Bike rack for mini van?

Question

I have to transport a bike on a road trip and have never done so before. The van (Dodge Grand Caravan) will be loaded and we won't be able to fit it inside.

How do those bike holders on cars work?

Are they permanent and do you have to have them installed?

Or are there ones that you can put on and take off as needed? How much do they run new?

And about how much is installation if it has to be done by a professional?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Does you mini van have a rack on the roof of your car? If  it doesn't you may have to do more work then needed. It depends on where you want your bike. You can have it on the back of your van, or on the roof.

Here are some ideas.

http://www.yakima.com/racks/bike/

Most of Yakimas racks are bicycle compatible. Feel free to browse the site.

Answer 2

I have used 3 different rear racks on my 3 different  (92, 94 02) dodge minivans. Carried two heavy bikes.

( I would be out of town with a LOADED van and find a couple GOOD  deals on bikes and forgot to take my rear rack)

All three racks worked on all three model minivans.

I used the kind that straps to the rear window.

On one model rack combination You might need to get a shorter rear wiper blade, if so Only walmart carries the one you want.

But I had no problems driving about 1000 miles each way.

follow the instructions on mounting the rack, take the seatpost off the bike, us lots of hold down straps to keep the  bike from moving, check all strap tightness after 50 miles and every stop, and Dont use the rear hatch door until you get where you are going.

They  cost about $50 bucks new.  Try your local LBS, Performance Bike, a good sporting goods store.

There are lots of rack models, but since dodge mnivans are sooo popular, most racks will fit on the back of a dodge minvan.

The ones that use the rear trailer hitch are good, but expensive like $150.

The ones on top of the roof I would never use..lowers gas mileage and I fear filling up with gas due to heighth.

Good luck

Answer 3

If your van is equipped with a trailer hitch, look for a hitch mounted rack.

Available thru Yakima, Thule, Saris, Xport.

I just ordered an Xport rack for our new car.

Available thru Performance Bicycle, Bike Nashbar, Amazon.com, and Licktons.