How to Carry 4 Bikes on a 2006 Scion xB that has a Class I Curt Trailer Hitch Installed

Expert Reply:

The trailer hitches for the 2006 Scion xB, including Curt hitch # C11487, can only handle a maximum of 2 bikes. Both bike rack manufacturers and hitch manufacturers agree on that point. The issue is not that it is too much weight but how far that weight is from the receiver. A third and subsequent bikes will be far enough from the receiver to increase the stress and leverage on it which can damage the hitch, vehicle, and bike rack.

Curt also says you have to use stabilization strap # 18050 when using this hitch for any non-trailer load (such as a bike rack or cargo carrier) per their warranty requirements. I have linked the Class I compatible 2-bike racks for you.

To carry more than 2 bikes on your Scion you can use a trunk/hatch mount bike rack such as the Yakima FullBack 3-bike carrier # Y02633. The most bikes you can carry with any trunk mount rack is 3.

The other option is to use a combination of either a 2-bike hitch rack or trunk rack with a roof rack. The most cost-effective roof rack for your xB is from Rhino-Rack using the following parts:

Vortex Aero bars # RRVA137B-2
Feet # RRRLKVA
Fit kit # DK138

Then you could add a bike rack such as the Malone Pilot # MPG2103 (or two of them if you go with a hitch mounted rack and are limited to 2 bikes). With these racks you will not have to remove the front tires to load the bikes.