Bike Carrier for Prado - recommendations

[mtbrider]

Looking for recommendations for a tow ball bike carrier for Prado preferrably to carry 4 bikes.

Which ones should I avoid so as not to hit spare wheel.

Had a look at Thule and Ezigrip (from NZ).

[ChArMs_RT142]

maybe you should go to a toyo dealer and get there advice? or even a bike shop?

[mtbrider]

Thanks. They no nothing. Just sell you what they have. Thanks anyway

[lc120_man]

I use Rhino Rack whihc attaches to hayman reese style towbar. They also have one which attaches to the spare wheel.

Rhino Rack Link

[2ndPrado]

Not sure of specific models, but look for one that attaches to the Hayman Reece towbar (not one that attaches to the towball) - it will be much stronger.

From experience, make sure you get one that can be tilted down (ie: without removing the bike carrier, you can remove a pin and swing the carrier towards the ground). Without this, you won't be able to open the back door (even when the bikes are removed).

I bought a carrier (which didn't swing, thus my advice) from a bike store some years ago.

(Also, remember you may need to get a number plate made for the carrier, if the bikes obscure the Prado number plate ... you can get these from VicRoads (see their website) - I think they're about $30).

[michaelweare]

I have just done this exercise for my 2006 model Prado.

After much research ended up buying the Hayman-Reese fitted Thule Hitching Post Pro (4 Bikes -- Model BA 934 XT) with the optional no sway cages.

I haven't had 4 bikes on yet (only 2), but there is heaps of room and this thing is tough. I also like the way it can be tilted down to open the rear door without complete removal of the rack.

The securing straps are also dead simple to use and really secure the bikes in a tidy fashion without marking the frame or getting in the way of cables.

You can see more details at :

http://www.thule.com.au/products.php

and select "Hitch Mount Receivers" for a PDF.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

Michael