[Whason]

Hello all,

I am planning on doing a trip with 5 people in my Grand Caravan minivan, and have a 2 inch hitch. I am trying to figure out how to carry 5 bikes without having to purchase roof rack stuff. Anybody have any thoughts on this? I would consider renting a trailer, but it will effect our ability to go off road.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Joe_Re]

Both Thule and Yakima make 5 bike racks that will fit a 2" receiver.

 

[Bacons]

North Shore Racks makes a 6-bike model... North Shore Racks
Note... only works for large crowned fork (mountain) bikes. I use the NSR-4 and love it.

 

[titusquasi]

2nd on NSR. No rack comes close. If you want to carry up to 6 mountain bikes simply and efficiently...there are no comparisons.

 

[Tha Dawg Catcher]

Hello all,

Grand Caravan minivan

And you don't think this will effect your ability to go "off road"?

 

[Jayem]

And you don't think this will effect your ability to go "off road"?

Yep, 5 bikes on a rack that can actually carry 5 bikes is a lot of weight on the rear of a vehicle, a lot more than the tongue weight of a trailer. Your rear suspension is going to be way overloaded, transferring more stress to the frame, rack, and bikes. I don't think that setup will last long off road. Most trucks do better with this because they already have stiffer springs in the rear (for carrying stuff in the bed), but I don't think anyone would recommend this as a good idea...