snoack321

For a 2015 RX 350 would you recommend installing rook rack on the factory rails or go to uhaul install a 2" hitch and install hitch rack?

Which would you recommend and which models if any.

Thanks!

Scott

Randyp1234

I'd think putting a bike up on the roof would be pretty hard.

phlorida

Raoul

Went with Curt hitch, roof was taken.

14RX350

I recently purchase 2 of the new Thule UpRide roof racks for my 2014 Lexus RX350
With the two locks for each rack (lock for rack to car & lock for bike to rack), it came out to about $500 total
The reason I went with the roof rack was because:
1. I do not have a tow hitch.
2. The cost of purchasing and installing a tow hitch + purchasing the bike rack for the hitch.
3. I had read that installing a tow hitch would effect the rear bumper crumple zone and cause increased risk of whiplash if hit there.

The big issue I've had with the new racks is that in order to get the bikes up and down I have to use a step ladder. As you can imagine, it is not very safe carrying bikes up and down a step ladder. I worry about losing my balance and falling off the ladder while holding the bike. I'm 32 yrs old, just to give you some perspective. I have got it down where I put the bikes up and take them down very slowly/carefully, making sure I have complete balance before taking my next step and then I feel safe. But it is still not fun. I've also got a good step ladder with nice big steps and a bar to lean on (which of course needs to be carried in the car though).
I'm 5' 10", so if you're tall maybe you could do it without the ladder.

Something else to think about is that the roof rack bars on the Lexus are curved, so the rack/bike lean to the side. At first this made me nervous, but the bikes are actually secured very well.

The wind noise has of course increased some, but it's actually not bad in my opinion. I put a few small foam pads where a few movable pieces of the rack sit on one another, so there is no rattles from up there at least.

The Thule OutRide might be a better option, as that one you take the wheels off, so the bike would be lighter and smaller. I still don't know if you could get it up there without a step ladder though.

I do like how stable the bikes are up there.
And I do like how I can open and close the trunk and how my vision isn't impaired.
I just wish there was a safer way to get the bikes up and down...

Raoul

The hitch mount requires turning off the 'Parking Assist', the bikes make it go crazy.
With the roof mount I do see the potential for two additional passengers.

lexuscanuk

Ya, I have a Yakima swing bike rack and I hate that the sensor goes crazy even when I don't have any racks on it. But I would not want to put my bikes on the roof because
1.- I don't want to carry 3 bikes up there and having to take a step ladder every time (also limits space on trunk)
2.- Don't want to keep reminding myself to not go on low ceiling places

For me, I will live with the sensors going crazy. I can swing the bike-rack out of the way if I need to open the trunk door. I wish there was a button to turn off the park assist just for the rear side tho

Great pics by the way.

14RX350

Thanks!
Those are some good points.
1. Definitely would not want to try and fit 3 bikes up there. 2 is the max.
2. I park the car outside, but if I parked it in the garage I definitely would not have gotten them. I've seen pics of people forgetting to take the bikes down... It's not pretty. I still need to remember they're up there anyways though as there's still places like drive thru's, parking garages, etc... that have low ceilings.

Seems there's no perfect option, but I think your setup makes the most sense.

jeffdiver1

I just bought a new to me 2015 RX 350 - Love It! Now I'm looking for a bike rack for 3-4 bikes. Does anybody have any recommendations (positive or negative)? Apologies in advance if this has been asked and answered but I couldn't find it.