hitch receiver bike rack-thule helium 3

[corleykj]

The below information should be helpful for those considering a purchase on a hitch mount bike rack...

I have done some reading on hitch receiver bike racks on this forum and other websites. People recommended Kuat, north shore (don't mtn bike much, so that won't work for me), yakima (I normally can get 40% new from a company I work with). But I decided on the Thule Helium 3 bike rack that has integrated locks (both cable for bikes and hitch), is aluminum so it won't be as heavy when I leave it on all the time.

The initial review--Awesome. It allows the rack to be loaded with bikes, and I can access the rear window hatch and drop the tailgate without lowering the rack. This will be super convenient for me to leave on most of the summer (switched from a truck, so convenience of hauling bikes is something I really want!)

I will attach a couple pictures without bikes on it so you can see what it would look like.

 

[corleykj]

Pics adjusted

Not sure why my mac does this when I get pics off my gmail...from my iphone. I think I have them adjusted.

 

[Tahomatom]

That looks pretty narrow for lowering the tailgate.

Can you post a pic with it open. The wifey need to put the stroller in the back and I dont want to have to take the rack on and off all the time.

A pic I could show her would pretty much let me go buy one this weekend.

 

[corleykj]

I will post a pic, but it has a bike on it right now. I might remove it if I get a sec and take another pic for you. it also has a quick drop lever so it drops out of the way. I will take pics of it being used in diff positions for you. We have a big jog stroller, that we haul around alot, and my wife takes the cruiser a lot, and think it will work great for our needs.

 

[corleykj]

Here is some more pics.

 

[Tahomatom]

Thanks for the extra pics. Puttin this one on my list with the Kuat.

 

[corleykj]

I was considering the Kuat Sherpa and Beta, but decided to go with Thule's large company for some features that maybe some smaller companies might not be able to offer. I really like the integrated cable lock, and lockable snug hitch. I like the kuat's though, and would think they are a great product, maybe better than the Thule?

I have welded a few steel bike and roof racks, and that is kind of why I steered a away from Kuat, was just a smaller company, and I wanted the R and D benefits of a large company. Just a mental thing for me on this purchase.

But the Kuats are way cool. You will be good either way.

 

[TeCKis300]

Did you consider the Yakima Highlite 3? It's also aluminum and has just about the same features as you mentioned for yours. I think I need to do the same, which is to swing it down to access either the upper and lower liftgates.

I use mine for my tandem. Will have to snap a pic sometime.

 

[montanacruiser161]

Just curious why not take one tire off and mount it on the roof? You can get about three or four for that price and then NO interference with the back.

 

[corleykj]

Just curious why not take one tire off and mount it on the roof? You can get about three or four for that price and then NO interference with the back.

I had trays on top of my tacoma, and am not that impressed on its convenience for around town bike hauling. Since I am plannning on doing roof racks, or mounts at some point, I wanted the convenience of a hitch style rack for 90% of my hauling. I don't like having to mount the front wheel for transport, or store inside with dog, or crap rolling around it. Again, this is my solution for around town quick trips where I need to haul the bike. I think roof racks work great, and am saving up to get a couple for on top.

 

[smuck007]

I had a RockyMount TieRod on the roof of my 1999 LC attached to the factory bars. This setup was a little bit too wobbly with my mountain bike loaded up (no problem with my road bike). It was also pain whenever I needed to pull into the low-ceiling garage at work. Ended up getting a Yakima HoldUp Platform that I love, although it does interfere with opening the back when loaded.

However, I recently sold the 99LC and bought a 05LX470 with the factory tow in the bumper (rather than below it). I need to remove the spare tire to slide and lock the pin into the Holdup.

 

[montanacruiser161]

I had trays on top of my tacoma, and am not that impressed on its convenience for around town bike hauling. Since I am plannning on doing roof racks, or mounts at some point, I wanted the convenience of a hitch style rack for 90% of my hauling. I don't like having to mount the front wheel for transport, or store inside with dog, or crap rolling around it. Again, this is my solution for around town quick trips where I need to haul the bike. I think roof racks work great, and am saving up to get a couple for on top.

I had a RockyMount TieRod on the roof of my 1999 LC attached to the factory bars. This setup was a little bit too wobbly with my mountain bike loaded up (no problem with my road bike). It was also pain whenever I needed to pull into the low-ceiling garage at work. Ended up getting a Yakima HoldUp Platform that I love, although it does interfere with opening the back when loaded.

However, I recently sold the 99LC and bought a 05LX470 with the factory tow in the bumper (rather than below it). I need to remove the spare tire to slide and lock the pin into the Holdup.

Right on guys I was just wondering, we used to put heavy down hill bikes on the roof of a 4runner but used the Yakima Highroller... maybe a bit overkill for a road bike.

 

[TeCKis300]

Got around to taking some pics.

The Yakima Highlite 3 needs to be lowered [STRIKE]just the same[/STRIKE] to access either top or bottom hatches:

 

[corleykj]

I might have been confusing above. With my 99 land cruiser and a Thule helium 3 rack I do not have to lower the arm to access the top window or tail gate...which is awesome. Due to the wording of the above post I wanted to clarify.

I really liked the Yakima highlight and would have picked it up but got set on te Thule for some reason (came with a hitch lock and bike cable lock that locked the bike in any spot, not just the furthest one out which one Yakima did (not sure it was the highlite)

Enjoy the bike rack!

 

[TeCKis300]

^Ah. That's an important distinction as it will make all the difference in the world when the rack is fully loaded. I can tip it with one bike on and it's not too bad, but with 3 bikes, it would be a heavy weight to swing back. Though one could easily modify the Yakima by drilling a hole in the part that fits in the hitch to get that extra inch of clearance.

The Yakima does come with a hitch and bike lock. Bike lock cable can lock all bikes.

 

[AimCOtaco]

Thanks for posting, I've been keeping my eye out for a hitch rack for 3-4 bikes. Without your post, I had assumed the window was never opening. Opening the window and the gate is sweet!

 

[uzj100]

No matter which rack you buy, you have to purchase a BLC (bike life changer) or 18 inch hitch extension. This makes biking so much easier. From getting ready, sitting on the tailgate, getting to bike gear, putting on shoes, pumping up tires, getting out of shoes and nasty gear, etc.

The 18 inch extension can be purchased from Harbor Freight or Northern Tool. Best $31 I ever spent on biking.

Got the Yakima swing daddy off craigslist for half price. I did have to buy the Yakima load bar for the Epic.

Picture 3 is the WRC sticker that I have had for years and never knew what to put it on.