Do any of the forum people, use a bicycle rack on the rear door, not a hitch mount. If so can you suggest a rack for me to get?
Have you experienced any problems with a bike rack mounted to the rear door.
If you have knowledge of these racks, I would appreciate hearing from you. Thanks in advance
Bicycle rack on rear door of Pathy, QX4
Re: Bicycle rack on rear door of Pathy, QX4
I used to use a rack on the rear hatch... you can make it work but it damages the hatch, on the edges where the rubber hooks go and wherever weight is applied to the door.....
If you don't care about the hatch then go for it.... personally i sold it, and bought a hitch mount Thule T2... 100x better for both the truck AND the bikes..... and you can still open the hatch, even with bikes on the rack!
If you don't care about the hatch then go for it.... personally i sold it, and bought a hitch mount Thule T2... 100x better for both the truck AND the bikes..... and you can still open the hatch, even with bikes on the rack!
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Densetsu
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Re: Bicycle rack on rear door of Pathy, QX4
I did some research into the subject, and the general consensus is that hatch/trunk mounts can damage your door/trunk (paint chipping and/or bending), are less stable, and have less capacity. Two bikes on a hatch/trunk mount is very iffy. A hitch mount bolted to your hitch will be much more stable and have more capacity than a hatch/trunk mount using straps. I stayed away from them just from testimony from my friends alone.
If you have a hitch, I'd strongly suggest a hitch-mounted rack. Thule makes some great ones; I have a Buzzrunner Buzzrack and it's great too. A bike rack for your roof rack is another alternative.
If you have a hitch, I'd strongly suggest a hitch-mounted rack. Thule makes some great ones; I have a Buzzrunner Buzzrack and it's great too. A bike rack for your roof rack is another alternative.
Re: Bicycle rack on rear door of Pathy, QX4
Thank you for your comments. I have come to the same conclusion and just agreed to buy a class IV hitch with 2"x 2" receiver. It is a used hitch from a 97 Pathfinder.
I've also resolved to pick up a used bike rack, either Thule or Swagman. Both these seem good and claim to hold 4 bikes while still allowing the rear door access.
I will be carrying 2-3 bikes.
Thanks again, if you have any further advice on a rack let me know. This is all new to me.
I've also resolved to pick up a used bike rack, either Thule or Swagman. Both these seem good and claim to hold 4 bikes while still allowing the rear door access.
I will be carrying 2-3 bikes.
Thanks again, if you have any further advice on a rack let me know. This is all new to me.
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Densetsu
- Posts: 557
- Joined: Wed Mar 12, 2008 5:50 am
- Car: 2004 Nissan Pathfinder Chinook
Prev: 2003 Nissan Pathfinder Chilkoot - Location: Edmonton, AB
Re: Bicycle rack on rear door of Pathy, QX4
For me, security is a big issue... bikes aren't cheap, and neither are racks. Make sure the rack can lock your bikes in place -- some racks come with locks, others have them as add-ons. Similarly, make sure to get a locking hitch pin. Depending on the model, you may be able to use a standard locking hitch pin, whereas with other racks you might have to buy a proprietary one.
Alternatively, you might just get a cable lock and lock the bikes to the rack, and maybe even the rack to the hitch. Maybe I'm paranoid, but I use a cable lock AND locks that came with my rack. Better safe than sorry.
If you buy a suspension rack, you might need a bike adapter kit if your bike frame has a thick or oddly-shaped frame (which is becoming more and more common). A platform rack won't have this issue. If you're comparing prices between different racks, keep the additional cost of adapter kits in mind.
Edit: When I'm hauling my bikes long distances, I like to secure them tightly to the rack with a tiedown strap. Driving down highways for hours on end can deliver a lot of vibration to the rack -- the tiedown strap is just a second line of defence in case the bike comes loose. I don't usually do this if I'm just driving to some trails in or around the city.
Alternatively, you might just get a cable lock and lock the bikes to the rack, and maybe even the rack to the hitch. Maybe I'm paranoid, but I use a cable lock AND locks that came with my rack. Better safe than sorry.
If you buy a suspension rack, you might need a bike adapter kit if your bike frame has a thick or oddly-shaped frame (which is becoming more and more common). A platform rack won't have this issue. If you're comparing prices between different racks, keep the additional cost of adapter kits in mind.
Edit: When I'm hauling my bikes long distances, I like to secure them tightly to the rack with a tiedown strap. Driving down highways for hours on end can deliver a lot of vibration to the rack -- the tiedown strap is just a second line of defence in case the bike comes loose. I don't usually do this if I'm just driving to some trails in or around the city.
Re: Bicycle rack on rear door of Pathy, QX4
Densetsu and Fueler your info is greatly appreciated. I've been looking at used racks of which there are a lot. A revolver like unit by Land Rover, a Yakima and a Swagman. Others were sold before I contacted the sellers.
The idea of a swing out, or a swing down unit makes sense to get to the rear. With only 2 bikes being carried I thought I'd go for a 4 bike rack, more robust. Some have locks, some have missing keys, but the prices are around $150-$250 on a retail of up to $550.
I will be picking up a hitch, used, for the QX4 on Wednesday. The hitches are much easier to install compared to 40 years ago. A cat IV at 5000 lb/500 weight 2 x 2 receiver should hold the bikes.
From your earlier responses I decided against a rack that straps to the rear door.
Again thank you for your help.
The idea of a swing out, or a swing down unit makes sense to get to the rear. With only 2 bikes being carried I thought I'd go for a 4 bike rack, more robust. Some have locks, some have missing keys, but the prices are around $150-$250 on a retail of up to $550.
I will be picking up a hitch, used, for the QX4 on Wednesday. The hitches are much easier to install compared to 40 years ago. A cat IV at 5000 lb/500 weight 2 x 2 receiver should hold the bikes.
From your earlier responses I decided against a rack that straps to the rear door.
Again thank you for your help.
Re: Bicycle rack on rear door of Pathy, QX4
The conclusion:
Picked up a used but never installed cat IV hitch with bolts, draw bar and 2"ball, also picked up a swing out 4 bicycle hitch mounted rack with locks for bikes and hitch, 4 sets of foam cushions and extension/lock to make it a 4 bike carrier.
The hitch is new looking.
The bike rack was made by/for Land Rover, very robust.
All that's needed is to install it all. Thanks again for your input.
Picked up a used but never installed cat IV hitch with bolts, draw bar and 2"ball, also picked up a swing out 4 bicycle hitch mounted rack with locks for bikes and hitch, 4 sets of foam cushions and extension/lock to make it a 4 bike carrier.
The hitch is new looking.
The bike rack was made by/for Land Rover, very robust.
All that's needed is to install it all. Thanks again for your input.