I was wondering what you all would think would be cheaper/better to have. Should I get a roof bike rack or a trailer hitch bike rack? I've been training for the MS-150 for awhile now and I'm getting tired of lugging around my bike in the back of my car. Any suggestions will be very helpful, and also if you have any good sites where I can get the bike rack, that would also be greatly appreciated.
pistol peter
There was a whole thread on this a while back if you can find it. I recommend a hitch rack because of aerodynamics and ease of loading.
I'm having the same issue! I've come to think that a hitch will be best for me, as a roof rack with a bike may get hung up on low hanging structures (Parking garages, hotels, Drive Thrus...) I just priced a yakima/ thule (pronounced Toolee btw, as I was corrected by the salesman) and it looked like I'd be paying around $500.00 for a roof rack! I'd suggest figuring out your system and going to ebay. I also priced a hitch, parts and install, and the dealer told me it would run around $500.00 as well (ymmv).
As you may know, I live on the road, and a roof rack may be better as a deterrent to thieves, but the hitch would be more convenient in my opinion, as I'm concerned with MPG.
There's my 2 cents! Let us know what you found best for you and how it works out
As you may know, I live on the road, and a roof rack may be better as a deterrent to thieves, but the hitch would be more convenient in my opinion, as I'm concerned with MPG.
There's my 2 cents! Let us know what you found best for you and how it works out
When deciding on a roof rack vs a hitch rack weight is also an important consideration. The Patriot hitches support the following weights (tongue weight):
159 kg (350 lbs) most 2" aftermarket hitches
136 kg (300 lbs) most 1 1/4" aftermarket hitches
102 kg (225 lbs) Mopoar 1 1/4" hitch
The tongue weight is a load placed directly down on the hitch (i.e. a bike rack). This includes the rack and the bike(s) to load onto it. Anything more and your hitch will bend like a noodle.
Pulling capacity is completely different (usually 3000-3500 lbs).
159 kg (350 lbs) most 2" aftermarket hitches
136 kg (300 lbs) most 1 1/4" aftermarket hitches
102 kg (225 lbs) Mopoar 1 1/4" hitch
The tongue weight is a load placed directly down on the hitch (i.e. a bike rack). This includes the rack and the bike(s) to load onto it. Anything more and your hitch will bend like a noodle.
Pulling capacity is completely different (usually 3000-3500 lbs).
1 1/2" ?? I think you meant 1 1/4".
As the Patriot can only pull 2000 lbs even the 1 1/4" is well over that capacity. One benefit to the 2" receiver is you can find more accessories for it.
As the Patriot can only pull 2000 lbs even the 1 1/4" is well over that capacity. One benefit to the 2" receiver is you can find more accessories for it.
Get the rear hitch and get the 2". You could also get a rear hitch carrier. They even make rear hitch cargo carriers with bike adapters.
Get a Drawtite 2" and you can put it on yourself. Super-Super easy. I put mine on an atv jack and just raised it into place. Put four bolts in and you are DONE. No holes to drill.
MPG will be killed with those bikes in the air. I have a rear hitch Sportrack bike carrier that is hinged and lowers the bikes down out of the way if you have to open the rear hatch. You might want to consider a rack like that. It would be a hassle to have to remove the bikes to get into the rear hatch.
Try etrailer.com
for
bike racks and the hitch.
Get a Drawtite 2" and you can put it on yourself. Super-Super easy. I put mine on an atv jack and just raised it into place. Put four bolts in and you are DONE. No holes to drill.
MPG will be killed with those bikes in the air. I have a rear hitch Sportrack bike carrier that is hinged and lowers the bikes down out of the way if you have to open the rear hatch. You might want to consider a rack like that. It would be a hassle to have to remove the bikes to get into the rear hatch.
Try etrailer.com
for
bike racks and the hitch.
yeah, i meant 1-1/4 is useless.
my 1-1/4" hitch on the Vibe bounces like crazy with a 2 bike rack. It's the hitch twisting, not the rack
my 2" hitch on the Pat is solid with 4 bikes.
my 1-1/4" hitch on the Vibe bounces like crazy with a 2 bike rack. It's the hitch twisting, not the rack
my 2" hitch on the Pat is solid with 4 bikes.
yeah, I guess it depends on if you're carrying a 20 lb road bike or a 45 lb downhill bike. Or four of them...
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