outback
- To determine if the Softride Hydraulic-Assist Dura Bike Rack, # SR26321, will fit on your 2012 Subaru Outback you will need to measure the distance between the center of the hitch pin hole on your trailer hitch to the furthest point of your bumper.
This bike rack measures 9 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the upright bar. We have installed a trailer hitch by Hidden Hitch on a 2011 Subaru Outback and the distance between that hitch pin hole and the furthest point on the bumper
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