Trailer hitch Bike tray rack- Advice

Most vehicles have a specified Tongue weight. I cant remember what my old 4runner was but my 95 pound rack with 4 bikes equalled about 250 pounds. This was within spec from what I remember. Google it would be my suggestion.

Its not the vehicle that has a tongue weight, but the hitch itself. Class I (anything 1 1/4") has a 200lb weight limit. Class II (most 2" hitches used for racks and light towing) have a ~300lb weight limit. Class III ~600lb. Not sure where the amount of torque put on the hitch is factored in as the weight shifts outwards (ie one bike vs 4 bikes). You can safely assume that any rack capable of carrying 4 bikes will be ~50lbs and then each bike will be ~30lbs.

Its not the vehicle that has a tongue weight, but the hitch itself. Class I (anything 1 1/4") has a 200lb weight limit. Class II (most 2" hitches used for racks and light towing) have a ~300lb weight limit. Class III ~600lb. Not sure where the amount of torque put on the hitch is factored in as the weight shifts outwards (ie one bike vs 4 bikes). You can safely assume that any rack capable of carrying 4 bikes will be ~50lbs and then each bike will be ~30lbs.

Honestly it all got confusing when I was looking to install. Basically the v6 and v8 runners had different tongue weight limits I would guess because of the different weight engines. Now if the v8 had a rating of 650 pounds then you could run a class 3 I believe.

I have a Kuat and like it a lot.
I mostly run it in 2 bike mode, as both my wife and I were dropping it down a lot to out the dog in the car. Also, I get a bit nervous about folks rear ending it when it sticks way out there (it's happened while parked, bent the work stand).
I check the main pivot bolt frequently as there's a sweet spot that keeps it tight and pivots smoothly.
I add a strap for four bike mode.
I upgraded to a 2" class III (or IV) which is crazy for an element, but it stiffened things up A LOT in comparison to lower rated hitches.

If u were in the market id buy a Yakima/Thule option and flog it every two years or work towards a 1UP piece by piece as they look amazing. Rebuildable, modular, high quality and the height change between trays and ability to be run as a roof rack would be appreciated.
Disclaimer: I haven't used a 1UP one but I've creeped on them thoroughly in parking lots and really pestered their owners with questions.

Talked to 1up.

I would recommend our 2" 2-bike carrier in silver. $529 shipping will be an additional $75
If you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to email or call us.
Thanks,
1UP USA.com LLC | 1005 Commercial Drive | Dickeyville, WI 53808
Ph 608.568.7261 | [email protected]

75.00 extra to ship to Canada.

600.00 US plus tax. Pretty expensive but looks worth the money. $250-$300 for trailer hitch. Over a grand all in. OUCH

I just got one of these.. RockyMounts Split Rail

So far I'm really impressed.

Raxter with the 2-bike extension.

Over on PB the new Thule 4 tray rack is ~569 USD. 1Up isn't that much more.

Over on PB the new Thule 4 tray rack is ~569 USD. 1Up isn't that much more.

You are comparing a Thule 4 tray rack to a 1up 2 tray rack with that pricing. A 4 tray 1up will run you closer to $1000 USD.

Anyone spending $600 for a 2-bike rack is either insane, or has way too much money on their hands….

Pick up one of these from MEC. http://www.mec.ca/product/5018-825/swagman-xtc-2-bike-xc-dual-receiver-hitch-rack/?Ns=p_min_sale_price[HTML_REMOVED]h=10+50258+50259[HTML_REMOVED]f=10+50259

I've had one on my wrx for 4 years. Multiple trips to Utah and all around BC; we probably have [HTML_REMOVED]20,000 kms on it, with 2x bikes on it the entire time. Never had a single issue. Only downside is that is presses down on the frame vs the wheel, so you can get a little bit of rubbing on your frame. Best fix for that is to make sure its super tight. No movement = no rubbing.

The other downside is that it can crush your top tube of your lightweight carbon road bike.

Anyone spending $600 for a 2-bike rack is either insane, or has way too much money on their hands….

Pick up one of these from MEC. http://www.mec.ca/product/5018-825/swagman-xtc-2-bike-xc-dual-receiver-hitch-rack/?Ns=p_min_sale_price[HTML_REMOVED]h=10+50258+50259[HTML_REMOVED]f=10+50259

I've had one on my wrx for 4 years. Multiple trips to Utah and all around BC; we probably have [HTML_REMOVED]20,000 kms on it, with 2x bikes on it the entire time. Never had a single issue. Only downside is that is presses down on the frame vs the wheel, so you can get a little bit of rubbing on your frame. Best fix for that is to make sure its super tight. No movement = no rubbing.

I have a 2 bike swagman g4 on a stock golf and I hit the ground with it all the time coming out of parking lots. They increased the offset on the g10 but I would keep that in mind with any tray style racks.

I have a 2 bike swagman g4 on a stock golf and I hit the ground with it all the time coming out of parking lots. They increased the offset on the g10 but I would keep that in mind with any tray style racks.

I have the swagman Chinook, no issues with grounding out on my Mazda3 and the hitch is super low on that car.