2013 GL450

I'm particularly curious about the pro's and con's of the hitch mount bike rack versus the roof mount bike rack. Does anyone have one or both and can share the positives and negatives? (difficulty getting the bikes on/off the roof, difficulties parking with a hitch mount, etc)

We have two adult bikes and two children's bikes and park our car in a public garage. I wouldn't mount the bikes IN the garage, so no issues with regard to that for a roof rack. Also, I recognize that I can max out 3 bikes on the roof and only 2 on the rear. The kids' bikes fit in the back seat though that limits any room for anything else. Anyone have any experience and can offer some advice?

Thanks!

wally AMG

For a factory Mercedes Benz hitch bike rack I think you can order an extension adding two more bikes, I believe roof bike rack on a GL is not a good idea because the height of the roof, you don't want to scratch your roof... also I know Yakima have a 4 bike hitch rack just make sure to look for the one you can tilt 45 degrees I guess so you can open the trunk.

Steve Maislin

I use the Saris CycleOn Pro rack and have used it for years. I also have the two bike extension as when we travel with friends we bring four bikes. We are serious road cyclists and our bikes are given the best of care. :-) I would not want to even contemplate trying to get bikes way up on that roof. And, you forget and crush everything if you go under something that is not high enough. Also, the bikes are protected as they sit behind the vehicle instead of being hit by debris while traveling.

http://www.saris.com/en/bike-racks/v...&category_id=8

dave_550

I'm waiting for the Whispbar WB200 to start shipping in a few months... Will let you know how it works...

http://www.pavedmag.com/featured/fresh-whispbar-wb200/

PeterTownsend

Just acquired a 2008 GL with towing option, and deciding which 4-bike hitch rack to purchase for mountain bikes. My only experience has been roof mounted on a lower height mini-van.

The reversing camera seems to offer marginal utility, but prefer not to lose all the view. Will a hitch bike rack block the lens much when the rack arms are folded down and no bikes?

Peter

JimBarnhart

You might want to try the X164 (model years 2007-2012) forum to get more advice specific to your model. The best answer probably applies to either, but there's more history in the X164 forum.

xxGenericSNxx

I have the Thule 916XTR T2 which is a great hitch rack. You don't scratch any bikes because it's a wheel based system vs. the ones that mount on the frame allows for swaying which can damage or scratch the bike. You can also buy an extension for this rack to make it four.

On a tall car like the GL, I would definitely not recommend a roof mounted bike rack, it's way too much of a hassle.

2013 GL450

went with the thule vertex 5 because 1) it installs and uninstalls easily 2) easily holds 4 bikes, two of which are kids' bikes. very stable with no rattle. stores away easily enough.

fabbrisd1

I guess the question here for the rear mounted rack owners - how is is "rear camera view" ?

2013 GL450

It's obstructed as you would expect. But it's still usable because its a wider view. Only the center of the screen is obstructed. Reasonable relative to the alternative of a rooftop tack which, for four bikes, would be too inconvenient. And not worth the scratch risk IMHO.

jnejah

I second the opinion of xxGenericSNxx.

For roof mounting bike carriers, I have both the Thule Sidearm 594XT and the Thule Sprint 569 that we use on a w212 station wagon. I can lift our road bikes that weigh less than 15lbs onto either atop the wagon by myself with ease. At 5'11'', I hesitate a bit to lift a 22 - 25lb mountain bike on the station wagon roof on my own.

There are times when we use our W166's roof top to transport bikes. I need a sturdy step ladder that's about a two feet tall to arrange the bikes on the roof racks by myself but I really prefer a second person to assist.

On the other hand the 916 XTR or another hitch mounted rack is a breeze to use. Putting on the extension on the 916 will let you carry 4 bikes without any hassle other than requiring a longer parking space.

Elric99

Anyone tried a Kuat hitch mount? Been looking at their NV, which seems really nice. Looking for something with that quick, hand-tighten hitch mounting system.

jbattan

I have the Allen Sports Deluxe 5-Bike Hitch Mount Rack. It's very reasonably priced from Amazon and works well.

SmokinReefer

I use a Thule Apex 9027 swing away rack. It's hitch mounted and holds four bikes. Rack folds down when you aren't carrying bikes. And with the swing away option, you can swing the rack out of the way to the right to open the rear hatch.

I've found it very sturdy while putting in thousands of miles with it hanging off the back. Just make sure you get it tight in the hitch. And once you think it's tight, give it shake and tighten some more. It was expensive though.....