Whether going for a leisurely ride in the park or a more adventurous expedition, a reliable bike rack for your Toyota Prado ensures you always have your bike with you.
Bike racks come in various styles, with hitch-mounted, roof-mounted, and trunk-mounted options being the most common. Based on extensive testing and research, here’s my shortlist of the best bike racks for Prado owners.
The 3 Best Bike Racks for Prado Owners in 2023
Discover the top bike racks for your Prado. These selections will help make your next cycling adventure convenient and enjoyable (paid links).
- Highly compatible with 90% of top-selling vehicles, including those with spoilers
- Lightweight yet robust, with a 3-bike capacity
- The unique arc-based design separates bikes on different levels, ensuring no contact with the car's spoiler.
- Easy assembly and disassembly for convenience
- Unique hook adjustment system for secure bike holding
- Compatible with most bike frames and wheel sizes ranging from 20" to 26."
- Compact and easy to store
- Adjustable straps for a secure fit
- Protects vehicle with padded legs.
Saris Bones EX 3-Bike Rack: Versatile and Stylish
The Saris Bones EX 3-Bike Rack stands out due to its versatility, strength, and style, making it a fantastic option for Prado owners who frequently transport bikes.
The Saris Bones EX 3-Bike Rack stands out due to its versatility, strength, and style, making it a fantastic option for frequently transporting up to 3 bicycles.
- Highly compatible with 90% of top-selling vehicles, including those with spoilers
- Lightweight yet robust, with a 3-bike capacity
- The unique arc-based design separates bikes on different levels, ensuring no contact with the car's spoiler.
- The initial assembly can be slightly challenging
- Requires additional straps or bungee cords to secure front wheels
- Optimum stability is achieved when carrying no more than two adult bikes.
The lightweight construction meant attaching and removing the Saris Bones EX 3 bike rack from the Prado was hassle-free, while the arc-based frame ensured each bike was secure and separated from the other and the vehicle.
Not only did this protect the bikes, but it also preserved the car’s paintwork.
Crafted in the USA with high-quality, recyclable materials, this bike rack is designed for longevity. It features a strap management system and quick-loading premium bike hold-downs, making securing your bikes simple.
However, you might need additional straps or bungee cords to prevent the front wheels from moving during transit. I found this out during a particularly windy drive down the coast, but it was smooth sailing once I added the extra straps.
MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack: Durable and Easy-To-Use
Considering a durable, easy-to-use bike rack for your Prado? The MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack is an excellent choice for its versatility and secure design.
The MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack is an excellent choice for its versatility and secure design.
- Easy assembly and disassembly for convenience
- Unique hook adjustment system for secure bike holding
- Compatible with most bike frames and wheel sizes ranging from 20" to 26."
- The rubber on the upper hooks may crack from weather exposure
- Not advisable for use on trailers or RVs due to increased stress
- Maximum distributed weight capacity is 75 lbs., or up to 40 lbs. per bike.
Upon assembling the MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack, I noticed its sturdy construction and easy installation.
It features two foam-padded hooks and adjustable bike tire cradles, ensuring your bikes are secure and scratch-free while on the go. The vertical post can be removed for compact storage, making it convenient for users with limited space.
The MaxxHaul 50027 is designed to fit Class III and IV standard 2″ hitch receivers, making it compatible with various vehicles, including your Prado.
The hitch tightener/anti-rattle stabilizer reduces rattling and play, ensuring a smoother, more comfortable ride for your bikes.
The only drawback is that it may not be suitable for mounting bikes on trailers or RVs due to the increased stress from bouncing and swaying.
Allen Sports Ultra Compact Folding 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, Model MT2-B: Budget Pick
The Allen Sports Ultra Compact Folding 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack is ideal for a secure, portable, and affordable bike rack solution.
The Allen Sports Ultra Compact Folding 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack is ideal for a secure, portable, and affordable bike rack solution.
- Compact and easy to store
- Adjustable straps for a secure fit
- Protects vehicle with padded legs.
- It may not fit all vehicle types
- Limited to carrying two bikes
- Warranty not applicable for third-party sellers.
When choosing a bike rack for your Toyota Prado, you want something secure, easy to install, and won’t damage your vehicle. The Allen Sports Ultra Compact Folding 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack checks all those boxes while being incredibly portable and affordable.
One feature that sets this rack apart is its compact nature.
