Review on Pro Series 4-Bike Carrier with Q-Slot (Model 63138) by Todd Phillips

PROS: - Excellent build quality; Steel components are well made, coated - convertible from 2 bikes to 4 bikes in no time; Not many others can do that without rework $$$$ - Easy adjustment to any bike combination - Stepped profiles offer more space and more ground clearance - Price comparison: significantly cheaper than other "top brands" and much easier to adjust VS : - Frame mounts don't snap - foam on frame mounts is cheap; loose attachment leads to slipping. It is not possible to rotate the stand up for better storage while driving. Research into tray racks and the Q-Slot 4-Bike Carrier (QS4BC) offers the best value! The build quality is excellent and heavy gauge steel is used in the construction. The tire pans are well made and definitely borrowed from another manufacturer's design. They are durable, easily adaptable to any configuration and provide a solid platform even with 4 bikes mounted. The QS4BC can also convert 2 to 4 bikes in no time! This was a HUGE selling point for me as I usually travel without family so I don't have to lug all 4 points with me. It's a simple 1-bolt connector (anti-rattle when loading!) and voila - you've got a 2-bike bike rack! only other airline that has this feature in this price range. All other convertible carriers charge more than twice as much for this feature! Another plus is the ground clearance. The 3/4 nozzle is mounted a few inches higher, providing much-needed ground clearance, especially for those encountering sloping driveways. This wasn't a problem for me, but I've read about other carriers and this has always caused a problem. I wouldn't want to tow a car when encountering a sloping driveway or roadway. Price: Without exception, this trolley is significantly cheaper than other tray trolleys. The CURT, Swagman, and Sport Rack are comparable, but all three cost more than the QS4BC. You won't be able to beat it in terms of the features this carrier has. Some assembly is required, but it only took 15 minutes to assemble (essentially the second half is broken). Now I'm giving 4 stars because there are a few things that could be improved (I'd happily give half a star if I could). First, the frame fasteners can be tightened but not fixed. I have another rack in the form of a tray and it has a ratchet system that can be easily locked with a padlock. The gasket that comes with the frame mounts is also of poor quality. They're loose (so they slip a lot) and the foam is cheap; On first use, the foam had already worn off and was beginning to break. Of course, you can buy other fillings, but that's a problem. Another questionable detail is the Velcro strap for the tire pans. The concept is nice and simple, but the build quality is questionable and may have durability issues. I've driven 1000km on the Autobahn and so far the belts have held up well. However, I use a combination of additional straps (sock straps, to be exact) to attach the wheels to the trays. The last detail that would be nice is the anti-rattle pen. They provide one for both sections, which keeps them in place nice and tight (minimal movement), however the welded threaded barrel is not compatible with other anti-rattle pins, particularly the Trimax anti-rattle pin. Both the Trimax and the included pins have a 5/8 inch thread, but the included pin has a coarse (#11) thread but the Trimax does not. I prefer the added security of a lockable pen, so that's a bit of a shame. My solution for now is to use a combination lock with a narrow shackle (the craftsman makes one that fits the pin hole perfectly). It's not as secure as a Trimax lock, but it'll do for now. The second section is only ½ inch, so I was only able to find the right luggage lock. Not enough to deter a real thief, but enough to keep most people from just unlocking the stage. sticking out of your vehicle, be aware that you are using a 4 bike rack which will of course stick out for quite a while. I wish it had a built in hinge like the CURT model so I could hold it out of the way when parked, but that didn't stop me. It's heavy too, but then again if you're looking for a tray-style 4-bike car. rier, that's what you get. Okay, maybe an aluminum version would be lighter, but not by much and would be very expensive. You want to make sure it can carry all 4 bikes and not worry about the weight of the carrier. Overall, this is a great tray-style carrier. The features and simplicity combined with a great price make the Q-Slot 4 bike carrier a great choice. I have a 2011 Honda Pilot and can still access the tailgate as long as there are no bikes in the first two positions. Otherwise, when the bikes are loaded, I can always use the glass door to get into the trunk. I'm very impressed with this carrier and I'm sure you are too. QS4BC is a great carrier and definitely worth considering!