# 1
Swagman XC2 Bike Rack for 2 bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
Easy assembly, holds bike well, and can't beat the price. Recently installed, but don't doubt the longevity.
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.
# 2
Swagman XTC4 Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
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…
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.
# 3
Swagman XTC2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
Easy to put together, and very easy to load bikes. I fold down the center support to load the first bike, then fold it up to load the second - that minimizes the change of banging a pedal into the vehicle. Seems sturdy while driving, so wobble around turns but no big deal - I have a 1 1/4 inch hitch on an Acura RDX. I hope to get many years use
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.
# 4
Swagman Trailhead Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
Installed the carrier recently and used only once. Seems very solid, minimal movement while driving. Easy to install and remove.
etrailer has the best pre- and post-sales customer service I've ever seen! I started out not knowing anything about hitch-mounted racks. So I wrote to etrailer telling them about my car and type of hitch I was about to have installed. Samuel wrote back with lots of great information tailored specifically to my car. He even included a photo that looked just like my 2017 white VW GTI with a hitch and rack installed. Okay something of a coincidence. But the rest of the assistance I got from the crew at etrailer was just as prophetic. I went into this a novice and came out knowing lots more about hitches and racks and finding the rack best suited to my situation. I have a small car, a class 1 hitch and a heavy mountain bike. I got exactly what I needed. As to the Swagman rack itself, it works fine. If I had a different situation I would probably buy a platform rack as they are easier to load. There's no reason to buy a bike rack anywhere else.
# 5
Yakima HoldUp Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
Works well for transporting two 29" wheeled mountain bikes. However, after one year it's starting to rust in several areas (see attached photos), and the front wheel arms are becoming increasingly difficult to raise and lower. Finally the locking cable is extremely rusty as you can see in the attached photo. I'm not sure how durable this rack will be long term.
We have had this bike rack for one year and use it every week-end. My wife has a Trek e-bike (52 lbs) and I have a regular Trek hybrid (23 lbs). The rack is very sturdy and I have no issues driving at highway speeds, there is no movement of the bikes. Very easy to load and unload.
# 6
Yakima HangOut 2 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms
I have a 2017 Acura RDX. I had to be creative for the hooks and straps to work. The lower strap hook is not compatible with my hatch. And I really didn't want to have them hook under my plastic bumper, so I shut the straps in the hatch and hooked them to 2 hooks I have in the trunk. Works perfect. A picture is attached. I have a Cannondale Bad Girl, which is the dumbest bike ever designed ( but that is a different review forum) so I had to be creative getting it mounted like I usually do. Works great. The only reason I gave this a 4 star is because I don't believe the hooks are really compatible with the RDX, unless you have an awesome spouse willing to get shut in the trunk and place the hooks for you while you tighten from the outside. etrailer.com has the best customer service I have dealt with in a while. Fantastic crew!
# 7
Thule Hitching Post Pro Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches
Shipping took a few weeks (maybe COVID related?) but the product is great thus far. Easy installation, handles at least 3 bicycles with no problem. Even if not exactly designed for a recumbent bicycle i had no problem toting along my Bacchetta Giro 20 on an Acura RDX. Received recently so will update if any major changes but thus far is great.
Product arrived very quick and perfect Condition...... Great service !!!!
# 8
Kuat Beta Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Trailer Hitches - Tilting
I did a lot of research and decided this was the rack for me. I was totally correct. First, it has all the most important features but only weighs about 14 lbs. I was concerned as a senior lady with arthritis issues. I can use it well and it performed perfectly with an adapter bar for my Electra Townie. I have had compliments from several seasoned riders and a bike shop owner here at the beach who said it was great quality and I got a great price. Also purchased a locking trailer hitch pin with bike cable from etrailer. All over satisfaction with products and etrailer who provided enough videos to help me.
This product is exactly what I wanted. The 2" post fits in the reciever perfectly, and no wiggle. I did tighten the mounting screw, but didn't have to change the hardware I have already (locks). There are two more screws to reduce the wiggles at each pivot point, and there was little to begin with. I tend to test way beyond the breaking point, and did some aggressive driving with every bump across town to the first ride. All good and I won't worry while driving with the bike attached moving forward. Only thing I wish it had was a locking mechanism, but I used a wire cable and lock. The other comparable ones with a lock were 2X the price. I can use the additional lock if I have other plans than just a trail. Service has been outstanding and I will look for any future purchases of this kind to be through etrailer.
# 9
Yakima RidgeBack Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
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!
# 10
Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
The BEST bike carrier by far!! We are both in our 7th decade and even I alone (5’2” 120 lbs) can manage to attach this in my hitch without any issues. It’s so easy to load both our hybrid and e-bike and they are super secure. We love that it folds up small and wheels away when not in use. This bike carrier is worth every penny!!
