Interior / Exterior Visual TechThis section contains discussion related to visual modifications of the Toyota FJ Cruiser. Some items might include dash kits, roof rack modifications and other visual modifications.
I stayed away from the tire racks because I didnt want to take a chance of bending anything on the door or the door itself. The way I see it, the spare tire holder is designed only to carry the spare tire. My hitch has 500lb toung weight capacity. So I purchased a Yakima Kingpin 4 (hitch rack) and love it. Just finished a 3000 mile roadtrip carrying 3 bikes without any problems whatsoever. The bike arm folds down when no bikes are being carried. The whole rack itself folds down to get the rear door open. Only gripe I have is with the rack folded down you can only get the rear door open to 45 degrees.
Yea, that's a nice rack too. I stayed away from the hitch racks because... well, I don't have a hitch.
I will say however, that you really don't need to worry about the strength of the tire-holder-thingy. I weigh 300lbs. and regularly stand/sit on my spare tire. Also, consider all the people who have substantially heavier wheel/tire combos who hang them off that thing. The weight of the bicycle or two is probably not going to cause any problems. And, as I said in my first post - I drive 2000 miles with two bikes and several overstuffed duffel bags hanging from the thing, no problems.
tiball89 thanks for the review and info. Just got mine at REI (20% off fall coupon) and it works great. Tight fit with the H/T Duellers but it fits and the bike stays on.
__________________ The value of an experience rises exponentially with the risk it poses to your life.
I just won the auction for the older version of this model, Thule 943. I hope the features are not too far from what you describe in your newer version.
I got it brand new for $116 after shipping....no tax.....Ebay
Great review! I have more than two bikes to haul so I went with the Thule Revolver. It swings out so I can still have access to my cargo.
Holy crap!! That is a serious piece of hardware! You could probably have a 55-gal drum of gas on that thing, wowza.
Gotta say though, I'd have that thing dashed to bits on the rocks in no time. If I've got the rear bumper on the ground, and the exhaust pipe all smashed up already, no way that thing would make it. But otherwise, wow that is great!
I installed the THULE 943 last night. It fits the stock "17 with the stock Dunlop on it. It's a little snug so I can't confirm how much thread is in the center bolt supporting the bike rack. The rack and the 10 year old alum mountain bike can't weight more than 30 lbs combined. I don't think I'm causing any damage. I really like being able to access the door without having to remove the bike. I also like the fact it has a lock so it kinda protects the spare tire from theft.
I'm not totally sure if this will work with a larger tire.
Quote:
pokerDawg previously said:
I just won the auction for the older version of this model, Thule 943. I hope the features are not too far from what you describe in your newer version.
I got it brand new for $116 after shipping....no tax.....Ebay
What modifications, if any, were required to get the 963 to mount properly? I just learned that Thule says the rack doesn't fit. By the way this is my first post!
I didn't know there were any issues. Do you have the stock tire spare? The 943 fits and I thought the 963 was not any different except for the fasteners and grips.
This bike racks also works as a tool mount as well Just had to add this...
What modifications, if any, were required to get the 963 to mount properly? I just learned that Thule says the rack doesn't fit. By the way this is my first post!
No modifications necessary on my part. I will admit that it was pretty tight, though. If the tire was 1mm thicker it wouldn't fit. However, they do make a piece that extends the thing that goes through the tire, so it should work with any tire, really.
Quote:
pokerDawg previously said:
I didn't know there were any issues. Do you have the stock tire spare? The 943 fits and I thought the 963 was not any different except for the fasteners and grips.
This bike racks also works as a tool mount as well Just had to add this...
Linear Mode
