Yakima Dr Tray Bike Rack - Full Review

[@duvalbyrd187]

Clint, based on your review I purchased the Yakima Dr. Tray bike rack and I am extremely pleased. Weight was a big factor for me as my wife would be using it as well. The rack has the new modifications you mention and seems to be perfect. Thanks so much for sharing this information, it was extremely helpful!

[@ClintGibbs]

👍

[@Canadian0990]

Thanks for taking the time Clint! Very thorough review.

[@amdo87]

I have a Dr. Tray and I can say your review is spot on. You hit on all the advantages and the 1 big draw back (bikes migrating out of the tray during driving). I didn't realize how important bike rack limits really are. The Dr. Tray has a 40lb single bike weight limit and (I believe) a max wheel base limit of 47". My bike (eMTB) is 52lbs with a 50" wheel base which fails on both measures. I believe if your bike wheel base is 47" or less, you will not experience the problem outlined in this video. I'll have to sell my Dr. Tray and buy something bigger and stronger.

[@Terrorist939]

I always use a rubber band on my rear brake. never have any issues with the rocking back and forth.

[@sergiodjf]

Nice review! I like the footage of the rack in motion with the vehicle, not all reviews are real world like this 👍

[@ncautolink]

Thank you! I just got mine today after watching your reviews! I’m very happy w my purchase.

[@kccheng604]

Thanks for the great review. I will be purchasing a rack this week and I'm currently stuck between this, the t2 pro, and the new Saris MTR (no reviews yet online unfortunately). Your review definitely helps me trying to decide. Thanks!

[@twowheelslater7112]

One thing worth mentioning its aluminum so its a good bit lighter than the old steel holdup. I also noticed it fits a 29er great. Seems to be a 27.5 issue with the tire rocking. If you notice the reason the wheel flops back is not that there is to much hanging over the back but that the tire on a 27.5 hits the plastic part at the back of the front tire and does not get stopped by the metal hanger or whatever you call that. If you bend that hanger forward it will contact the tire before that plastic piece may brake the plastic tho so proceed with caution. Holds it in better we will see if it bends back with the weight of the bike and a jarring corner.

[@LoganArndt]

You convinced me to get this one rather other! Ordered Sunday night - received Wednesday morning. Installed now and impressed!

[@ClintGibbs]

For me personally it's the best rack out there right now.

[@AlisonGillespie]

Thank you so much for these super helpful reviews. You really break down all the challenges and advantages.

[@MoyMacGill]

As always a very informative video learn something every time I watch one from you. Thanks

[@timr2221]

Bought this rack at REI Memorial Day sale. I love it. It's significantly lighter than it's Thule counterpart. I load it with mountain bikes, fatbikes and my cross bike. I've had no issues. IF you do not secure the front wheel, it WILL roll back a little on some bikes. Even when it does, it was a non-issue during my drive.

[@phantomrider86]

Thanks Clint, great review !! I am in the market for a hitch rack and have been looking at the Kuat NV2. But I will definitely look into this Yakima Dr. Tray after this video review and compare them more closely for my needs. Thanks again !

[@landandwaterca]

Great improvements. I might have to find a replacement tray to get use of these. I hate the Dr Tray I have and want my Holdup back. The holdup had only one flaw, and it was that the release to move the rack up or down was down by the hitch, on the receiver. Dr Tray had it's up top. I miss the hitch bolt, the arms, and the sturdiness of my old Holdup.

[@DirtNassty]

Just bought this rack new for $250 at my local bike shops "garage sale"... Almost spent 375 on the holdup last year, glad I waited!... The only thing I don't like about it is how the front wheel trays don't fold down so it's not as compact on the vehicle when not in use as the hold up is! Other than that this thing is amazing and very welt built!

[@bajablast989]

Nice. Just got an Accord coupe yesterday, and have been dead set on getting a trailer hitch like this.

[@braaap690]

Glad you found a rack that works for you. Ride on!

[@UlliMueller]

Thanks for the review, much appreciated.

[@cwitt483]

Your bike is NOT going to fall off a yakima hold up 2 rack for SURE!! I'm not sure about this rack but I have a hold up 4 and travel from minnesota to moab, utah every spring with 4 full size mountain bikes and never had 1 problem. In fact yakima's warranty is the gold standard if anything were to happen!!!

