# 1
Swagman XTC2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
First-time rack buyer / owner / installer. The rack arrived in a timely fashion, maybe a day or 2 ahead of schedule. It was well packaged. I’m LOVING this bike rack. It was easy to put together and to mount on my new Honda Passport. Thus far, no squeaks in my 2” receiver. Hardest part of initial set-up is figuring out the best way to position two bikes. Trial & error and some patience. The directions weren’t clear as to where the 2 left-over screws went. I found the answer in another review and have posted a pic in case others have the same problem (photo with pen pointing at screw). These screws go in the underneath side of both of the folding arms. They appear to keep the wheel wells from sliding off in case in you drive with an empty, un-folded rack, and forgot to tighten down the wheel wells. The folding arm push / pull pins can be difficult at times. I coated the tips with some lube. That and a little jiggling seems to solve that issue. I guess it’s better for the pins to be snug vs popping right out. I added a small Master lock to the hitch pin (in lieu of the provided cotter pin) as a theft deterrent. I read that a 3/16 shackle lock will fit into the bike clamp down arms to also act as a deterrent. I had an old 3/16 lock that did snugly fit and appeared to be locked. HOWEVER, I yanked on the lock and it came open as there isn’t quite enough clearance for the shackle to lock. I discovered that longer 3/16 shackle locks are hard to find. Have attached a photo of the lock that actually fits and works (Ace Hardware). One lock on the upper clamp down arm will secure both arms as the lower arm can’t be removed without removing the upper arm. The clamp down arms appear to be coated to prevent damage to your bike. I’ve tried a simple rag and ultimately settled on pool noodle pieces as a precautionary measure. I CAN NOT open my tailgate (regardless of whether or not the rack is fold up and in the bike carry position). If that’s a concern for you, then spring for the more costly titling version. My back-up camera still functions.
The Swagman XTC-2 platform bike carrier arrived very quickly from etrailer and in good shape, the actual carrier box is inside another shipper box, which I'm sure helped with its condition. Assembly was relatively quick and painless, even though the instructions could be a little more thorough. Installing the carrier on the back of our Jeep Patriot also was quick, it helps to have an extra ratchet & 3/4" socket laying around for just this purpose. Installing the bikes takes a little patience and trial and error the first time you try and put them on the carrier. It's easy enough to adjust the wheel holders to fit the wheelbase of your bikes, but for us at least, the challenge was trying to swing the vertical support bar up into position after putting on the first bike (closest to the Jeep). We couldn't angle the bike enough toward the Jeep to have the bar clear the bike. We learned that the easiest way to secure the first bike was to remove the ratcheting frame hooks altogether, put the bike in the carrier, swing up the vertical support bar, put in the pin, and then slide one of the frame hooks down on the bar. The outside bike is much easier because you can set the bike in the carrier at whatever angle you need, not being limited by the back of the vehicle. One thing we did to protect the bike frames was to use some foam pipe insulation as cushion between the frame hook and the frame (see pictures). Once you get a system for installing the bikes, it is very quick to load/unload them. The rack seems to be well made and doesn't wiggle excessively when traveling. All in all a good product for a good price, would definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a platform bike carrier.
# 2
RockyMounts MonoRail Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
At age 75, I have purchased many bike racks over the years…..this one has no equal in loading and unloading…
This rack is really, good. The only thing i add to make it better is small strap that holds the front wheel to the front wheel bracket. I never had a problem with it, but i like to make sure it is secure. It is a solid bike rack and worth every penny. I would buy this over the Kuat version any day.
# 3
Thule Passage Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Hanging Style
Excellent and prompt customer service! When I first ordered my product it wasn’t in stock— staff were quick to let me know and offered me comparable products. I ended up waiting for my original order and shipping quick and they stayed in touch with ideas! Thule: The instructions could be a little more detailed. I ended up watching YouTube videos to help me instal. Overall it was easy, and this was the first rack I’ve ever installed and I did it by myself! I was surprised to learn the bike rack is in no way secured inside your vehicle, so.. I store it in my garage when it’s on.
