Taking your bicycle with you on the road can be fun and rewarding, but before you buy a rack to fit your Ford Expedition, or any other automobile, consider some of the future needs you may have. Keep those plans in mind, arm yourself with some basic information and start shopping.
Measure the size of your vehicle's receiver hitch. Since bike rack mounts come in various sizes, you will need this information to ensure a good fit.
Determine the number of bikes you will be hauling. Consider whether this will be for family vacations or only one bike. Plan ahead; you can always put one bike on a four-bike rack, but you can't put additional bikes on a single rack.
Decide on a price range. Bike racks come in a variety of prices, styles and quality. If you need to protect an expensive racing bike, invest in a rack that provides extra security, like a V-style frame to keep from scuffing your bicycle.
Choose between a rear and a top model. If you need quick access to an open tailgate and don't mind the climb up to get your bike, a roof-top model is sometimes preferred for long trips. If you need to remove the bicycle quickly, consider a tailgate model.
Keep in mind whether or not your vehicle has a spare tire mounted on the back. If it does, you must opt for a top-mounted rack or a spare tire rack. Spare tire racks can hold up to four bicycles.
