Best 2012 Jeep Compass Bike Racks

The good: I like the way the bikes are held in and the ability to add the upright adapters to the bike frame holders. The straps are quality too. For a jeep with a spare tire, this is the perfect length to clear it. This rack is 5 stars from the bike holders to the base of it. The bad: the 2"receiver adapter and bolt are insufficient. I wish they made this in a solid 2" hitch. The entire setup is held into the receiver by a very short bolt. It only goes about half way into the receiver tube. So your hitch is only "secured" on one side. A hitch pin or bolt should go through the receiver tube completely imo so it can be secured on the other end with a retaining clip or nut. Because this only goes in the one side, the entire weight of the rack plus bikes are held tight to one side of the receiver by the undersized bolt and washer. A few bumps down the road and that bolt loosens. Now instead of distibuting the weight of the rack and bikes on the receiver and post, it's completely up to the bolt to keep you from losing the rack. The bolt threads get damaged too. I took this down a dirt road and nearly lost everything. I had to buy my own bolt with hd fender washers and lock washers to correct this. Thule should've provided this from the start. The current short bolt design where only one side of the receiver secures the rack is unacceptable. This rack is 1 star at best for the connection to the receiver.

Click to Enlarge

Hitch pin broke before I got it. Looks like a poor design for the locking pin, they might want to consider a different design. I got a 3/8 shear pin from Home Depot to replace and it works great. Bike rack is great!

Click to Enlarge

Sure makes loading and unloading easy.

I like the overall design of this rack, but unfortunately after hauling a couple bikes around for a while the point where the crossbar connects has apparently rounded off so the rack swings back and forth. I've used rope to tie the ends of the rack to the car to stop this from getting worse, but it's inconvenient. Note: the hitch connection itself is good and solid, but the point where the crossbar connects to the bar coming from the hitch has gotten loose and there's no way that I can see to tighten it.

I was very impressed with the directions and it thoroughly explained how to hook everything up. It was so detailed I was able to set it up without directions second time hooking it up. I am impressed with how little bikes move. I will recommend this to all of my biking friends.

After 5000 mile road trip we are very pleased

Very pleased with this Swagman hitch bike rack! Easy to install, lightweight, held two bikes very securely. I'm 5'2" and I'm glad Zachary O. at etrailer recommended a platform bike rack for me! Using this rack on a 2014 Jeep Compass with a 2" hitch. Being able to lower the center post to access the back of the Jeep is great. Ground clearance was more than adequate. This rack holds my ladies bike securely - I did not need to buy an adapter. The only negative... this is my first bike rack and the instructions were inadequate. Thankfully my boyfriend has had several different kinds of bike racks and was able to put it together very quickly. Would definitely recommend this platform bike rack!

Love my new bike rack! It attaches to the hitch of my Jeep Compass VERY easily with a wrench. And putting 1 man's and1 woman's bike is very easy. Not like the racks that you have to lift the woman's bike and work it over the poles. I would diffinately recommend this bike rack for 2 bikes of any size.

This rack is great. The adjustable tilt feature is convenient. The price point is solid for the quality. The 4 star rating is simply because some of the plastic melted due to exhaust heat when the rack was in the bikeless up position. Küat warranty and customer service was great. They are replacing the hook. If you're thinking of this for a 2021 Forester, definitely get the Hi-lo adapter so that the hook doesn't sit in line with the exhaust.

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

I had waited a long time to get this Kuat rack and I am glad I did. The build quality is excellent and using the box as an assembly platform is a nice touch. It went together easily with 3 bolts and secures to the hitch very securely with little to no wobble once the adjustment knob is tightened. My last hitch rack used a threaded bolt to secure it to the hitch and that did an ok job to reduce sway but so far this method is much better. Loading bikes is easy and it holds then securely. I haven't used the security cable yet, other than to test it out, but like anything else I consider it more of a deterrent than anything else as I doubt I would leave my bikes loaded w/o being able to keep eyes on them. Overall this was a good purchase and etrailer was fantastic throughout the process as well. They offered an alternative when I ordered as this item was out of stock, but this is what I wanted so I was prepared to wait. Then to my surprise it shipped almost 2 months earlier than expected! They of course notified me when it was shipped and when it was delivered and made sure I had a contact at etrailer if I had any questions with the rack. Overall it was a great process and a great looking and functioning rack.

