sg248

Hi,

I have a 2004 RX330 and am looking for a rear-loading bike rack to carry up to three bikes. The dealer offered a roof-mounted rack but I am worried about driving into my garage with the bike on top and ripping the roof off! The car doesn't have a hitch. Any suggestions greatly appreciated!

Sachin

bob2200

Definitely get a hitch, and then use a hitch-mounted bicycle rack. There are a lot of options. Check out the archives for hitch options.

bob2200

I just noticed that you're new to posting on the CL forum. I searched on the keywords "RX330" and "hitch" where it says "search the forums" and found plenty of information.

If you feel like bolting a hitch on yourself, I'd check out the price of a Lexus hitch at www.irontoad.com in Pennsylvania. I'd guess it would be in the $200-$250 range. You obviously don't need the wiring harness if you're only going to use the hitch to hold a bike rack.

LuvRX330

I recently installed a Draw Tite 75153 tubular hitch for use with my Yakima rear mount bike rack (available with 1-3 bike saddles) on the back of my RX330. The two-bike rack works perfectly with the hitch and includes a feature whereby you can lower the rack arm so that you can open the rear hatch of the RX330 without having to remove the rack. The hitch and rack are very sturdy yet the rack is easily removed from the hitch with a socket wrench which I keep in the car. Additionally, there are security locks you can buy to keep others from removing and walking away with your bikes or the rack. I used a roof-mounted bike rack on a Honda Odyssey prior to buying the RX330 and never again!! Not only is it more difficult to mount the bikes up onto the roof rack, I have found the system not very sturdy. I recommend the hitch-Yakima rack approach.

Vince
So. Cal.