Platform Bike Rack Recommendation for 2017 Toyota Tacoma That is Easy to Use  

Question:

Expert Reply:

There is one bike rack that will accommodate most of your needs and is by far the easiest to use, the Thule EasyFold XT # TH903202.

This is beyond the price point you wanted, and you will not be able to clear the tailgate but since you mentioned having a bad back, and are concerned about the weight of the carrier and lifting your bikes up, as well as anchoring each bike on its own (including one with fenders), the best option for your needs truly is the EasyFold XT # TH903202.

This is by far the easiest bike rack on the market to use and you will not have to worry at all about lifting up a couple of heavy bikes. The reason for this is it comes with an aluminum ramp that you only need to roll your bikes up, taking any lifting completely out of the equation. As for carrying the EasyFold XT, well, you never have to. It comes with wheels and rolls so you can gently roll it to your 2017 Toyota Tacoma.

The rack does fold down, even with the bikes loaded, and you can do this simply with the press of a foot lever. The EasyFold XT will also secure each bike independently so both your wife's Electra Cruiser with fenders and your Specialized Roll will be secure.

The Thule EasyFold XT # TH903202 also gives you security with integrated locks in the clamps that secure your expensive bikes to the rack and a lock in the knob that secures the rack to your Tacoma's hitch; it is compatible with either trailer hitch that fits a '17 Toyota Tacoma, the Curt Trailer Hitch # C13264.

This bike rack has a weight capacity of 65 lbs per bike and works with bikes that have a maximum tube diameter of 3-1/8"; it will accommodate tires up to 3" wide, or you can use Fat Bike Adapter Straps # TH985101 for tires up to 4-11/16" wide if need be.

This is really the best option for you because it is the most effortless bike rack to use and the added cost is something that in the long run will be worth it. The EasyFold XT also comes with a lifetime warranty so this will be the last bike rack you ever need to purchase.

I have added links to a couple video reviews of this rack for you to check out.

expert reply by: Kyle S

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Jason

4/3/2019

Hi Kyle, I am more concerned about the weight of the rack because I have to remove it and put it back on fairly often. Plus, I do need to be able to lower my lift gate all of the way. I currently have a 2-Bike Apex Tray-Style Hitch Bike Rack. The things I like about it. It is fairly low (only 18" to lift when attached to my Tacoma) because there's no knuckle for folding or tilting, so there's not a lot of extras to make it heavy. What I don't like about it is the single post for anchoring the 2 bikes. Is there something out there? Thank you

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Kyle S.

4/3/2019

There may be a bike rack that works, but we have not test fit any lightweight racks on a '17 Tacoma that I know for certain will allow you to put the tailgate down. The best option is the Saris Freedom 2 Bike Platform Rack # SA4412B because it weighs only 22.5 lbs and its upright mast can be folded down. It also tilts and folds up and has just a 4 inch rise in the shank. This bike rack is going to give you the best opportunity to put your tailgate down, though you may need to tilt it and put the mast down as opposed to just folding the mast down by itself to put your tailgate down. The Saris Freedom has two posts instead of one, with it grasping your bikes by the frames and also securing them by the wheels. It can carry bikes up to 60 lbs and fits tires up to 5" with Fat Tire Adapter # SA4419. I have added links to a couple video reviews of this rack for you to take a look at.

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