Hitch bike carriers, are they solid?

[ToddG]

I need to get a bike carrier, one of the ones that go into the hitch receiver. I've looked around online at some. I'm trying to figure out if they are a solid way to carry bikes or not. I followed a guy the other day that had one in a full size Ford and it looked like it was swaying pretty good. I'd be afraid of the bikes bouncing of my tailgate or bumper. I will need to get a 3 bike capacity one.

Anybody that has had experience with these please chime in with your thoughts or recommendations. Pics and links always welcomed, thanks.

[Clint]

It depends on which one you buy. Some are very solid and sturdy. Mine is from here. It was not cheap but worth every penny. It's the Glideaway model. You can pull it back far enough to open the tailgate with the bikes in place.
Rackbiz

[BRUTAL]

I have a 4 bike carrier loaded and with and extension so I can have the bed loaded with the tailgate down and use the bed extender for camping trips, and it works fine. Yes they bounce a little bit, but if you secure them properly theyre fine, and trust me my wife has a tricked out Cannondale off road bike, and she acts like shes the only one that can secure it properly

[bungyfish]

I have used them in the past, on a Pathfinder. Ours did sway a bit, but as long as the bikes were secured we never had any problems. 2 bikes survived a 2k road trip w/ the only damage being where one of my tie downs rubbed the paint off the frame (of the bike). If I had to use one again, I would, but it wouldn't be my first choice. Don't remember the brand, and don't have any pictures on this computer. Sorry.
Just my 2 cents.

[Upgraded]

I have a Thule model and it's great. I would suggest buying a locking hitchpin that you can tighten to remove the slack in the reciever. Mine hardley moves. Also, they make them (at least the Thule) stand way out from the rear off the vehicle I'm aaauming to accomidate most anything. I slid mine in the reciever without the hitchpin with a bike on it an moved it about 6 inches closer to the truck. I marked the hole and then re drilled and cut off the excess. this brings the bikes in closer and shortens the amount of the rack stocking out which makes it a bit more stable. Also, the Thile model tilts down to alow you access to the bed even with bikes on. Mine holds 4 bikes.

[Economatic]

Originally Posted by bungyfish

I have used them in the past, on a Pathfinder. Ours did sway a bit, but as long as the bikes were secured we never had any problems. 2 bikes survived a 2k road trip w/ the only damage being where one of my tie downs rubbed the paint off the frame (of the bike). If I had to use one again, I would, but it wouldn't be my first choice. Don't remember the brand, and don't have any pictures on this computer. Sorry.
Just my 2 cents.

That is good to know. I just ordered a Yakima yesterday as I'm moving 3k miles in a couple weeks. I'll have to keep an eye on things. I guess it is a mt bike and I beat the hell out of it on the trail but no need having excess damage.

BTW, if you haven't bought your rack yet I suggest getting it at Discount Truck & Car Racks from ORS Racks Direct: Yakima Racks - Thule Racks - Roof Racks Bike Racks Kayak Canoe Surfboard Snowboard Ski Carriers . The local bike shop quoted me for $230 w/out tax included and I ordered the same rack for $160 with free shipping (it was an overstock item). I've placed a few orders with them in the past and they run a good operation. Just a suggestion

[WeeHooker]

I have one that I've used on 4 different vehicles over 6-7 years with no wear/damage to my bikes or vehicles. ( I got it off off Ebay for about $100 but don't recall the brand name.) It's pretty basic but well built. There is some minor movement in the rack to reciever relationship but not bike to rack. i.e The (3) bikes clamp down firmly in the rack and don't move relitive to the rack or each other. The only other thing I do is bungy the wheels togeather to make sure the handle bars don't swing. It's been a great investment IMHO.

[characterzero]

1. Get one that is "wheel-mount" and not hanging. This will keep you from having problems fitting odd-shaped frames (that don't have a straight top tube) on there.
2. They aren't made for off-roading, this will shorten the life span.
3. Check departure angle with it on and ensure that you know what your new constraints are.
4. You might want to purchase mud flaps for the back to keep debris from damaging bikes back there.
5. Some people have exhaust interference issues, shouldn't be so with our trucks.
6. Get a locking hitch pin
7. Get a cable lock
8. Don't assume that because they are locked that noone will steal them.

Good luck!

[ToddG]

Thanks guys for the info.
I think a wheel mount one would make me feel better than a hanging one.
I saw one this weekend that had a track that the wheels lock down into so the bike sits instead of hanging (in Lowe's parking lot). Never got to talk to the owner. I really didn't want to hang around either looking at it long, didn't want somebody thinking I was scoping out the bikes to heist them. It was a Thule carrier I think.