Quality construction, ease of use, low lift-on height, durability, security (ability to lock bikes on), stores easy, carries 4 bikes, can use with hatch-door SUV, base can be used to carry other things (skis & snowboards) with proper accessories, scissor fold-down keeps load stable when in down position

Heavy (when four bikes are on it), need tool to secure to vehicle, have to lubricate regularly

This is the best hitch mounted carrier available. I have had my softride for almost 2 years, and nothing comes close. Due to the scissor-down action, I can still access equipment in the back of the SUV. In the down position, the lift height is reduced, making it easy to get bikes on.
The quality of the softride is superior. Although this is expensive for a carrier, its worth it not to have to replace every 2 years.
The carrier bolts on to the receiver hitch using the hitch pin hole. You have to use a large box wrench or a cresent wrench to put the bolt in tight. The pin lock covers the top of the bolt so it cannot be removed. The removable bars that the bikes ride on has a locking arm that goes across the top of the bikes to lock them to the carrier and prevent the removal of the bike bar.
You have to lubricate the hinges on a regular basis to keep the hinges working properly.
There are all kinds of additional accessories that just slide right into the base - like a ski/snowboard carrier. There is also a grill & table accessory. Since it comes apart easily, its very easy to store.
If great quality, durability, lock-ability, and rear door accessability are what you are looking for in a hitch mounted carrier, this one is for you.
If you don't carry 4 bikes at a time, or you want to avoid sticker-shock, this is not the carrier for you.

Similar Products Used:

Thule Expressway, Yakima TerraFirma