# 1
Thule Passage Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Hanging Style
I received the rack relatively quickly and in perfect condition. It was easy install and held my bike securely without much movement of the bike on the rack, even over bumps. I felt completely secure driving on the freeway. Very happy with the rack and service from etrailer.
Ordered online, it shipped the same day. Received it 3 days later. There is a little assembly, but, pretty simple. It took me less than 15 minutes to install and no tools were needed. It is adjustable to be used on many different auto types, but, the instructions were very clear about how to adjust it to fit my 2011 Ford Edge. I have used it twice so far to transport my bike. There are a couple of items that are inherent in the design, not a flaw, but, you need to be aware of them. First, you can't use rear window wipers. Second, the back-up alarm goes nuts because it registers a bike less than 6 inches behind you (I tolerate it for the few seconds it takes to back out of my driveway or out of a parking lot). Third, there is a little flexibility, it is held on with straps and clamps, not bolts, so, it bounces a little when you go over bumps or make sharp turns, however, it holds the bike fast to the frame and stays on the car. I use mine to transport my bike on short trips around town to bike trails. On a long trip I would suggest checking that the straps remain tight from time to time during the drive.
# 2
Thule Passage 3 Bike Carrier - Trunk Mount
The side / bottom straps are seriously lacking. It has those straps you would find on a backpack, making it difficult to securely tighten down because of the angle. I'd usually have to pre-tighten them to a certain length, then forcefully shove the whole rack until it clipped onto my car. They really just need to be ratchet straps. Even then, one of the side straps came off while driving after hitting a small pothole and the whole thing dangled to one side - Luckily I was in a parking lot. I've also never been able to fit 3 regular bikes, only 2. It's really only a capacity of 3 if you have 2-3 slim bikes. The rubber is so wide that it makes it nearly impossible to slide certain bikes on. If you have a step thru bike with one of those crossbar adapters, I wouldn't even bother with trying this. Unfortunately I don't use this anymore since I'd be constantly worrying the whole thing will come off whenever I drive.
Fits 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.
# 3
Thule Hitching Post Pro Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches
This is a very strong and secure Bike Rack. But the modeled rubber saddles are too big and the kid's smaller frame bikes will not fill over them. I ended up cutting off the lower attaching posts on each of the 8 saddles to get the bike frames over the saddles. Smaller saddles would make it easier to load and unload the bikes.
I bought this bike rack back in April but wanted to make sure I used it to give the best review. First I want to say I did a lot of research on bike racks and found this one to be the best one to fit my needs. The best price I found was on etrailer.com, at the time it was When I called the customer service to place my order, I spoke to Dan. He was very pleasant on the phone and took the time and listened to what I needed and understood my concerns. I ordered the bike rack and also ordered the Thule Snug Tite Hitch Lock and Anti-Rattle Device and the Thule Cable Lock w/ One Key System Lock. Dan suggested I also get the Thule Bike Adapter Bar, which I never even thought of getting. Delivery was in about two business days, which was really fast and at the time of order they were running a special free delivery over $99. When I went to put it together I noticed I was missing the flat cap screw M6 x 16mm, part number #853-5787-02. I emailed Dan and within 24 hours received an email that the part was sent out and also in the email their was a link to track the order. After I received the part I did notice that the flat cap screw was actually in the 2 inch adaptor sleeve. The instructions were very easy to read, and it took me about 20 minutes to put together. I did have an issue when I positioned the stinger into the cradle, with the 8mm locking nut, it was not staying tight and when I took it off I noticed the threads inside were gone, so I ended up going out to Lowes and buying a new one and its holds perfectly fine. I also had a question about that part because it is not a locking part and was worried someone would try to steal the rack. I contacted etrailer.com to find if they make a locking device for this and they said no but I can contact Thule to double check, I'm still waiting for an answer back from Thule. The weather finally broke and we installed the rack onto my hitch, tightened it and it doesn't rattle. When I finally used the rack and put my bike on, it did sway a little but at 50 mph I was very happy with it. The trailer comes out just enough away from my car that I do not have to fold completely out and I can open my trunk with no issues. I am very happy with my purchase and had a great customer experience with Dan. Would highly recommend ordering from them to anyone.
# 4
Thule Gateway Pro 2 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms
Exactly as advertised, transported 2 Trek bikes on on the back of my 2016 Toyota Avalon without issue - travelling from Boston MA to Green Bay WI. Outstanding price buying this item as open-box. etrailer's website is the best I could find on the web with name brand racks, automated compatibility vehicle check, and they they shipped overnight.
This rack fits well on our 2015 Toyota RAV4. There are six attachment points, each with a coated hook on the end to fit around the trunk lid. Once mounted and tightened, the rack is comfortably stable and solid. Bikes are easy to mount as well, with just a few straps. Note that a BMX bike, due to its small geometry, will not fit. Also of note, the hooks on the ends of the two straps which lead out in the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions will chafe the car's paint. I wrapped those in electrical tape in order to minimize the effect. Overall, a good choice for a trunk rack.
# 5
Malone Hanger Trunk Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - Adjustable Arms
Good to great product. Is easy to secure to the back of my 2012 Mazda 5 station wagon. Mounting 3 adult sized bikes took some practice to navigate through hinged braces especially with a bike that had an unconventional frame. Requires some bungee cord traction to keep front wheels from flailing around but that is probably an issue with all bike racks?
2019 Mazda CX-5. 1st you’ll want to get protective pads for the hooks. They sell them [online]. The hooks are coated with a rubberized material but I didn’t want to risk getting scratches as some other reviews said. As far as the actual rack it took a bit to get it adjusted so the bottom crank on my bike wouldn’t hit it. Top bar should be right in the middle of the rear window. Once I got it on & everything seemed secure I took off. 50 min trip 40 mins on the freeway. Unfortunately 20 min in the top hook came undone. I had to pull over on the emergency lane to re adjust it. Luckily 4 of the 6 straps were still tight enough to hold my bike on but I almost lost it. After I got it secured again I made it to my destination with no other issues. Definitely watched it thru my rear view tho. On my way back I knotted all the excess strap around the rack to secure it even more. I added a picture for an example. It seemed to help. I had no issues on the way back. I would suggest if you need to go on the freeway keep your speed below 60mph. Once I got home & took my bike off I did notice the red cradles did get some wear from the shifting cables & hydraulic brake hoses. Also the padding in anti sway cages came off (Added a picture below) & left a few scratches on the bike frame. I’ll have to figure out a way to protect the frame for the next trip. Overall it’s not an ok rack. Definitely more for short trips under 30mph. You shouldn’t have any issues. If you have to do some short Freeway trips really secure it & knot the excess strap. Keep your speed under 60/65mph & add something where the anti sway cage is to prevent scratches on your frame. Avoid anything longer then 40 mins. I’ll probably look into another rack for my 50 min trip & use this only for short city trips under 30mph. Also avoid leaving your bike unattended. This has a cable lock but someone could easily clip it. I’d suggested getting a 2nd chain lock for added security if you need to park. Stay close & don’t leave it for more then a few mins. And remember to take it off before getting on the road again.
What our customers are saying:
"Sent out an e-mail to you earlier this week asking which hitch woudld be the best choice for installing on a 2000 Venture van for hauling a bike rack with two bikes. You suggested the one that would be easiest to install..received in a matter of days..installation went great ..very well thought out instructions. Everything went smooothly and the hitch is up nice and snug..doesn't stick out..looks great."