hitch mount rack for cross country travel

[MollyJ]

This is what I have and I really like. Held my bike rock stable and I would trust it for distance travel.

Swagman XTC-2 a 2 bike platform carrier. Got it at my LBS.

http://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Bike-R...an/S64670.html

With the bikes off the carrier, you can access stuff in the back of your vehicle, which also would be handy.

[skinimini]

Decided to go with the Thule T2 XTR. It was available at my favorite LBS, and there's nothing like being able to evaluate something firsthand. It is truly a heavyweight, but my bikes will be secure. All that upper body work at the gym will finally pay off!

[lgibster]

Swagman G2. VERY easy to use and I drove 10 hours with my bike along all types of roads and no problems. Not sure if the back hatch would clear the rack, but my tailgate on my truck does. The hook that sits on the tube is padded and I have had NO issues with the pressure applied to my carbon frame (because it doesn't take much) because the wheel straps keep the bike from moving too much. I will say you will need to buy some lock washers to go between the knobs and the trays since they WILL vibrate off if you don't have them (lost two on the way home from the LBS the first time). Wish they would include lock washers with the rack, but then I guess they couldn't sell the replacement knobs. They include a cable that you lock to the hitch pin so you don't need an extra lock, just the one that locks the end of the hitch pin. Most stable rack I have ever used.

[colorisnt]

Yeah, I would steer clear of the stick up. It's what my Dad has on his truck. It's not a bad rack, really, at all but it's not great for what you need. I like my cheapy $75.00 rack but I don't have a carbon frame, just a fork. My bike doesn't need to be babied that much. It comes down so I can leave it on my car during trips no problem or just take it off. I really would love one of those platform racks. I have a 1.25'' on mine, I think. I have a kia soul. I don't haul anything with it but the bike rack is SO nice. I paid about $150.00 to get it installed. It was really easy to do. Great for long car trips.