[@fredihle1468]

other people have had their front wheels pop out when installed correctly.

[@alecmoore]

Nice job Yakima, you charge $600 for your best rack and we still have to use a strap to keep the bikes on. Bikes might roll off the rack? Sounds like a deal breaker to me

[@RodneyAlan]

I have the Dr Tray on an Subaru Outback. When tilted, to open the trunk, the tray has a limit so it won't hit the ground.

[@metalmasher6251]

Thank you for the video. I have a Saris Thelma 3 on my 1.25” class 1 hitch. Always dealing with the annoying bike proximity problem. Can not adjust bikes side to side or fore and aft like the Dr. Tray. I do have a question for you though. I see you have a 1.25” hitch receiver. Is it a class 1 or class 2? Have you tried the 3rd bike add on? Looking at Yakima’s site, they recommend the Dr. Tray for class 2, 1.25” receivers only.

[@ToyMachine9001]

Hi Clint. Great Video! My daughters 20 inch specialized hotrock has a wheelbase of 34 inches. Do you think it the back wheel will reach the plastic strap? Thanks.

[@alexoliva2012]

Outstanding review. Thanks

[@therevin7]

Thank you for the detailed review.

[@e2U]

Do you want to make a simple solution for that end set-in?

[@craiglycke6170]

Not sure why the perfect bike rack system couldn't be left out on the sun, unless it's plastic parts that your worried would crack under the direct sun. I think the solution is to eliminate the plastic parts. The solution is 1UpUSA.

[@ClintGibbs]

+Craig Lycke Florida summer sun fades everything

[@MrRay645]

How do you think it would be for longer xl bikes with moderately slack head tube angles ? Worry that they would roll back all the time. Thanks for the video really helps

[@ClintGibbs]

I've got a bike like you described And it does fine on the newer Dr tray with the updates. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqrRfYKMnc2ikLM

[@DIYManiacJohnP]

While this rack may be a budget friendly option. Always best to spend a little more for the Kuat NV2.0 or Thule Pro XT. We spend so much money on our bikes… we shouldn’t cheap out on the rack

[@oktavius8292]

Just received my Dr Tray this week and played with it today. I'm having the same issues with the bikes wanting to roll back too. Problem is that for my main bike, the hook contacts the brake hose, not the brake hose clamp. Don't really want the hook squishing my brake hose. After looking at the rack though, the wire part of the front tire tray that is supposed to contact the rear of the front tire isn't doing much. If this was bent up higher, and contacted the tire higher when at rest, it would prevent the bike from rolling rearward. Maybe there is an issue there or they need to be adjusted? I've tried both on a 26" and a 27.5" bike. Another issue, my car has a license plate that is mounted low like yours. When the rack is in the vertical position, it totally blocks the license plate. Not Yakima's fault but it is something to think about. A car with a license plate mounted in the trunk lid would be more visible. At least the rack is super fast and removing and reinstalling.

[@ClintGibbs]

+oktavius8292 many years ago I got pulled over for speeding and had my Yakima holdup folded up. The cop told me I can't do that. LOL! I probably should have mentioned that in the video.

[@twowheelslater7112]

I see you found the same thing with the wire part. I bent mine we will see if it holds up. I figure its suppose to have a lifetime warranty so if i break it oh well. BTW between my son and his NIKA League and me biking mine never comes off my truck. Waiting for a ticket for the license plate.

[@GordonCharlene]

I am looking at this rack (used, good condition) for my first hitch rack. I had planned to get a 2" hitch with an adaptor so that I could borrow my daughter's 4 bike rack with a 2" hitch. Will this work? Or do I need a 1 1/4 " hitch and get a 2" adaptor? TIA

[@ClintGibbs]

Not 100% sure I understand your question but it’s OK to put a quarter inch rack into a 2 inch receiver with an adapter, but I would not put a 2 inch rack into a quarter inch receiver with an adapter.

[@shakeweight11]

Clint, how much does this weigh? My old t2 weighs close to 70 pounds, which uses extra gas $$ and is annoying to take on and off. Also, I occasionally scrape the bottom of the rack when folded down going up steep inclines. It looks like the Yakama sticks out quite a bit. Have you experienced any scraping issues?

[@heesung]

I noticed that your rack uses a 1 and 1/4 inch connection. Do you think this is any less stable than a 2 inch connection?