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Draw-tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver Class I - 1-1/4 Swagman Trailhead 3 Bike Rack - Tilting The Draw-tite Sportframe class 1 trailer hitch and Swagman Trailhead 3 bike rack were ordered for a 2017 Honda Fit. The online order and shipping went just as expected. The trailer hitch and bike rack are very heavy duty. I recommend watching the trailer hitch install video before installing, whereas the video is very helpful. The bike rack has triangles that you can rotate to find the best fit for your bicycle's frame. The rubber straps are thick and secure the bicycles when you pull them tight. This bike rack will stay on the vehicle for 6 months each year. The tilt feature and folding arm feature are must haves for a smaller hatchback. I am pleased with this purchase, it appears to be good quality and good value.

Click to Enlarge

My previous bike rack was a hitch mounted Yakima. It was sturdy but not well suited for my low Subaru Impreza. It stuck out too far and hung too low so that I had to inch my way down the driveway or over speed bumps for fear of it bottoming out. A roof rack or a rear window mounted rack was not suitable since I wanted to be able to also carry two kayaks. First, I tried to modify my rack by shortening the part that sticks out of the hitch. I tried to saw off about 6 inches so it wouldn't stick out so far but the steel was much too hard. I ended up ruining several metal-cutting blades on my power saw before I gave up. I looked for other rack options. There weren't many out there. But eventually, I found something that met my needs. I purchased the "Swagman Trailhead 3 Bike Fold Down Bicycle Hitch Rack" in 2013 from eTrailer.com. The part that enters the hitch curves up to increase clearance from the ground. It is sturdy and sticks out far enough so I can still open my trunk hatch without having to lower the main vertical bar on the hitch (though I could if I wanted to). It isn't often I am really excited about a piece of gear but this hitch rack has made me worry-free when I transport my bicycle(s) via car. The only thing I don't like is that it is advertised as being a 3 bike carrier but it only fits 2 hybrid bikes. Maybe it will fit 3 skinny racing bikes but for the average rider, don't expect to fit on more than 2. But my experience is that is the case for all bicycle racks.

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Seemingly well-constructed and supported bike rack. It fits my 2018 Toyota Camry SE just fine and I haven't had any issues with sway or even feeling my bike while driving. I've only carried one bike on it and have used it a limited number of times, so I cannot speak on durability and longevity. Although you shouldn't open your trunk while the rack is attached, I have been able to do so with no issue (without the bike attached).

While getting a bike rack for a sports car isn't ideal, I really wanted to transfer my bike with my own car instead of borrowing my friend's pickup truck. After hours of trying to find a bike rack that would be good for my 07 Mustang, I decided to give this one a try and I gotta say, it has been pretty good so far. It fits very well over the factory spoiler. One of my biggest concerns I was worried about when ordering a rack for my Mustang was ruining the paint, but the feet on the legs haven't left one scratch. I have used this to transfer my bike at freeway speeds (up to 80 mph) on car rides that typically last an hour and my bike was perfectly secure throughout each ride. For extra security, I wrapped both bike wheels with a ratchet strap so the wheels and pedals wouldn't shift in transit. So far, I am very pleased with this bike rack for the price and quality. I would highly recommend this if you want a rack that is affordable and durable.

Click to Enlarge

Works great for my 2019 Jeep Renegade. I adjusted it to be open a little more, so I could use my rear wiper. It also keep pressure off the rear spoiler.

When I started the search for a bike rack, I was so disappointed and upset to hear that I would need to install a hitch and spend even more money to buy another bike rack for my 2016 jeep renegade. I ordered this bike rack with a little hope but got a huge surprise! Not only is it super convenient and easy to install but I can fully use my trunk and not spend a ton of money!

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Great product. Worked as advertised . Used to be able to take 4 wheeler and bike. etrailer did a great job helping me find an item that would work for my application 10 out of 10 on etrailer. Thanks Vanessa

Click to Enlarge

This rack is great. I've traveled about 2,500 miles with the bike loaded up and it has been rock solid. Well designed. I bring a little folding step ladder with me that I use to load/unload the bike. When I'm not using the rack, it lays down nicely and you never even know it's up there. Highly recommended product.

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

So far I’ve just assembled it and took a quick test drive around the block. My initial thought is this thing is perfect. It’s super sturdy and easy to use. My only gripe and it’s not fault of the rack, but it’s heavy…

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

If you've done any research or read any of the other comments on either this rack, or this seller...rest assured they really are as good as everyone says! I ordered my rack on around 4pm est on a Friday afternoon and within an hour I received an email that said they have shipped my product AND upgraded to priority shipping. Can't say enough positive things about the customer service! When the rack arrived, it took me a little over half an hour to get it set up. Probably would e been faster if I were even slightly mechanically inclined (or if didn't I didn't have to borrow a socket wrench from my neighbor). We finally had an opportunity to load up the bikes and head out for a ride today. As others have said, the first time you load up your bikes, it's kind of like a puzzle to get them situated. Took about 15 minutes. This rack is awesome! Very sturdy and the bikes were very secure. Only racks I have had in the past were rooftop fork mount racks. This is so much easier! On e we got to the trail (over an hour drive) getting the bikes off was a piece of cake. Afterwards, it was time to load them back up and it was less than 5 minutes to get them all on and ready to hit the road. There were other 4-bike racks on the website, but this one had enough great reviews that I felt comfortable making the purchase. After the fact, I'm very glad I did! I can't imagine the $800 rack can be that much better than this, and I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a 4-bike platform rack. I will definitely recommend this rack and etrailer.com to everyone I know.

