I searched the forums a while back and couldn't find any info related to bike racks specific to 7th Gen Maximas. I also posted asking for feedback and didn't get much of a response so I figured it might be useful to post my findings after researching and purchasing a trunk mounted rack for use with my road and Mnt. Bikes.

For the first time in a long time I find myself without an SUV with a trailer hitch in the garage. I recently traded my Jeep GC Limited for a new Maxima. Because of this I sold my hitch mount Saris rack on craigslist and started searching for another suitable rack.

Personally I didn't like the idea of mounting a roof rack to my 2011 Maxima Sport Edition. Roof racks are OK on a euro rides or an EVO/WRX but I personally think it would kill the look of the Maxima so I opted for a trunk rack. I looked at only quality manufactures like Saris, Thule, and Yakima. If you go with some Bell or off brand piece of junk your flirting with disaster. The Saris Bones and Thule Raceway are cool and ultra modern but Saris's web site says it can't be used on Maxima with a factory spoiler (which I have). Therefore both of those were out. I was now down to the Thule Passage, Yakima Superjoe/Kingjoe, and Sarris Sentinel/Guardian. I eliminated a few of these due to the fact that they did not have stabilizers (mounting attachment to vertical tube as well as horizontal frame to limit sway and having the bike bang into the car and damage it).

Ultimately I decided on a Yakima Superjoe or Thule Passage (Both +/- $120). I ended up buying both by accident. I first purchased the Superjoe but after looking at the instructions realized that it would not mount to my wife’s Murano so I returned it. Both clear the spoiler and fit the car well. Both also have the stabilizer feature previously noted. For the record I do have to say that the Yakima Superjoe was an excellent rack and better than the Thule rack in user friendliness (excess strap retainers, quick release hardware, ect...). However in the end I went with the Thule Passage 3 which works with both the Maxima and Murano. I have used it on the highway and driven 85 mph with the bike on the back of the car. The rack did not damage the car and the bike made it to the trail and back without incident. The mounting points do have a tendency to slide back on the rack at high speeds but they will not fall off the back of the rack or otherwise damage the bike. The best way to handle this is to secure the bike forward with the strap provided. Ultimately the key to using trunk racks is to buy a high end quality rack and be careful when mounting it and the bike. Make sure to wipe down your trunk and bumper or the grit between the rack and the paint will scratch the finish. Hope this is helpful to anyone else thinking of purchasing a rack.

 

Good informative post. Throw up some photos of your Max equipped with the rack now man!

 

I would like to see some pics too. Even of the one you returned. Oh well.

 

Thanks....next time I go riding I'll take a couple pics of the rack installed.

 

I took this awhile ago. But I still have my rack. It is a Thule. It takes 3 bikes. And I have done 100mph with 2 bikes on my car. I would not recommend that to anybody. But I did that because I just had to get to where I was going faster. At speeds higher than 70mph, with a bike rack your car, it is a big risk. You really cannot be 100% sure that something would not snap. So, if you have a bike-rack on your Maxima, please drive the speed limit or a very safe speed. I hope this helps, though it is on a 6thgen. Maybe it gives some idea to others.

 

I got this one off of amazon. Swagman XTC Cross-Country 2-Bike http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DMJPLO

I like it alot and dont have to worry about scratching up the paint.

 

Has anyone looked at the new Thule 9003 Raceway Platform 2? I like the fact that the bikes sit on a solid platform instead of just floating in the wind.

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes...8_20000_400019

 

MaXAngel - what type of hitch do you have on your Max?

 

my set up

 

I ordered and had it installed from my local Uhaul. Its a 2" receiver.

 

MaXAngel - Do you happen to have any close up pics of the hitch?

Love to see how it looks sans rack?

Thanks.