When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have the tow package. Any advice on buying bike racks? I've always just shoved them in the Minivan, but think it's time to get a proper rack. Looking at Thule, Yakima racks for 4 bikes but open to anything. Anything about the Q7 that lends itself to one type/brand vs another?
Get the 2in heavy duty double bike rack. You can then buy 1 or 2 extra bike trays that bolt on (easy, fast, to expand our contact the system). I have mine as a 2-bike rack most of the time, and add up two more when needed.
Awesome advantages to the system are:
1. When the rack is folded up (not being used) it sits just right so the trunk can still open without having to mess with the rack. I doubt you can do that with the Yakima or Thule racks because their trays are farther apart and the system is therefore taller when in the folded position. Being able to open the truck only works in the 2-bike configuration - if you have a 3rd tray on there it will no longer clear. 2. The trays are closer together because the trays are slightly staggered vertically. Also, the bikes are kept in place with arms that compress/hold the tires. You can offset each bike towards the front tire so they get more staggered to allow for handlebar/saddle clearance. My brother and I can't get our mountain bikes to fit on a Yakima rack without moving a saddle or adding a spacer under a tire because the handlebar of one bike hits the saddle of the other. That's never an issue with this rack.
3. Although all these racks are heavy, it is completely manageable in the 2-bike setting and very easy on and off - locking in position with an expansion bolt rather than needing to find the hitch pin.
I bought an ATOC Draftmaster about 20 years ago since wife and I ride a tandem, and still use it today. Ours is configured to hold a tandem and 2 standard bikes. It can be configured to hold 4 standard bikes.
What I like about it is the ability to easily lower it and open the rear hatch without removing the bikes.
I don't have photos of it installed on the Q7, but here are photos on an Escalade I once owned.
I decided to get the 1Up super duty single with an add-on. With the single installed, I can open the hatch and my dog can easily get in and out. The rack sits about Ľ inch from the bumper so it's really compact when not in use. And with the ad-on installed, I can get the hatch open with no problem.
Went with the 1up heavy duty - very easy to install just make sure you don’t put it in too deeply in the hitch receiver. Hatch still opens and closes while the rack in the “up” position
11-11-2017, 09:09 PM
Bike Rack for Q7 Recs?
