Options For Carrying 4 Bikes And A Spare Tire On A 2026 Kia Carnival
Updated 04/29/2026 | Published 04/13/2026
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Question:
Hi, I have a minivan with a 2” hitch. The car doesn’t come with a spare tire and I plan to drive across country this summer with 4 bikes. Do you have any products that can carry a full sized spare tire and 4 bikes has to hold the wheels and not the top tube due to the bikes being made of carbon? Thanks!
asked by: Raymond T
Expert Reply:
Hi Raymond!
I have a couple options you may be interested in, but that's quite a conundrum. I do know there are no 4 bike racks that can hold a spare tire as well as the bikes, but you may be able to use a cargo carrier, like the 24x60 etrailer Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitches # e98874.
This has 500 pounds of carrying capacity and will handle the weight of your bikes and the spare tire perfectly. Space is a little limited, but you could also add the Stromberg Carlson Bike Rack Adapter for Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier # CC-125. If I did this, I would put two of the stands on each side in an offset/staggered layout. You would put the front tires in the stands and the bikes would use each other for stability (they would need to be pretty close together). You would also need some kind of tie down straps to hold them in place, but theoretically, you could also get a spare tire on there with them. It wouldn't be the prettiest thing in the world, but it could work.
Another option would be to put a roof rack on your 2026 Carnival, like the Inno Aero Roof Rack for Raised Rails - Aluminum - Black - Qty 2 # IN46YV. This installs pretty quickly and easily on those rails that run along your roof, but you would also need to get bike racks for the bikes. Since you mentioned them being carbon fiber, you could use something like the Malone Pilot Roof Mounted Bike Rack - Wheel Mount # MPG2103. These keep the wheels on the bikes, which is nice, and does not touch the frame, so it would work for you. But you would need 4 of them and the Carnival is fairly tall, so a stool or something wouldn't be a bad idea if you go this way. With that sorted, you could use the etrailer Spare Tire Mount for Hitch - 2" Hitch # e98ZR in your hitch and you would be good to go.
The last option would be to get a little trailer, like the Detail K2 Mighty Multi A-Frame Utility Trailer - 7-1/2' Long - 1,640 lbs # K2MMT5X7. I honestly think this is the best option as you can carry the bikes easily (and load them very easily), the spare tire, and any other cargo you don't want in the vehicle. If you don't have a 4-flat wiring harness though, you would need to add one, like the plug and play Curt # C63RV (if you have LED taillights) or the # C32MJ (if you do not have LED taillights). Both are pretty quick and easy install, but one line does need to run up to the battery for needed power. Little bit of work, but not overly difficult. You would also need a ball mount (like the 4" rise # C45070), a 2" ball (like the # C40004), and a pin/clip (like the # C21500) to complete this set up, if you do not already have them. It's a bunch of parts, but I really do think this is the way to do it.
I know I just threw a lot of information and parts at you, so just let me know if you have any questions about anything I mentioned. Or anything for that matter.
Where are you guys headed? And out of curiosity, what kind of bikes do you have?
(click to enlarge)
Raymond T.
4/24/2026
I apologize for the delay. Thank you for sending such a thorough email! Its very helpful! From all your suggestions, I like the cargo carrier and the trailer but I have some reservations. As for why not the racks on the roof, its because my kids bikes are heavy and the wind drag will reduce my gas mileage. I'll be driving around 8000 miles. Also the thought of accidentally driving under something thats too low scares me. My friend drove into her garage with a bike on the roof. Ha! Back to the cargo carrier, That picture you attached shows 2 bikes. How would i be able to put 4 bikes on there + a full size spare tire? As for the trailer, I would love this but i have never driven a trailer before. How does it do on long drives? How does it affect gas mileage? Is it difficult to reverse? My kids have a specialized 24" (this is like 30lbs!) and a 24" woom. My wife has a cannondale topstone. I plan to bring my ICAN carbon gravel bike (from China). As for the drive, we will be driving from CT to IL to WI, to Mount Rushmore, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Zion, Bryce, Moab, Denver, St Louis MI, PA, and back to CT (a little over 3 week road trip) hence why i really want to have a full size spare tire. Driving on a donut in the middle of nowhere worries me.
Lazer S.
4/24/2026
Lazer S.
4/28/2026
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etrailer Spare Tire Mount for Hitch - 2" Hitch
- Spare Tire Mount
- Hitch Mount
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- Standard Finish
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on Spare Tire Mount
Todd C.
4/19/2026
It works well. I am very happy with is.