Question Was Asked By - wendy

Comparison of Thule and Yakima 5 Bike Hitch Mounted Racks

Question:

I am trying to decide between the 2 manufacturers of bike racks. I need a rack to hold 5 bikes on the back of a Toyota Sienna mini-van. i want something easy to install that can handle the weight of all 5 without maring, warping or damaging the bikes or my car.I have see the 2 main companies Thule and Yakima. which is best? Anti-sway device: does the Yakima have it built in? will Thule sway a lot if you dont buy extra anti-sway part? which is easiest to load? I have 6yr old size bikes up to tall male size frame and 3 inbetween. I want to buy the right one for my family and in past we had a bad incident where a bike fell off a rack so i want to make sure i have an easy to use product i can trust. Thanks for your help Wendy

asked by: wendy

Expert Reply:

Both Thule and Yakima are similar when it comes to engineering and quality. Both Thule and Yakima bike racks for 5 bikes have fold-down arms and easy-release buttons and are similar to load.

Since sway has been an issue for you in the past, I would definitely recommend the Yakima Doubledown for 5 bikes, part Y02425. It comes with built-in anti-sway straps. The Yakima also has a heavy-duty hitch tongue that provides carrier stability and a nifty bottle opener. For your womens, childrens or alternative style bikes, I would suggest adapter bars, which allows users to carry bikes with sloping tube tops on hitch mounted racks.

expert reply by: DeAnne T

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