Carrying bikes - Hitch or Spare mount?

[njclifford Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close njclifford]

Howdy,

I have read a few posts on this, and a lot seem to like the Thule Ridgeline (single post - 5 bikes). I did read a post at ExplorOz saying that if you go 4wd and want to take bikes, the best was to get a Hitch mounted, A shaped carrier for extra strength and support.

Question is, what are most people out there using? And do they go offroad with the bikes? I want a rigid, strong solution, but don't REALLY want to put the rear platform option due to exit clearance etc.

I am only looking at 2-3 bikes.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Nick

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

Re: Carrying bikes - Hitch or Spare mount?

http://isi-carriers.com/

[ozwapet2 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close ozwapet2]

Re: Carrying bikes - Hitch or Spare mount?

We have one of the old style ones with the twin metal pipes in an inverted "V" - cost about $100
bit like this :

http://stanfred.com.au/BC3T.htm

This goes on the standard hitch and folds down.
I needed a slighty longer hitch insert ( avaialble for Hayman Reese hitches - not sure about the Toyota ones ) and with this it will clear the spare wheel. I notice Stanfred also make an extended base plate for this purpose.
http://stanfred.com.au/BP4X4.htm

The rack is basic but very strong and I'm confident taking it on rough roads with the bikes on the back . Some of these newer and more expensive plasticky ones look great but a little flimsy, I have to say.

As for mounting on the spare wheel - I would be very reluctant as there's a rick of causing damage to your rear door due to the extra weight and leverage effect of two to three bikes hanging out there. ( ulness they're all carbon fibre bikes )

[njclifford Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close njclifford]

Re: Carrying bikes - Hitch or Spare mount?

I like the look of the ISI ones.... but where can I buy it from? Have done a search with no luck!

[D4D Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4D]

Re: Carrying bikes - Hitch or Spare mount?

I like the look of the ISI ones.... but where can I buy it from? Have done a search with no luck!

Contact them directly http://isi-carriers.com/contact.html

[rhs58 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close rhs58]

Re: Carrying bikes - Hitch or Spare mount?

I use "Thule Spare Me" carrier.
http://www.thule.com.au/images/product_ ... ounted.pdf
Mounts on spare wheel, carries 2 bikes.
Whole thing including bikes moves with the door, so easy acces to back of car.
But wouldn't use it off road. More to do with the expensive bikes I carry....

[chester Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close chester]

Re: Carrying bikes - Hitch or Spare mount?

In my opinion neither

I have tried them both and here is the issues

Spare mount to heavy on the door
Hitch mount you have to unload to get into the back door and even with the swing down ones you are still tripping over bikes.
Swingaway ones are good but i have not one lotto latley

The way i have went is on the roof with the ones you take the front wheel off if we are overnighting we just leave em up there. If it is really extreme i have quick release skewers front and back so i can take them apart and throw in the back if i have to.

Racks are great overhead clearance the only issue and i use a little side step to ge them up there

[njclifford Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close njclifford]

Re: Carrying bikes - Hitch or Spare mount?

OK, have finally done plenty of research and have come down to the following:

Rhino Swagman (http://www.rhinorack.com.au/AccSubCateg ... 48_11.aspx) and

Thule Roadway (934XT), http://thule.com.au/images/product_deta ... rriers.pdf

ISI is just a little too expensive for me, and these carry 4 bikes. Roof mounted will not work as have a cage on the roof with luggage (kids take a LOT of stuff). These two have 2 separate contact points with the bikes and hence place less stress on the frame over long distances.

My question, does anyone out there use either of these two? And if so, what are your thoughts?

THANKS HEAPS!

Nick.

[Guest Close Guest]

Re: Carrying bikes - Hitch or Spare mount?

I don't think either will fit because of the door mounted spare. The Rhino website says that it has 195mm of clearance between the hole in the hitch mount and the vertical bar. Prado tyre widths are 245 or 265mm.

[Grondal Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Grondal]

Re: Carrying bikes - Hitch or Spare mount?

I use the Thule BA934XT. It works well. It can be a pain if you want to open the back door when the bikes are on. A couple of other disadvantages (only if leaving the tarmac) of this are the change of departure angle and the risk of the bikes getting covered in dust when driving on gravel roads. Other than this, I'm really happy with it.

I have a Thule roof mounted bike carrier too. This never gets used because it is too much of a pain getting the bike up there.