# 1
Kuat NV 2.0 Base Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Matte Black
This rack definitely has some pros and cons (as do most racks). A minor frustration is that despite ordering the rack and add-on at the same time, the keys don’t match so if locking three or more bikes you need two different keys (this has only really irritated me when it was raining). As other reviewers have mentioned, this thing is heavy. Neither my wife nor kids can lift it to put it on or get it off the car by themselves. The downside is that given the size of the rack it is not real convenient to just leave it on the car. When the rack is in the up position, it is impossible to get in the back so it is necessary to lower the rack each time you want to get in. The other downside is that the rack significantly cuts down on visibility when backing up. All that being said, the rack is rock solid and the bikes are very secure. The rack is great for extended trips. When loaded and tipped down, it is great to be able to open and access the back. The spacing of the bikes is great and I don’t have to spend 15 minutes figuring out how to slide four bikes in just the right spot to make them all fit as I did with my old rack. Best of all the bikes are only sustaining damage on the trail, not on the back of the car! Despite some minor annoyances, I highly recommend this rack. As for assembly, my 13 year old put it together by himself in about 20 minutes (I promised him i would include that fact).
We needed to move up from our Saris Bones 3 rack now that our youngest is on a big girl bike. We initially went for a budget platform rack which was (not surprisingly) subjected to a recall. After an incredible amount of research, I opted for the Kuat NV 2.0 Base. I took advantage of the etrailer price pledge program and was very satisfied with the etrailer staff who were very easy to deal with both on the phone and online. Following my order, etrailer inadvertently sent me the incorrect base model. The sent me the 1.25 inch instead of 2.0 inch model and as the shipping label covered the hitch size I only discovered this after opening and unpacking it (thereby having to repack and re-ship it). This inconvenience notwithstanding, etrailer was very apologetic, paid for the return shipping and sent out the correct 2.0 inch model. Unpacking and assembly was easy (the second time...and I learned the valuable lesson of taking photos of the unpacking in the event you need to repack it). You certainly get what you pay for with Kuat! The fit and finish are first rate and the rack's design, in my opinion, makes it the most intuitive, cleanest and best looking rack out there. I was considering the RockyMounts Split Rail 2+2 (similar design and athletics and a bit lighter) but I am so glad I went with Kuat. I mounted it on my 06 Pilot today in less than 5 minutes with my wife's help (though it can be accomplished solo), locked the pin and tightened the anti-rattle mechanism for a rock solid mount. All bikes fit on it like a dream (my 29er, wife's mountain bike and 2 kids mountain bikes...have not tried by road bike yet but I don't anticipate any issues). Very impressed with the rack and my etrailer experience.
# 2
Swagman XTC2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
Lightweight and easy to load the bikes. Great for us seniors. Fast, free delivery from etrailer.
I was sent additional mounting materials that don't correspond with my hitch or my bike rack. See the photo below. Are these materials for my Swagman STC2 Bike Rack Item #S64670?
# 3
Thule Passage Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Hanging Style
Thank you so much! If there is a way I can compliment you to your supervisor/boss, please let me know how best to do that.
Customer Service was exceptional - order was shipped same day as order was placed. Used to transport 2 adult bikes on vacation. Very easy to install on my GMC Acadia and easy to mount the bikes. Very happy with this bike carrier.
# 4
Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Gunmetal Gray
This bike rack has worked well for our family of 4. It allows us to safely and securely carry all 4 bikes through the mountains of Colorado with our Hallmark Milner truck camper. Strong and durable rack that barely moves when driving. etrailer's customer service was outstanding. The rack was initially delayed and after one phone call to check status a warehouse manager quickly solved a minor issue and got the rack shipped. etrailer was fantastic in managing this transaction with extremely limited staffing. etrailer is the first place I check for anything recreation as I've never had anything but stellar service.
Excellent rack, a year later still in great condition. No movement at hitch when driving like other racks. Love the extra bar to work on bike in parking lot. Cracked a part on the rack when backing up accidentally hit it, I called the company and they immediately sent out new part no questions asked and rack is like new. Easy to access the drop and raise bar even with bikes on .A note that with larger mountain bikes only three really fit on the four rack without adjusting handle bars. Thanks to etrailer for stocking a great product and providing excellent post purchase service
# 5
Thule Passage 3 Bike Carrier - Trunk Mount
I ordered this bike rack for a recent family vacation. It was super easy for me to install on my GMC Acadia and traveled great. I highly recommend.