This rack is perfect! eTrailer had it shipped and at my home in almost no time. I drove with it on the car today, and it was solid and secure. It's super easy to get on and off the hitch. I'm 5'1 and I was able to load the bike on with the ramp without a struggle. Thanks for the thorough video and comparison information. It made this purchase easy.
# 11
Swagman Trailhead Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
Installed the carrier recently and used only once. Seems very solid, minimal movement while driving. Easy to install and remove.
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.
Thule Doubletrack Hitch Bike Rack Review - 2013 Acura RDX
Today on our 2013 Acura RDX we'll be test fitting the Thule Double Track platform style 2 bike carrier part number TH990XT. To begin our test fit, we'll slide the shank of the carrier into the opening of the hitch, line up our pin holes, thread our anti rattle bolt though the threaded pinholes and tighten with the wrench. Now let's go over some clearance measurements to see how the bike carrier and this vehicle fit together. There is about 11 inches of ground clearance. The closest part of the vehicle to the closest part of the carrier is about 1 inch. With the bike carrier folded up we've added about 9 inches to the overall length of the vehicle.
Thule Hitching Post Pro Hitch Bike Rack Review - 2013 Acura RDX
Today on our 2013 Acura RDX, we'll be test fitting the Thule Hitching Post Pro Tilting 4-bike Carrier part number TH934XTR. To begin our test fit, we'll slide the shank of the carrier into the opening of the hitch, line up our pinholes, thread our anti-rattle bolt through the threaded pinholes and tighten with a wrench. Now let's go over some clearance measurements to see how the bike carrier and this vehicle fit together. There's about 11 inches of ground clearance. Closest part of the vehicle to the closest part of the carrier is about six inches. With the cradle arms folded down, we've added about 16 inches to the overall length of the vehicle. To access the cargo area, we'll pull the pin located at the bottom of the carrier and tilt the carrier down. This will allow you to have access to your cargo door.
Swagman Fork Down Roof Bike Rack Review - 2013 Acura RDX
Today on our 2013 Acura RDX we'll be test fitting the Swagman fork-down roof-mounted bike rack, part number S64710. We'll begin our test fit by placing the bike rack onto the vehicles crossbars. We'll use the silver bracket to go on the underside of the front crossbar and up into the front part of the bike rack. We'll then use the black wing nuts to thread onto the silver threads of the bracket to secure the front part of the carrier to the front crossbar. We'll then move to the rear of the carrier, where this time we will slide the sliver bracket down onto the bike rack through the hole and use the black plate to slide onto the threaded bolts of the bracket up against the bottom side of the rear crossbar. Again, we will use the included wing nut to thread onto the silver bracket to secure the rear part of the bike rack to the rear load bar. Now with everything all tightened down and secured we're ready to load up our bike. We'll double check to make sure our skewer is loose at the front and we'll undo our tray strap.
RockyMounts TieRod Stretch Roof Bike Rack Review - 2013 Acura RDX
Today on our 2013 Acura RDX well be test fitting the RockyMounts Tierod Stretch Roof Mounted Bike Rack, part number rky1011. Well begin our test fit by placing the bike rack onto the vehicles crossbars. Well then remove the black plastic cover at the front of the carrier. Well bring the rubber-coated steel straps around the underside of the front crossbar, and move to the rear where we can loosen up the Allen bolt to bring the rear bracket around the underside of the rear crossbar. Well then move back up to the front where we can use the included Allen key to turn the silver bolts to bring the straps up around tightly against the front load bar. Once thats tightened down, well then move back to the rear where we will finish tightening the rear Allen bolts.
Thule Domestique Roof Bike Rack Review - 2013 Acura RDX
Today on our 2013 Acura RDX well be test fitting the Thule Domestique Roof Mounted Bike Rack, part number th513. Well begin our test fit by placing the bike rack onto the vehicles crossbars. Well then need to remove the skewer to expose the two Allen bolts at the front part of the bike rack. Well then use the included Allen key to loosen up both the front three bolts as well as the back two bolts to bring both the front and rear bracket around the underside of the front and rear crossbar. Once the bike rack is in position we can again using the included Allen key to tighten down the bolts to bring the brackets up tightly against the underside of the front and rear crossbar. Once everything is all tightened down and secured, were ready to load up our bike.