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Truly grooving on my wife's new Swagman Chinook bike rack. She wanted to be able to transport her nice road bike easily without throwing it in the back of her car, and since a roof rack is out of the question, this Swagman model fit the bill perfectly. It arrived quickly on the anticipated date. Kudos to etrailer.com for the email updates to keep me informed of my purchase. Within one hour, it was installed on my wife's 2014 Mazda3 hatchback. The Swagman is heavy and solid, which is reassuring as it makes me feel confident that it will keep the bikes secure. It also makes me feel like I got my money's worth. A ratchet wrench and Phillip's head screwdriver were the only tools required for the easy install. I did my research before purchasing the Chinook model as I was also eyeballing a very similar Thule rack that was slightly more expensive. I spoke with an etrailer.com expert who gave me the lowdown on both models. Ultimately, the Swagman won out because it has a smaller 'footprint' while extended or folded up ... and also can tilt away from the car for easy access to the hatchback area. Very convenient! FYI: Mazda doesn't make a trailer hitch for the Mazda3 as it's a small car with a small engine and has no business towing anything. Thankfully, the Curt company makes an aftermarket frame and trailer hitch that fits the Mazda3 hatchback perfectly with no drilling. Stupidly, I purchased it from another online company thinking I was getting a good deal. Turns out etrailer.com had it for less with FREE shipping. Oh well ... live and learn. Now I know that etrailer.com is one-stop shopping for bike racks AND trailer hitches. (Full disclosure: I had the garage down the street install the frame as it's easier with a lift) Only snafu: the shipment contained an extra set of keys that I assumed was for the hitch bolt lock (there was also a set of keys on the bolt itself). I spent 15 minutes using those keys trying to figure out how to remove the lock from the bolt to install it on the hitch. The keys just wouldn't turn in the lock. I called etrailer.com and Kevin told me to try the other set of keys ... and they worked. So an extra set of keys came with it that did absolutely nothing ... weird! Obviously, I can't speak to the longevity and durability of the Swagman Chinook 2 Bike Platform Rack as I just installed it. What I can speak to is the sturdiness of it, the ease of the installation and my complete satisfaction with the good folks at etrailer.com.

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

I ordered the Swagman Chinook 2 Bike Platform Rack on line from etrailer and so far have been very satisfied. The bike rack was delivered in less than a week. Unpacking the rack and assembly was fairly straightforward. I have read some reviews that complained the assembly instructions were a bit vague. I didn't have a problem but can see where others without a mechanical background get confused. The rack is very sturdy, but there is some side to side play in the tilt mechanism. I'm not sure this can be avoided with a rack that folds down. Installing the Curt trunk stabilizing strap takes most of the sway out of the rack. Installation is fairly easy and quick. It takes me 6 - 7 minutes to install the back on my hitch, and to install the bike and be ready to drive away. That seems reasonable to me. So far I've only loaded 1 bike. I've included pictures of my installation on a 2014 Mercedes Benz E350 sedan. Clearance between the bikes, the rack and the car are good. With the bike loaded in the inside, most forward position, I have 6" clearance between the pedal and the bumper. With the bike removed, the center support folded flat and the rack folded up in the storage position, I have 4" clearance between the closest part of the bike rack (the fold down hinge assembly) and the back bumper of the car. I am able to open the trunk of the car without removing the bikes or using the tilt feature, but I do have to remove the stabilizing strap first. Overall, I'm very pleased with the bike rack and think it will serve me much better than my old strap on rack. Since the weather has been cool since getting the bike carrier, I haven't taken any long trips to give it a real workout.

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

I just finished installing this rack on my 2017 Subaru Outback. I've been researching platform racks for about 2 months now, and the most important things to me (other than a reasonable price) were no frame contact, ease of getting the bike on and off the rack, not too heavy for me to take it off the car, and enough clearance in the back for me to close my garage door. This rack is perfect for me. And I like that it's expandable to two bikes if I want to do that down the line. It came very well packaged. I am a single gal and not handy AT ALL, but I was able to do the installation with no problem. I did put my bike on the rack and took a short test ride, it was very stable. Very solid well made product!

