Recommended Bike Carrier for 2015 Lexus RX 350

Updated 06/17/2020 | Published 06/23/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Thule Gateway Pro 2 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms

(84)

$299.95

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(600)

$196.59

Yakima FullSwing Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Swing Away

(52)

$698.95

Question:

I have a Gateway Bike Rack. I now have a 2015 Lexus RX 350. Will this rack fit on my car? It was used for two bikes on a Volvo XC/70. Please advise. Thanks. If not, what should I use to carry two bikes?

asked by: James M

Expert Reply:

The best way to transport bikes on your new 2015 Lexus RX 350 is to install a trailer hitch and use a hitch-mount rack. Hitch racks place the entire weight burden of the rack and bikes on the car's frame - it's strongest part - rather than on its thin sheet metal. The hatch hinge on your car is made to handle the weight of the hatch itself, but it is not really intended to also support a 70 to 100-lb load from bikes and their carrier.

You can use 2-inch Class III hitch # C13143 from Curt, which fits both the F-Sport and other versions. The written installation instructions and an article are linked for you along with a video showing this hitch being mounted to your same vehicle.

With this hitch installed you can use a compatible 2-inch Class III hitch-mount rack. The link provided will let you view all racks, which include both hanging- and platform-style carriers. Filters on the page allow you to sort and narrow the results shown based on your preferences for bike capacity, rack type, brand, etc.

For an outstanding rack that includes advanced cradles and locks, and the convenience of full access to your cargo area, I recommend Yakima's FullSwing 4 Bike Rack # Y02465. Even if you only need to transport 2 bikes, this rack will give you extra space between the bikes - great for beach cruisers and mountain bikes - and let you swing the bikes out of your way for cargo area access. Two linked articles on hitch racks will help you deice on the best match for your type of bikes.

The Gateway trunk-mount bike rack # TH9006XT is not recommended by Thule for use on your 2015 Lexus RX 350. This is because of the pressure put on the rear hatch and spoiler by the combined weight of the rack (about 15-lbs) plus that of the loaded bikes.

expert reply by: Adam R