The four tray carriers are REALLY big. The protrude really far out, and when folded, go up a lot vertically.
I have a four bike hanging carrier, and have carried four bikes (three + a Burly Piccolo) on it. But it was a chore to pack them. Luckily it's for a long drive, then drop off and stay for a week. If it was for a quick day ride, it would not be fun at all. Cheers, David "it isn't a contest. Just enjoy the ride." - Seth Vidal On Wed, Mar 19, 2014 at 4:35 PM, djbardwil <[email protected]> wrote: > Erl - > > I've had trunk mounted carriers and roof-rack mounted carriers but last > year I picked up a 2-bike carrier made by Saris that mounts into my > Forester's 1 1/4" trunk hitch. I always felt like the trunk mounted racks > were flimsy and the roof mounted rack (Yakima) was solid but hoisting the > bikes on the roof was a chore. The Saris is well made, sturdy and easy to > use / adjust and not a bad choice for 2 bikes on a hitch. The mount has an > adapter allowing you to use a 2" hitch as well. > > You are looking to accommodate four bikes and I tend to agree that a 2" > hitch would be more assuring. Saris is coming out with a four bike mount > with some nice features that may be worth a wait: > > > http://www.saris.com/en/bike-racks/vehicle-racks/hitch-racks/freedom-superclamp-4-bike.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage_images.tpl&product_id=279&category_id=8 > > Hope that helps. > David > > On Wednesday, March 19, 2014 7:07:13 PM UTC-4, Ray Shine wrote: > >> I use a platform carrier for two adult bikes. I like it a lot. My advice >> is to absolutely go with a 2"receiver for hauling 4 bikes. That is a lot. >> also, on a smaller car like the Subaru, consider a riser for the receiver >> that will lift the rack another 4 to 6 inches. With a load of bikes >> sticking that far out in back, you will encounter scraping when driving in >> and out of pitched driveways into gas stations and elsewhere. the riser >> will go a long way toward eliminating that. Also, some states will be picky >> about using any sort of bike cover that obscures the tail lights of the >> vehicle. A small car like a suaru is one such car that would be problematic >> in that regard. >> >> >> ------------------------------ >> *From:* WETH <[email protected]> >> *To:* [email protected] >> *Sent:* Wednesday, March 19, 2014 3:31 PM >> *Subject:* [RBW] Hanging vs Platform Hitch Bike Carriers >> >> Apologies if this has been discussed in a thread missed by my addled >> brain and weary eyes. >> For some upcoming family bike adventures, I am in the market for a hitch >> mounted bike carrier for my Subaru Forester. It must hold four (4) >> adult-size steel-frame bikes most with albatross bars. I am leaning toward >> a platform carrier as they seem to hold the bikes further apart and appear >> easier to load. They seem to extend further rearward than hanging carriers >> do. Also, it appears, from reviews I have read, that hanging carriers >> hold one fewer bike than advertised. Much like a tent comfortably holds 1 >> fewer person than advertised. So, I would be comparing a 5 bike capacity >> hanging carrier with a 4 bike capacity platform carrier. >> Am I on or off base with the above? Any advice or suggestions on hitch >> mounted racks that can accommodate 4 bikes? Personal experiences with >> platform vs hanging? >> As always I appreciate the wisdom and experience of this group. >> Thanks, Erl >> PS: I have a Yakima roof mounted carrier system on my car, but my back >> dislikes the reach to the roof of the taller Subaru. >> >> -- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >> "RBW Owners Bunch" group. >> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an >> email to [email protected]. >> To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. >> >> Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. >> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. >> >> >> -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "RBW Owners Bunch" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to [email protected]. > To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. > Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
