How to Carry 3 Bikes on a 2010 Toyota Yaris 3-Door Hatchback

Updated 05/07/2015 | Published 05/06/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(159)

$129.88

Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(40)

$147.10

Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs

(827)

$36.20

Thule Passage Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Hanging Style

(967)

$179.95

Question:

I want to make total sure there is a Draw-Tite for this year and if so how much weight can it support like 3-4 bikes worth? Thanks you

asked by: Kevin

Expert Reply:

For just carrying bikes I recommend the Draw-Tite trailer hitch # 24911. With it the receiver will be visible but the cross tube will not. You can also use # 24819 and it will have the receiver showing but the cross tube will be hidden. The tongue weight capacity, which is the capacity to look at when using the hitch for a bike rack or cargo carrier, is 200 pounds.

All of the trailer hitches for your Yaris including the Draw-Tite models listed here are Class I hitches. Class I trailer hitches are limited to 2 bikes maximum. This is because a Class I hitch cannot handle the additional weight of a third and subsequent bikes that far from the receiver. It will damage the hitch and the vehicle because of the extra torque; like using a cheater bar to loosen a stuck lug nut when changing a tire.

To carry 3 bikes the easiest solution and most cost effective is to use a trunk mount carrier such as the Thule Passage # TH910XT. I have linked a video review of this carrier for you.

If you will be carrying any bikes that do not have a top frame bar that goes straight across (like a typical men's bike would) then I recommend using bike adapter bar # 64005. This will allow you to carry those bikes more level and will provide better ground clearance. I have to use these adapters and without them my wife's bike would be at a severe angle and I would not be able to load my son's bike at all. I have linked a video showing how the adapter works.