[johnma]

Any have information on how to mount 2 bikes on top of the vehicle. I did some research over the weekend. There are 2 things needed. 1) 2 cross bar from left to right. 2) Bike rack kit that mount on top of the cross bar.

Any have done it before?, pictures?

Thanks.

 

[Darkmann]

Occasionally I carry three bikes on mine. I have three Yakima King Cobra bike carriers mounted on Yakima cross bars - don't recall what model cross bar, but here are some pics. BTW, Yakima now has a better lighter version of the King Cobra:

 

[johnma]

Darkmann, Thank you for the photo. That is exactly what I am looooooooooooooking for.
JM

 

[Darkmann]

You're welcome but don't expect great MPG with the bikes on though. The first photo was a vacation trip from MD to NC about 6yrs ago, three bikes no kids (they flew in later with mom). MPG was not that great, but I wasn't doing 65mph either - I believe I posted a trip report here.

The last two pics are more recent, when I took my daughter back to school on labor day weekend, from MD to Rochester, NY. One bike, drove more sensibly (I think I'm getting old) and I actually did 18mpg average. Coming back was no different, even with extended stints at 90 - 95 on the PA turnpike. Noise is actually quite acceptable with summer radials. With winter tires on, the noise from tires combined with roof rack hardware can be annoying.

 

[johnma]

found them online. Basically there are 2 pieces that I need. 1) Cross bar 2)bike rack.
Around $650 total for everything needed to hold 2 bikes.

JM

 

[johnma]

Did more research today, seems like what you have is one of the best roof rack bike mounting system available. Although it cost more, it's worth the $$$$ for easy use.
JM.

 

[Noodles]

They are very good.
Our three mountain bikes are worth 5 times the $650. You want the best to keep those
bikes in place at 75mph.

 

[johnma]

looking forward to order them today and use the rack before the winter season.
JM

 

[mickey.1430]

I took a different approach by making an internal system using Yakima deadheads. These were bolted to a board which was restrained using straps attached to the interior d-rings. There was plenty of room to hold luggage, front wheels, pump etc. This of course only works if there are no more than two people in the truck which was our case. I believe MB made an interior rack mount available for the earlier MYs but it seemed overly complicated.

 

[johnma]

moving People and 4 bikes is the problem. I am doing that today when i go out by my self. remove the front wheel and the bike will fit in the SUV without any issue. When comes to 2 kids, 2 adult bikes Plus 4 people. No way that i can fit without using external rack.

JM

 

[Darkmann]

moving People and 4 bikes is the problem. I am doing that today when i go out by my self. remove the front wheel and the bike will fit in the SUV without any issue. When comes to 2 kids, 2 adult bikes Plus 4 people. No way that i can fit without using external rack.

JM

I think you'll really like the King Cobra (or whatever it's latest rendition is called). Mount the bikes with front tires facing rear of truck if you want slighter better mileage and slightly less noise. I also purchased the foamy thingy that wraps around the bar - it really dampens out bar vibes when less than two bikes are mounted.

 

[johnma]

shipped UPS ground. Should have it next week. Will upload picture soon as I have it install.
Thanks.
JM

 

[johnma]

picture attached. Finally got the roof top bike rack installed. I did a trial run with 2 bikes loaded on the highway without any incidents.
JM

 

[Noodles]

Nice job. It looks good.
I take all bike mount stuff off when not in use for noise and drag reduction. I leave the
crossbars on.

 

[Firewater]

What is the part number for the horizontal rails and the rest of the bits?

 

[Darkmann]

What is the part number for the horizontal rails and the rest of the bits?

Don't recall P/N but if you go to Yakima's web site, you will be able to configure for the ML - they have newer better hardware than what I purchased years ago. You'll need the cross bar (x2) along with the cross bar attachments (x4) to the ML's roof rack. After years of experimenting, I have found that these bars are least noisy when placed as far apart as possible. For me, the fronts are as far front to still allow the moon-roof to flip open, and as far back as where the mid-section of the rack joins the rear section (basically a few inches ahead of the GPS antennae). Also, get the cross-bar pads - they help tremendously in dampening the bar vibration when unloaded. I did buy a couple spare rattler straps, just in case.