This is definitely more of a 2 bike carrier vs 3 bikes. I had to take the front wheels off two bikes to get three bikes on this carrier. Also, it rubbed the paint off on the trunk of my Subaru legacy.
# 6
Malone Hanger Trunk Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - Adjustable Arms
Mostly, I love the rack. Fairly simple to install once you figure out heads and tails. No tools required. The minor downside I've experienced is getting the hooks initially into position, I have to actually pop my suv hatch to put the hooks on the sides and bottom. Aside from that, it's sturdy, holds my bikes securely and easy to use. Highly recommend
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?
# 7
Swagman XTC4 Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
Rack is very sturdy and heavy duty. Instructions were terrible. Locking hitch pin would not thread correctly and ended up damaging it. Thankfully the threads on rack were fine and I was able to use the non-locking threaded pin. Would like a replacement locking pin ASAP
For the price, it's a good-quality, sturdy bike rack. I have used it about 5-7 times with no issues. I only used it for one adult and two kids' bikes, but I am sure it can handle four bikes as advertised. It's great that the rack folds upwards when it's not required.
# 8
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!
# 9
Yakima FullBack 3 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms
Performed perfectly on a 140 mile round-trip in my 2017 Acura MDX. It took me a few tries to position the anchors inside the top of the hatch, but I got the hang of it and the rack did not shift at all while driving 50-60 mph on the highway.
After searching for a bike rack for my 2015 Hyundai Sonata, I settled on the Yakima Fullback 3. I initially wanted a roof rack so I could carry my bikes and kayaks, but my options with the panoramic sunroof were limited and expensive. Part of the Sonata trunk lid is plastic so I was very hesitant to use a trunk mounted rack. It seemed that most Sonata owners were using a trunk mount rack, so I placed my order on a Sunday evening. etrailer shipped it the next day and I received the rack on Thursday. It took about 10 minutes to unpack, read the instructions and install it. I put both my mtb and road bike on and went for a test ride. The rack was more stable than the hitch mounted rack I had on my old vehicle, and the best part was it didn't scratch my paint. It keeps the bike pedals far away from my bumper, and it was one of only a few racks that would clear my factory spoiler. It folds up and I can stick it in my trunk while I ride. The only reason for the 4 stars is that the rack is fairly heavy. It would be nice if Yakima could find a way to lighten it up while keeping the rigidity and price where it is now. Otherwise, I'm completely satisfied with the rack and the service from etrailer.
# 10
Curt Bike Rack for 5 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Tilting
We used this bike rack for at least 2 RV trips. The third trip we took we lost one bike off of the rear most rack. Ended up having to replace this bike rack with one from another store. Would only recommend for local trips only.
The straps are junk and four of them tore within a week of using them. I also almost lost one bike because of the straps. If I could I would return this unit.
# 11
Swagman XC2 Bike Rack for 2 bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
This is a well designed rack. Adding and removing bikes is quick & easy. Just set the bike on & slide the padded hook down onto the bike frame to secure it; no straps required. If only one bike is transported, it does not interfere with opening the trunk on our Tesla Model 3. With 2 bicycles the trunk cannot be opened. For 2 bikes the Swagman model that can tilt might be worth the extra 22 bucks. This rack uses a bolt in the receiver hitch instead of a pin. This locks it securely preventing it from moving in the hitch & rattling. It also requires a wrench to remove it, good for theft prevention but one more thing to keep track of. For storage on the vehicle the top bar folds down. For storage in the garage, the left & right bars fold up & you can hang it using one of the hooks.
# 12
Swagman Upright Bike Rack for 1 Bike - Roof Rack Crossbars - Frame Mount
Great product for the price. Pretty easy to set up. Only issue I have is my mountain bike, which is an XL frame with 27 inch wheels, is pushing the limits of the base. Wish this rack was just 4-5 inches longer that way you have the perfect overlap amount in the middle without pushing the current frame to the limits. With that said it does hold my bike just have to find the sweet spot. But this fits my son’s youth bike perfectly!
As always with products I buy from e-Trailer, this item is exactly as advertised and works perfectly. Easy assembly, I bought 2 but only installed one until I check the fit with my rooftop carrier.
What our customers are saying:
"Loved the hitch 5-bike bike rack. Came quickly and is as advertised."