Recommendation for Carrying 4 Bikes on BMW 535i

Question:

Can I put 4 bicycles on the Swangman Titan Hitch 4-bike Rack? Because on your video you said you could only use 2 bikes. I have a BMW 535i and need to put 4 bikes. My car doesnt have a hitch yet so I will install one

asked by: Vega

Expert Reply:

The 2015 BMW 5 Series will use a Class I trailer hitch like the Curt trailer hitch # C11381. Due to their limited tongue weight capacity Class 1 trailer hitches are limited to carrying 2 bikes so you won't be able to carry four bikes with the Swagman Titan Bike Rack # S63410. The limited tongue weight capacity (maximum amount of downward force that can be safely applied to the hitch) is one reason, but additional bikes after the first two move the load further rearward away from the receiver tube. As the distance between the load and the receiver tube increases, more and more leverage is applied to the receiver tube. Excessive leverage can damage the hitch or cause the hitch attachment points to the vehicle to fail during use.

To carry an additional two bikes you can add a roof rack.

I recommend going with the Yakima Roof Rack, which consists of Jetstream crossbars, # Y00425, Feet # Y53TR, and Kit # Y00233.

You would then need 2 roof mounted bike racks to install on the crossbars. I recommend the Yakima Viper Roof Mounted Bike Carrier, # Y02098, which is economical and has an easy attachment system for the bikes.

I have attached a video review of the Yakima roof rack and the Viper bike carrier for you to check out.