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

could have been so much better if the front wheel backstop had been designed to fold back to allow easier loading of front tire. almost a deal breaker. the install was straight forward, all parts accounted for and decent materials for the price. but like I said with a bit of thoughtful engineering with that front backstop it would have rated a 4 that's if no surprises come up traveling a distance with the bike loaded. My bike is RadCity 5+ and weighs about 55 pounds without the battery. The weight compounds the awkward loading with that tall front backstop in the way. I doubt I would have noticed if I had been loading a light weight road bike.

Nice bike rack ! Saddles are well made and none of the ears that hold the straps in place have broken like they have with other brands I've owned. It came with 1 strap for each saddle and the straps seem just a tad stretchy. I looked on line and found that Home Depot has a good price for the straps so I now have 2 straps on each saddle. I've got it on a 1&1/4 hitch, but it came with an adapter for a 2 inch. It holds 3 road bikes. I used it all the time.

Click to Enlarge

We are very happy with the Curt Bike Rack. It fits our 2 fat tire bikes and our tandem bike to the back of our motorhome with no problems.

I am satisfied with the product except the bolts that attract the Swagman roof bike rack to Rhino-Rack VA 2500 Crossbars because the bolts are too short and the spare bolts provided are not enough. I had to go to Home Depot to get the similar bolts to replace all original bolts. Overall, I really love this Swagman Roof bike rack. I already test drive on freeway at speed 65 mph and everything is good and smooth when I checked after I got off from freeway in parking lot. Everything is perfect as advertising. See picture attached from my 2008 Nissan Altima 3.5L V6 SE Sedan.

Click to Enlarge

Sure said it was compatible with the crossbars I bought. It is not

This two bike rack has been great for the occasional bike ride outside of our home area. I like the sturdy construction, but beware that it is a little heavier than it looks (I’m retired and a bit older so maybe not as strong). Easy to fit into the factory trailer hitch on our 5 passenger SUV and no problem securing the bikes for transport. My only complaint is, the stick on Yakima Graphic started coming apart the day we got it. Sorry, no free advertising for Yakima.

I used this product twice to go back and forth on a 700 mile trip (1400 miles total). My initial impression was that it was sturdy because it was larger than most 2 bike carriers I've seen. The strapping system is convenient and the locking system worked great. The only flaw so far is that one of the locking mechanisms actually broke off. After closer inspection, I realized that the parts are plastic. I'm not sure what actually caused it to break other than the force of hitting a pothole causing the bike to bounce on the rack. Those types of forces should be expected with normal driving however and I expected the locking mechanism to hold up. I was fairly disappointed that it happened given the asking price and the reviews I read prior to my purchase. Other than the locking mechanism on the actual bike rack, I wouldn't put to much faith in the red handled locking pin that inserts into the trailer hitch and insertion bar portion of the bike rack. It is understood that the pin does not go all the way through the insertion bar as the locking mechanism is inside and prevents further advancement. Yakima could probably improve this aspect of the product. I will be contacting Yakima to see if they will replace the broken part. One thing I did notice was that the broken bracket is screwed in and can be removed/replaced fairly easily. I have included pics of the broken bracket and working bracket for comparison. Hope this helps in your decision!

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

400 miles and held up well. $1500 worth of bikes, so I stopped a few times to make sure everything was holding up. It did well! You can decide which way to put the “hooks” that go over the frame onto the rack when you assemble it. This will eliminate the problem of not being able to secure both bikes if one frame is lower. It’s also heavy as heck (with the bikes on it) to tilt to access the cargo in the hatch. For me, I can handle it...for my wife, not so much. Don’t plan on getting to the cargo unless you are strong and have a good back.

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

The amount you save on this bike will not counter the amount you pay for the damages to your bike after it fails on you on the highway. :-( When i purchased this rack June 2020, I was stoked for using it for my mountain bike this summer, and paying half the price of the competing brands out there. When i received the rack, I assembled it as the directions told me but then found out that the mounting piece was initially installed backwards by the manufacturer. I fixed that myself, but then the locking knob also broke off on initial install (see pic below). This is what caused problems. Not only could the bike not be secured without an additional lock, the actual knob broke off in transit. I made due by strapping my bike down with what i could--but eventually, on the highway, the top piece flew off and sent my bike dragging behind me until i could safely stop. The damage to the bike was about $600. Not only costly, but also very dangerous to me and the drivers behind me. So--my take away, is even though this rack looks ideal for your adventures--be aware, the components and initial assembly will fail on you.

Click to Enlarge