Recommended Bike Rack and Trailer Hitch for 2017 Ford Explorer

Updated 05/21/2018 | Published 05/19/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Black

(590)

$759.00

Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Gray

(590)

$759.00

Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Pearl

(590)

$759.00

Question:

I guess from reviewing all the products. Looks like Im pretty sold on the DRAWTITE CLASS 3 Part# 76034. As of right now, we only plan on using a bike rack for it. Doubt we will ever pull a rec. trailer. So I would like to get your expertise and opinion on a 2 or 3 bike rack tilt possibly. There are quite a few on the site to choose so I thought would you know of a good one that would stand up better than others as far as not having any problems down the road. Like for example the spring lock design for tilt,etc. as far as breaking or other issues compared to some other brands. Hopefully, you have some insight on these bike racks cause there are so many Im not sure which one to get. I take your opinon as gospel. And as it turns out the explorer we have, does not have the electric option button to close the rear door at the rear. Darn It ! Would I need to purchase separately the locking pin,and stabilizing pin for the 76034 drawtite or does it come in kit. However I have seen with a bike rack they have a anti- theft locking pin, dont know if they come with the rack or sold separately but for sure I would want one of those as well as the other pin for reducing the noise of rack while driving. I also need another question answered I did read somewhere on this site from a customer about at the top of the back door of the explorer Ill call it the Flashing will that interfere with bikes at all ? Thank-You for any help of info: you can provide. Theres just so many Im scared to buy the wrong one I guess....

asked by: Pete S

Expert Reply:

The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 76034 would be a great choice for your 2017 Ford Explorer, and as far as a locking pin is concerned, you would only need one for the bike rack, and would not need need an additional one; any decent bike rack will have a hitch lock available and since you are (wisely) concerned with quality, the rack I think you'll really like is going to have that feature.

I strongly recommend checking out the Kuat Sherpa 2.0, which comes in your choice of colors: Black # SH22B, Pearl # SH22P, or Gray # SH22G. This rack can be tilted down - even with the bikes loaded - with the press of a handy foot lever, and can also fold up for when the bikes are not being carried. It is a wheel-mount rack which uses ratcheting hooks to grasp your bikes by the front wheels so there is no frame contact and also has rear-wheel cradles with ratcheting straps to secure your bikes rear wheels.

The Sherpa 2.0 does not require any tools to install into your hitch as you'll only need to turn a knob to tighten the rack in the hitch; this also works as an anti-rattle device so you can get a quiet ride. Additionally, the Sherpa 2.0 comes with a hitch lock like you wanted to secure the rack to your Explorer and even a cable lock to secure your bikes to the rack and help protect your investments. This is a lightweight, 32 lb rack which has a weight capacity of 40 lbs per bike and fits bikes with tire widths up to 3", wheelbases up to 47" and wheels that are 25" to 29".

In terms of "the Flashing" the Sherpa won't cause any interference with a part of your Explorer.

expert reply by: Kyle S