Options for Carrying 3 Bikes on a 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT with a Class I Trailer Hitch  

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Expert Reply:

There may be a way to carry 3 bikes on your 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT, however, a class I trailer hitch can only support a maximum of 2 bikes on a hitch mounted bike rack. I would recommend using the Thule Helium 2 Bike Rack, # TH9042PRO, and mounting the third bike on the roof of your vehicle as long as you do not have the panoramic sunroof.

You could stay with the Helium 3 Bike Rack, # TH9043PRO, if you plan on using the Helium on another vehicle with a class II, III, or IV trailer hitch, but you will want to remember the 2 bike limit for class I trailer hitches.

To mount a third bike on the roof, you would need a roof rack, if you do not already have one, and a roof mounted bike rack. We have many different roof rack options for your vehicle, but I would recommend the Inno Roof Rack, # INXB145-2, # INXS250, # INK603. For a roof mounted bike rack, I recommend the Thule UpRide Wheel-Mount Bike Rack, # TH599000.

It is not recommended to carry more than two bikes on a Class I hitch because the addition of a 3rd bike will add more weight further away from the rear axle which creates too much stress on the trailer hitch that it was not designed to handle. It is similar to adding a pipe extension on a wrench to break a rusty bolt. The additional stress could damage the trailer hitch, bike rack and possibly even the vehicle frame.

I have attached video reviews of the bike racks that I referenced as well as installation instructions for the Rola Sport Series roof rack for you to check out.

expert reply by: John H

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