It folds up small enough to fit in a carrying bag or even a backpack, making it perfect for traveling and commuting. The three padded legs rest against your vehicle to minimize the risk of damage, while the three adjustable security straps provide a snug and secure fit. Tying down your bikes is simple with the included tie-downs and padding, which keep your bikes securely in place without rocking or making contact with your vehicle.
Installation was a breeze with the Allen Sports Ultra Compact Folding 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack. It arrived fully assembled, and I set it up and installed it in just a few moments.
While the Allen Sports Ultra Compact Folding 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack does have its limitations – namely, the maximum capacity of two bikes and restricted warranty coverage when purchased through third-party sellers – its affordability, portability, and ease of use make it a top contender for the best bike rack for your Prado.
Prado Bike Rack Buying Guide
When looking for the best bike rack for your Prado, there are a few critical factors to consider. Here are the things I look for when choosing a rack:
Material
Choose a bike rack made of durable and rust-resistant materials. Aluminum and steel are two standard options, with aluminum being lighter and steel offering more sturdiness. Compare their pros and cons, and see which suits your needs better.
Capacity
Determine how many bikes you need to transport. Bike racks come in various capacities, ranging from single bike carriers to holding up to five bicycles. Always check the weight capacity and make sure your bikes don’t exceed the limit.
Mounting Options
There are three main mounting options to consider:
- Roof mount: These racks attach to the roof of your car. They offer excellent stability but may be harder to load and unload bikes due to their height. Be mindful of how this option can affect your Prado’s aerodynamics and fuel consumption.
- Hitch mount: Hitch-mounted racks are popular and easiest to use. Note your vehicle’s hitch size and opt for a compatible rack.
- Trunk mount: These racks attach to the rear of your car via straps and hooks. They’re usually more affordable but can limit access to your trunk.
Rack Features
Some features can make a difference in your experience:
- Locking Mechanism: Look for bike racks with built-in locking mechanisms to secure your bikes from theft.
- Tilting Function: A rack with a tilting function can provide easy access to your trunk, even when the frame is loaded.
- Padding: Ensure the rack has proper padding to protect your bikes and vehicle from scratches or damage.
My Verdict: Which Prado Bike Rack is Best?
In summary, the Saris Bones EX 3-Bike Rack is an excellent investment for Prado owners who value their bike racks’ versatility, ease of use, and durability. With its high compatibility and unique design, transporting your bikes has never been easier.
The MaxxHaul 50027 Hitch Mount Bike Rack is a reliable and secure choice for transporting your bikes on your Prado. Its adjustability and compatibility with various bike sizes make it an excellent investment for any cycling enthusiast.
The Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack is a reliable, easy-to-use option. Its ease of installation, padded protection, and ability to fold flat for storage make it a worthwhile purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do spare wheel bike racks work on a Prado?
Spare wheel bike racks attach to your Prado’s rear-mounted spare tire, providing a secure location for carrying bikes without obstructing access to the rear door. They usually include adjustable arms with straps that loop around the spare wheel and cradles to hold the bikes in place.
Which Thule bike rack is best suited for a Prado?
Thule offers various bike racks suitable for your Prado. The Thule VeloSpace XT 3, Thule Outway Platform, and Thule 963PRO Spare Me are options worth considering.
When choosing a Thule bike rack, focus on compatibility, mounting preference (roof, hitch, or spare wheel), and the number of bicycles you plan to carry. Also, consider the dimensions of your bike and accessibility features like tilt and folding options.
What factors should I consider when choosing a bike rack for my Prado?
When selecting a bike rack for your Prado, consider your preferences regarding mounting style (roof, hitch, or spare wheel), ease of installation and removal, security features, the number of bikes you plan to transport, and weight capacity.
Additionally, consider whether the bike rack is compatible with your bike’s dimensions and if it allows access to the vehicle’s trunk or rear door.
Are off-road bike racks suitable for a Prado?
Off-road bike racks can be suitable for a Prado if they are designed for off-road vehicles and compatible with the specific make and model. Verify that the stand is robustly constructed to withstand rough terrain and is securely mounted to avoid damage to your bike or vehicle.
How do hitch-mounted bike racks perform on a Prado?
Hitch-mounted bike racks typically perform well on a Prado. They offer a balance between ease of installation, security features, and accessibility to the rear of your vehicle when needed. The stability of the hitch-mounted bike rack is dependent on the quality of the hitch receiver and a secure connection to the Prado.
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