Thule Vertex 4 Hitch Bike Rack Review - 2013 Acura RDX
Today on our 2013 Acura RDX well be test fitting the Thule vertex four bike carrier, part number TH9029. To begin our test fit well slide the shank of the carrier into the opening of the hitch, align up our pin holes, thread our anti-rattle bolt through the threaded pin holes and tighten with a wrench. Now lets go over some clearance measurements to see how the bike carrier and this vehicle fit together. There is about 11 inches of ground clearance. The closest part of the vehicle to the closest part of the carrier is about 3 inches. Weve added about 11 inches to the overall length of the vehicle.
Thule Apex 4 Swing Hitch Bike Rack Review - 2013 Acura RDX
Today on our 2013 Acura RDX, well be test fitting the Thule Apex Swing 4-Bike Carrier, part number TH9027. To begin our test fit, well slide the shank of the carrier into the opening of the hitch, align up our pinholes and insert the spring loaded pin into to the pinhole. Well then turn the black knob located at the base of the carrier to engage our anti-rattle device. Now lets go over some clearance measurements to see how the bike carrier and this vehicle fit together. Theres about 12 inches of ground clearance. Closest part of the vehicle to the closest part of the carrier is about 1 inches.
Thule Apex 4 Hitch Bike Rack Review - 2013 Acura RDX
Today on our 2013 Acura RDX well be test fitting the Thule Apex 4-Bike Carrier, part number TH9025. To begin our test fit, well slide the shank of the carrier into the opening of the hitch and insert the spring loaded pin into to the pinhole. Well then turn the black knob located at the base of the carrier to engage our anti-rattle device. Now lets go over some clearance measurements to see how the bike carrier and this vehicle fit together. Theres about 12 inches of ground clearance. Closest part of the vehicle to the closest part of the carrier is about 2 inches.
Swagman Titan Hitch Bike Rack Review - 2013 Acura RDX
Today on our 2013 Acura RDX well be test fitting the Swagman Titan four bike carrier, part number S63410. To begin our test fit well slide the shank of the carrier into the opening of the hitch, align up our pin holes, thread our anti-rattle bolt through the threaded pin holes and tighten with a wrench. Now lets go over some clearance measurements to see how the bike carrier and this vehicle fit together. There is about 12 inches of ground clearance. The closest part of the vehicle to the closest part of the carrier is about 7 inches. With the cradles arms folded in weve added about 19 inches to the overall length of the vehicle.
SportRack EZ Hitch Bike Rack Review - 2013 Acura RDX
Today on our 2013 Acura RDX well be test fitting the Sportrack 2-Bike Carrier part number A30901. To begin our test fit, well slide the shank of the carrier into the opening of the hitch, align up our pinholes, thread our anti-rattle bolt through the threaded pinholes and tighten with a wrench. Now lets go over some clearance measurements to see how the bike carrier and this vehicle fit together. Theres about 11 inches of ground clearance. The closest part of the vehicle to the closest part of the carrier is about 7 inches. Weve added about 25 inches to the overall length of the vehicle.
SportRack Escape 3 Hitch Bike Rack Review - 2013 Acura RDX
Today on our 2013 Acura RDX well be test fitting the Sportrack Escape three bike carrier, part number A30403. To begin our test fit well slide the shank of the carrier into the opening of the hitch, align up our pin holes, thread our anti-rattle bolt through the threaded pin holes and tighten with a wrench. Now lets go over some clearance measurements to see how the bike carrier and this vehicle fit together. There is about 12 inches of ground clearance. The closest part of the vehicle to the closest part of the carrier is about 4 inches. Weve added about 11 inches to the overall length of the vehicle.
Softride Dura Hitch Bike Rack Review - 2013 Acura RDX
Today on our 2013 Acura RDX well be test fitting the Softride Dura parallelogram tilting four bike carrier, part number SR26247. To begin our test fit well slide the shank of the carrier into the opening of the hitch, align up our pin holes, thread our anti-rattle bolt through the threaded pin holes and tighten with a wrench. Now lets go over some clearance measurements to see how the bike carrier and this vehicle fit together. There is about 11 inches of ground clearance. The closest part of the vehicle to the closest part of the carrier is about 5 inches. Weve added about 36 inches to the overall length of the vehicle.
Kuat Sherpa Hitch Bike Rack Review - 2013 Acura RDX
Today on our 2013 Acura RDX well be test fitting the Kuat Sherpa aluminum two bike carrier, part number S102. To begin our test fit well slide the shank of the carrier into the opening of the hitch and turn the black knob located at the base of the carrier to engage our anti-rattle device. Now lets go over a few measurements to see how the bike carrier and this vehicle fit together. There is about 11 inches of ground clearance. The closest part of the vehicle to the closest part of the carrier is about 1 inch. With the bike carrier folded up weve added about 12 inches to the overall length of the vehicle.
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"