3-Bike Rack Recommendations for Mountain Bikes Carried on 2001 Acura MDX
Published 06/30/2016
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Ive got three mt bikes to haul. Whitch item do you recommend? No hitch.
asked by: Ace
Expert Reply:
We do offer 3-bike trunk-mount racks that will fit on your 2001 Acura MDX and these can be seen by clicking on the link provided. The best of the bunch is the Thule OutWay 3, part # TH56BV, which includes locks for the rack itself and for your 3 bikes, and which mounts using 4 vinyl-coated steel cables (instead of a half-dozen straps). A lower cost option is the Thule Gateway XT # TH78VR which is a more basic rack that does not include locks.
The trouble with trunk-mount racks is that they place the entire weight burden of the rack itself and your loaded bikes on the car's sheet metal. This part of the car is not really designed to handle what could easily be over 100-lbs total weight so the best option for the long-term is to install a 2-inch Class III hitch like # 75599 and to install a hitch-mount rack. This places the weight load on the car's frame, its strongest part.
For a value-priced 3-bike hanging rack I like the Swagman Original # S64152-2. I own this rack and while it does not have a lot of fancy features included it is solidly built and has held up well for us. You can add you own locks since they are not included. If you prefer a platform style rack the Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Platform Rack # KU24FR will be a good option.
I linked two articles that will help you select a rack that fits your car and bikes.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Passage Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Hanging Style
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Anti-Sway
- 2 Bikes
- Non-Retractable
- Locks Not Included
- 6 Straps
- Adjustable Arms
- Hanging Rack
- Thule
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Comparing Thule Passage and Saris Bones Bike Rack
- Q&A: Will the Yakima FullBack Fit a 2017 Audi Q7
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: How to Choose a Bike Rack for an SUV or Crossover
- Q&A: How do I Use Anchor Mode on the Straps for the Yakima FullBack Bike Rack?
- Q&A: Platform Bike Rack Recommendation for 2017 Toyota Prius Hybrid
- Q&A: Recommended Hitch for a 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid
- Q&A: Is the Thule Passage a Fit for the 2021 Toyota RAV4
- Article: How to Choose a Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack
- Article: Is It Illegal to Leave My Hitch on My Truck?
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Rolling on a Budget: Top Wallet-Friendly Platform Bike Racks