The Toyota 4Runner is a great car, and it shines more when you’re doing off-roading. But better still, there is an explored option if you own one and love biking too.
The joy of having your bike and car is probably unexplainable. However, don’t let this joy be cut short because of a bike car rack. If you have been having trouble finding the best from the hundreds, your search will end after reading this article.
Whether you love it on top or hurled, the options are plenty. But before reviewing the best bike racks for your Toyota 4Runner, let’s compare the two types of racks.
Types of Bike Racks For Your Toyota 4Runner
Although a Toyota 4Runner is a great vehicle that can tow quite a bit, the racks are two types. Therefore, you need to decide whether to tow or carry on the roof.
Roof Racks versus Hitch
While roof racks are ideal for carrying bikes, they are not as secure as other racks. The hitch and trunk racks offer more security because the bikes are attached via metal hooks. A roof rack will hold your bike by its wheels, allowing the bike to slip out if you drive over a bumpy road or have to make sudden stopping maneuvers.
This is not an issue with trunk racks or hitch racks because they have metal hooks that connect directly to the bike’s frame.
Roof racks are easy to install but may be difficult to remove when you no longer need them on your vehicle. It’s best to use a special tool called a hex key wrench to loosen each bolt before taking it off your roof rack.
Roof racks also offer easy loading and unloading compared with other bike carriers. This is because they aren’t any complicated steps involved. Just drive up next to your car or truck and place bikes onto their respective mounts before closing both doors behind them
With this convenience comes less aerodynamics, though depending on how many bikes you plan on carrying at once, then consider whether having one less thing protruding from your car might actually be worth it
And now to the best bike racks for your Toyota 4Runner.
1. Hyperax Volt eco – 2 E-Bike Mounted Bike Rack Carrier
The rack also has unique features making it stand out from other brands. The rack has a 120-pound load capacity and can carry up to two heavy bikes.
Another feature that makes this rack one of the best bike racks for Toyota 4Runner is its quick-release mechanism. This allows you to remove and replace the rack easily. You can also adjust its height and width according to your vehicle’s specifications to fit perfectly on your car without causing any damage to either one or both items involved in transporting bikes using this product.
2. Retrospec Lenox Car Rack
The rack is made from high-quality steel and aluminum and measures 27 by 14 by 4 inches. The 5-rack, 4-rack, 3-rack, and 2-rack have a load capacity of 170, 140, 110, and 80 pounds, respectively.
Further, it is easy to assemble, is secure as it has security bindings, and lasts long. Additionally, it has a compact design and can be removed and folded when not in use.
3. IKURAM 4 Bike Rack Bicycle Carrier Racks
Some of its features include.
- It can hold up to 4 bikes at once.
- The rack comes with anti-wobble locks for added security.
- There are also rubber pads on the bottom of the frame that protect your vehicle from scratches and dents.
- The rack has adjustable straps that allow you to fit any bike frame size, from small to large frames.
- The whole rack is lightweight and easy to install, so you can take it off when needed or store it away when not in use.
- Lifetime warranty
4. Venzo 2 Bike Bicycle Platform Style Carrier
It has an extra heavy- all-steel construction that makes it durable. The rack also comes with anti-wobble straps to prevent your bike from swaying while driving. The bike rack can hold two bikes with a maximum weight capacity of 45 pounds per bike.
It is also easy to install, thanks to its universal design. You will not need any tools to install this bike rack in your car. Once installed, you can easily lock the bikes on the frame using the included lock mechanism.
The rack also comes with an integrated cable lock for added security. The cable lock secures both wheels on each side of the frame, so there is no chance of theft or damage to your bike during transit.
5. MaxxHaul 70210 Hitch Mount Bike Rack
It has a lightweight design, making it portable and easy to use. It also has a sturdy construction and a retractable frame to accommodate up to 4 bikes.
Some of the exciting features of this product are
- Sturdy Construction – The MaxxHaul 70210 Hitch Mount Bike Rack comes with sturdy construction, making it durable and long-lasting. It can withstand harsh weather conditions such as rain or snow without getting damaged quickly.
- Lightweight Design – The rack weighs only 25 pounds, making it easy to carry around. You can easily lift it from your trunk or hitch it when needed.
- Retractable Frame – This feature makes it easy for you to load your bikes onto the rack quickly without needing any tools at all. You just need to pull out the frame and place your bike on top of it before locking it back in place again using the provided straps
- Fits 2-inch receivers
6. Thule Helium Pro Hitch Mount Bike Rack
Also, it has an automatic locking system that keeps your bikes secure as you drive down the road. Its mainframe and fork holders are made of sturdy aluminum, which means they can hold up to 3 bikes. This model comes with four rubberized cradles that protect your bike frames from scratches while they’re on the rack.
And if you need more room in your car, each cradle can be adjusted to fit any size frame. Other features that you will love include;
- It fits most mountain and hybrid bikes
- It has a one-touch lever for easy removal from the vehicle and attachment to carrier arms
- It has a hitch pin lock that secures carrier arms to the vehicle hitch receiver
- Lifetime warranty
- Easy to use, plus an instruction manual
7. Thule TopRide Rooftop Bike Rack
The rack weighs 7.7 pounds which means it can hold even the heaviest of mountain bikes. The frame mounting system allows for easy installation and removal of the rack from your vehicle. The system also has straps and integrated cable locks to secure your bikes to the rack.
This rack also has anti-sway cradles on each arm that keeps your bike stable while traveling on rough terrain or going over bumps in the road. The cradle arms are adjustable to accommodate different sizes of bikes, including children’s bicycles which are often smaller than adult versions making this rack suitable for both adults and kids alike.
Additionally, it has good ratings on Amazon, and its price ranges from $239.
Conclusion
The bike rack market is flooded with many options available in different models and styles. While some are suitable for almost all vehicles, others are specifically designed for specific vehicle brands and models to provide the best fit. All the racks have pros and cons but are perfect for your Toyota 4Runner. However, your preferences may influence your choice.
