What Do You Recommend for Transporting 4 Bikes on a 2017 Mazda 6?

Updated 06/18/2021 | Published 06/17/2021

Products Featured in This Question

EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(6)

$375.64

Thule Cable Lock w/ One Key System Lock - 6' Long

(112)

$49.95

Thule Snug Tite Hitch Lock and Anti-Rattle Device

(570)

$53.80

Question:

Hi Everyone, I would like to carry 4 bikes: two adult bikes and two kid bikes. We have a 2016 Mazda 6. Is it reasonable to mount all four bikes on a hitch on a Mazda 6? I do not see examples of this setup on the roads or interwebs. Technically it seems possible with a 2 inch Ecohitch and a 4-bike Thule rack. Is this a crazy idea? Would the handling of the car be excessively compromised with ~100 lbs hanging off the back? What do you think? Thanks, James

asked by: James A

Expert Reply:

One of the things to consider when transporting 4 bikes on your 2016 Mazda 6 is the tongue capacity rating of your vehicle. This is usually found in your owner's manual.

If you discover that the combined weight of 2 adult bikes and 2 kid bikes will not exceed the tongue rating of the vehicle, it is important to see if the combined weight of the bikes will be safe to transport with the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2" # 306-X7301. With that particular hitch, you have a maximum weight capacity limit of 300 pounds.

With that being said, we do carry hitch racks that are designed for 4 bikes. For a lightweight option, I recommend the Thule Hitching Post Pro 4 Bike Carrier # TH934XTR. The Hitching Post Pro has a carrier weight around 38lbs. With the 35-pound per-bike weight capacity, it will be enough to hold 2 normal-style adult bikes with 2 children's bikes under the 300 pound maximum tongue capacity of the EcoHitch.

For your children's bikes and for any women's bike you transport, you will need a Malone Bike Adapter Bar for Women's, Children's, and Alternative Frame Bikes # MPG2165 for each children's/women's bike you plan to transport. For extra security for both your rack and your bikes, I recommend the Snug Tite Hitch Lock # THSTL2 and the Thule Cable Lock w/ One Key System Lock - 6' Long # TH538XT.

expert reply by: Bob C