Positive: The product is well thought out and works for a wide range of automotive vehicles. It comes with interesting dampers that i think work. Instructions seem to be translated from another language, but are quite good, accompanying pictures make installation straightforward. A test drive over speed bumps shows that the rack will support the bike for all travel needs. It can be disassembled , collapsed and stored in the trunk. Downside: The rack is made for the classic triangular shaped frame: horizontal cross bar, "male" bike. For bikes without the horizontal bar, mounting is a little less satisfactory. Such a bike can only be mounted on the outside mounts. Cannot use the damper on one side. Picture shows the mounting. as to a design solution, maybe brackets could be replaced with smaller profile, some adjustability? however, as it is, vibration control is good and adjustability with smaller profile would have vibration concerns.
# 4
Thule Passage 3 Bike Carrier - Trunk Mount
Ford EdgeFits perfectly on our Lexus CT200h. Only on the old LS400, the side straps have to be fastened to the wheel arch edge, since the upper trunklid gap is to narrow for inserting the strap hooks. Mounting of two bikes is (with some routine) quickly done, and they stay safe even for longer and faster routes. For transporting three (mountain) bikes, though, the design doesn't seem big and robust enough. Nevertheless, the price-benefit-fun ratios are way better than reasonable.
We are very pleased with the quality and ease of use for our like-new purchase. From the online shopping experience with etrailer.com through multiple outings already, this bike carrier more than meets our needs. Thank you!
# 5
Saris Door County Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - Electric Lift - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
My husband bought the bike rake specifically to carry out 2 Specialized Ebike’s which weight 62 to 65 pounds each. MWith this rake I don’t have to lift my bike up which is great when I’m alone. The only problem I’ve had is the outside bike straps. One of the ratchets broke and E-Trailer was wonderful in helping get us a replacement. My husband put the new one on. I do have friend’s that will be purchasing them in spring. The only complaints I have would be to Saris. Placement of the outside straps. It’s awkward latching them. Also, when my husband bought the rack the maximum weight load was more. They changed it to a lower amount.
You get what you pay for! Compared to the leading competitor, this e-bike rack was a breeze in setup and fit our Gazelles bikes like a charm. etrailer, as has been my experience over 10 years, was easy to work with in exchanging this rack and offering a price match credit. We got our product in 2 days from order and everything was in order with the charges. This rack rocks and is very stable. My only gripe is they need more instructional wording in their manuals. Pictures are great but need legends to match the pictures. The etrailer reviews were true to form. Order now folks - you won't be disappointed!
# 6
Thule Gateway Pro 3 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms
Hyundai ElantraStill working great on my Hyundai Elantra sedan! It's used mostly to carry one bike, but have used it with three bikes with no problems. Easy to put on the car, and easy to store it in the car when not in use.
I did my research to make sure this 3 bike rack would fit my car. Unfortunately when it’s properly attached to my Honda Accord, the 3rd bikes petals rub up against my license plate and trunk therefore scratching my paint. Contacted etrailer and sent them pics. Very unhappy that they would suggest that I only use 2 bikes so it doesn’t damage my car. Defeats spending more $ on a 3 bike rack
Thule Apex 4 Hitch Bike Rack Review - 2005 Dodge Magnum
Today, on our 2005 Dodge magnum, we're going to do a test fitting of a Thule Apex 4 part number TH9025.Now, our magnum is already equipped with a 2-inch hitch and our bike rack is already pre-assembled and were ready to fit it to the vehicle. One quick note about the Apex 4, it is capable of being used in both 1 inch and and 2-inch hitches class 1 through class 3, although when using it with a class 1 hitch, you are limited to 2 bikes. Well begin our test fit by simply inserting the bike rack shank to the hitch. Well then pull the integrated blocking pin and simply slide the bike rack into place. With the lock and hitch pin, snapped into the hitch pin hole, well then simply tie down the inner rail device working the bike rack back and fort to get the device into the corner of the hitch shank. And with a quick shake, our bike rack is secured to the vehicle and were ready to go ahead and load it up.
What our customers are saying:
"I purchased a hitch, wiring harness, bike carrier and bike adapter for a newly redesigned 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. Everything arrived in a matter of days and either fit or worked perfectly. Great prices, quality and service support. Rest assured, I'll be recommending you to anyone who asks. Thanks again."