What Setup do You Recommend for a Tern GSD, a Toddlers Bike, 2 Adult Bikes on My 2019 Outlander?  

Question:

Expert Reply:

From the specs I have on your Tern GSD, it looks like those models weigh 60 pounds and have front fenders and a rear cargo platform. The fact that it has fenders and a platform excludes the possibility of a wheel-mount rack. Also, it looks like wheelbase for the particular model you have is just about 49 inches. With the fender/platform limitation and the limitation of the small wheelbase of the toddler's bike, there is no way to transport all 4 bikes on a hitch-mounted bike rack all together. The reason for this is because with the limitations that the Tern GSD and the toddler's bike contribute in this scenario, they bring a unique level of complexity.

With that being said, the best option is to transport the Tern GSD and the toddlers bike on a hitch rack like the Yakima OnRamp Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 2" Hitches # Y36FR. The OnRamp will accommodate your GSD's wheel base and it doesn't require a bike frame adapter bar like the # 64005 to mount your toddler's bike to the rack. If your GSD's tires are over 3-1/2 inches wide, you need the fat tire straps # Y23FR.

As far as the roof rack for your two adult road bikes, I recommend the following roof rack setup on your vehicle whether you have a naked roof or flush mounted rails. If you have a bare roof, I recommend the following setup:

- Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 54" # RRVA137B-2
- Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars - Naked Roofs or Fixed Mounting Points # RRRLKVA
- Custom DK Fit Kit for 4 Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Roof Rack Legs - Fixed Mounting Points # DK290
- All-metal lock cores # RRVA-LEC4

This roof rack system is a great aerodynamic system and it provides you with 165 pounds of maximum weight capacity. I recommend consulting with your vehicle's owner's manual to make sure it can accommodate the weight of the cargo you wish to transport.

If you have flush factory rails on your Outlander, I recommend the following setup:

- Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 54" Long # RRVA137B-2
- Rhino-Rack SRB Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars - Flush Factory Side Rails # RRSX031
- All-metal locks # RRVA-LEC4

This roof rack also gives a great aerodynamic system and gives you a little bit more weight capacity (175 pounds).

As for the roof-mounted bike racks, I recommend two of the Swagman Race Ready Roof Bike Rack - Wheel Mount # S64705. The Race ready takes away the confusion and annoyance with fork-mounted bike racks. Also, the Race Ready will be able to attach to the Rhino Rack Vortex crossbars. It also has a 45-pound weight capacity.

If you need a 2" hitch on your Outlander that is compatible with the OnRamp, I recommencd the Curt Receiver 2" # C13398 (for PHEV models) or Draw-Tite 2" Hitch # 75888 (for non-PHEV models).

expert reply by: Bob C

0