# 1
Swagman Trailhead Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
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.
Nice heavy duty rack. Putting it together is quite simple if you read the instructions. I like the ability to use both a 2" or 1 1/4" receiver. etrailer is very easy to deal with.
# 2
Thule Passage Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Hanging Style
We have used an older Thule rack on Honda Accords for over 10 years. The current TH910XT, recently purchased for a Toyota Corolla, is definitely a step up. Very simple set up instructions and a very stable mount for our two full sized touring bikes.
I needed a small carrier to transport my bike to the local paths and to the boardwalk. I wanted something that was well built and able to quickly stow in the trunk of my Corolla when not in use. The Thule is a great product, very well made and easy to use. etrailer's videos made instalation a breeze, so I was confident that my bike was safe and secure when I strapped it down. Great product and excellent service from etrailer. I highly recommend both!
# 3
Kuat Beta Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Tilting
The quality of the bike rack was excellent, but I was unable to use it because I couldn't open and close my trunk (Honda Accord 2012) when the bike rack was closed. It may have worked if I had a different trailer hitch, but I didn't want to spend the extra money on a new trailer hitch. Unfortunately, I will need to return the bike rack.
I was looking for a light weight bike rack for my 2015 Honda Accord. Your videos stated that the Kuat Beta was light and easy to install. You were right. I opened the box, read the instructions, and had it installed in about 10 minutes. I don't use a rack lock. It is so easy to pop on and off the hitch that I keep the rack in my car trunk.
# 4
Saris Freedom Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
Seems like a good rack for the price, especially when compared to others with the same weight rating. It was very easy to assemble, just a few bolts and that's it. I put two 62lb e-bikes on it (Ride1Up Turris) and it has minimal wobble and movement as expected. The straps that come on the center cradles were too short to go around our bike's frame and battery so I had to purchase a separate set of long straps from Saris for an additional $20. So be aware if you have an e-bike with a fat frame where you plan to use the cradle on, you might have to spend another $20 on a pair of long straps. While I waited for the straps I just used a velcro-strap and it worked fine. So far I am content with this rack overall and hope it lasts many years.. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because I had to purchase additional straps to make it work.
I had to put my electric bikes into this rack, backwards, to make them fit. Not ideal, but it works.The receiving 'trays' that are intended to provide support for holding the bikes, by being placed under the bike tires, are forced to be moved to a location that is not directly under the bottom of the bike tires. While it works in this manner, it is not ideal.For the support that attaches to the diagonal bike frame, we had to remove it from the vertical rail of the rack. We reinstalled it, upside down, because that's the only way we could make it fit, or 'grab', the bike frame. Again, we made it work, but it's not ideal. We chose to keep the rack because it was so much less expensive than the Thule rack we considered buying. The bike shop owner didn't agree with us. He observed that we are putting $3000 worth of bikes on the rack and risking that investment. So far, no problems, other than the ill-fitting installation.
# 5
Saris Bones 2 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms
So far really great! I love the stability my bike has on the rack, fit for my 2021 Honda Civic, and the quality of the material engineered into the design to prevent damage to the cars paint/parts.
Works great even using an electric bike like my Aventon Soltera.
# 6
Swagman Trailhead Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
This is a very solid product! I have used it for over a year now and love it! I have had up to 3 bikes on this without a problem and have traveled over 8 hours in the car one way with absolutely no issues. Many other bike racks like this one that I see on other cars look unstable this is not unstable in anyway. I did have to file some of the paint off of the rack to get it to fit in my 1 and 1/4" hitch but once that was done it has been perfect. I also bought the locking hitch bolt which is awesome too.
Well built and good quality. So glad I can haul bikes easier with our Honda Pilot now!
# 7
Thule Passage 3 Bike Carrier - Trunk Mount
LOVE this rack. Mounts easily, holds 3 bikes (adult size, mountain and hybrids), stays put. Has held up well so far. Didn't buy the locking system but that was my choice. Great rack for the price. My second from etrailer and always a good product at a good price! Would buy again if I needed another.
My husband had no trouble assembling and installing this bike rack on our Toyota Corolla. We appreciated the emails from etrailer reps re: our order and shipment. Thanks!
What our customers are saying:
"great experience!!! I've been looking for a hitch. With the experience I just had with the bike rack, I;kk definitely come back and order the hitch when I have a little more $$$. delivery was quick! the product was awesome!!! Frank"