Bike Rack on 6th gen 4Runner - post your setups / recommendations

[ExploreTheWorld]

I just installed a couple of Rocky Mountain roof racks on the stock crossbars. I underestimated the height and the effort required to lift a 35 pound bike to get it up on the rack. A step stool is definitely needed! Full roof rack coming soon and probably a widdle ladder so I can just stand up there and have someone hand me the bikes. I have a hitch mounted carrier for 4 bikes as well as I often have to carry 5 bikes when we ride as a family, but it is heavy and a pain so it typically stays in the basement until I need to carry more than two. BTW, black rack with blue accents looks pretty slick on a blackedout heritage blue runner!

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[Larry-O]

I just installed a couple of Rocky Mountain roof racks on the stock crossbars. I underestimated the height and the effort required to lift a 35 pound bike to get it up on the rack. A step stool is definitely needed! Full roof rack coming soon and probably a widdle ladder so I can just stand up there and have someone hand me the bikes. I have a hitch mounted carrier for 4 bikes as well as I often have to carry 5 bikes when we ride as a family, but it is heavy and a pain so it typically stays in the basement until I need to carry more than two. BTW, black rack with blue accents looks pretty slick on a blackedout heritage blue runner!

My EV is much heavier than 35 lbs, I'll pass on that rack.

 

[LostInAZ]

My EV is much heavier than 35 lbs, I'll pass on that rack.

Yeah, mine too. It is pushing 60lbs and I seriously doubt I can lift it over my head that high.

 

[mfoga]

1 Up USA rack. Has been on last 3 vehicles. I like them as the single allows me To open liftgate without doing anything. I can add 2 more racks as needed.

 

[Ruck n’Roll]

Pakmule Scout!
Using it to tote the bike around and a general purpose utility rack (gas cans, coolers, camping gear, etc.)

 

[KenJones]

I'm surprised no one has mention the Quikr Mach2. It is pretty darn expensive, but I think it worth it. It does not have some of the issues that are being mentioned here. Super solid with great features.

It easily mounts and locks down. It comes as a single, but then you add up to three addons. Plus, an available ramp. Here it is easily handling a 50 lb + Ebike. When another rack is installed, it also handles her nearly identical heavy bike. In my rear-view dashcam, I can see there is no movement of the rake, but the normal movement of the bike, like all tire-only style racks. It moves but it's not going anywhere.

Quikr is founded by the same guy who started 1-up. He took his designs and improved on just about everything. I still have 3 1-up racks that I use on my pickup. (mounted as roof racks on a solid tonneau cover/lid.)

Anyway, this is a buy once/ cry once type of item, but in my opinion, well worth it.

 

[lawn_wrangler]

Seems like 1UP is the forum favorite, but I've used Saris SuperClamp racks for years and love them. Here's why:

- Infinitely adjustable: I've carried every combination of adult mountain, road, gravel and hybrids and kid MTBs and single speeds down to 16" wheels (maybe smaller...I just don't recall). So with a few minutes of Tetris-like adjustments, you're ready to go
- Super fast loading and unloading b/c you just click the clamps down on the wheels. They include wheel straps l, but you rarely need them (only for a bike too small to clamp both wheels--then you clamp the front wheel and strap the back)
- No wheel or frame contact (other than noted above for small bikes) so no worries with carbon frames or carbon wheels
- Short, and low-profile. Because it hold 4 bikes on two crossbars, it only extends a few feet from the back of the vehicle and can be folded up without blocking your rear window
- Tilts down for access to rear hatch
- Also: great customer service, warranty and Made in USA

Caveats: my racks are the previous two generations, so I don't have any experience with the new ones. But I trust the company to keep making smart design improvements. My trays have 60 lb max capacity for the inner two, then 40 lbs for the outer two; that was before the e-bike boom. And I did have to buy an extra long hitch pin.

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