[@ClintGibbs]

I don't find it any less stable. It's just that you cannot really put more than two bikes on a 1.25.

[@thenerdycanadian7172]

definitely wouldn't want to put something like a Glory on that if it already has issues with the Trance...

[@vdealerpdx]

Great Video Thanks ! ... I bought the Thule T2 pro and the classic. Several Negatives to that rack. It looks super strong but is no more stable than the Yakima. It weighs a TON! ... I can lift the Yakima out of the Hitch with one hand and carry It easily across my garage. Good luck doing that with the Thule. I returned both of the Thule racks and now own the Yakima Dr. Tray. Couldn’t be happier. Also, the Thule does not work well with Fat bikes if you have 4.5 or greater tires. It is a struggle to get them in and out of the support arms as they are not quite long enough to accommodate the larger tires. The Yak works great! If you want to adjust anything on the Thule, you need to get the tools out if you want to take it off? ... get the tools... put it back on ? ... well... you know. :P LOVE my Yak!! Thanks again for a great review!

[@ClintGibbs]

+Wade Grant thanks for the post. Helps me appreciate the Dr. Tray!

[@eduardoegea6732]

Just got me new Dr Tray in. Back wheel tray doesn't seem that bigger. There is some sort of hook or barrier at the beginning of the front tray that I can't make out on yours. It would seem that it is an anti roll back measure. My 29er doesn't roll back at all

[@eduardoegea6732]

Never mind. Just saw it on yours. Sorry

[@ClintGibbs]

They did change the wheel trays, making them longer and supposedly putting a device on there to keep the bikes from rolling backwards. They're actually sending me two new ones under warranty since I was having issues with my bikes rolling backwards so hard. Pretty cool!

[@eduardoegea6732]

Clint Gibbs nice! I'm loving it. It was crazy simple to set up

[@josephsieracki]

Clint, I have the Hold Up, Older model, I clamp down on the front wheel. Compressing the tire a bit. If you did that, you wouldn't need to worry about the rocking back would you? Have you tried that? Wouldn't need that additonal strap. Hell, I do 80-85 with my bike on the rack without fear. :) Okay I do have the cable lock, but thats it. Great review though, looks good. big improvement.

[@ClintGibbs]

+Joseph Sieracki yeah, I did try that. Still rocks backwards pretty easily. Putting the strap on the front wheel seems to be the best solution. I ordered some from Amazon with a buckle.

[@josephsieracki]

Clint Gibbs Clint Gibbs yeah, sorry to hear that. That's a stinker, not major but still disappointing. You're right though, you don't need to be an engineer to figure that maybe that two inches more is all you would need to prevent that. Anyway, one other concern I noticed, how's the visibility with it folded up? That looks tall enough to block the rear view mirror? I have a Toyota Corolla, so I'm in the same boat as you with car size.

[@RyanMarcyesOutdoors]

Great video of the rack!! I just saw your Colorado vlog, and tried to put a comment on there and they said no comments. So here is the one from that vlog clip. Alex is out there right now not sure if he'll be there when you get there. I thought I heard him and Seth were going to be around those parts too. Just a little FYI incase you get a chance to ride #SethsBikeHacks #TheSingleTrackSampler Live-Life-Loud!!

[@ClintGibbs]

+Only The Bold Project I had to pull the original video. Something was messed up with it. I reposted it.

[@canoeshoe7599]

Awesome review!!!

[@thechaosengine3020]

How would it cope with a longer wheelbase enduro or DH bike?

[@bewster7]

Hooray Clints happy!! 🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@13tcc]

Hi Clint. You had a review of an old rack where you had accidentally melted a carbon rim due to the close proximity to the wheel tray and the exhaust. Is this an issue with the Dr. Tray?

[@ClintGibbs]

+13tcc no, on this rack the bikes are higher and further back.

[@13tcc]

Hi Clint. Would you be able to tell me if your rack is crooked/tilts to the right/left when folded upright? Can’t really tell from your video but it seems like it’s to the right. I recently purchased one and put it together today and mine is crooked to the right when folded up.

[@trailflavor]

What size frame do you ride? Curious about tray length.

[@ClintGibbs]

Medium

[@TheTacomadm18]

What hitch did u buy for ur Honda. I’m looking for a hitch and also have an Accord

[@ClintGibbs]

+TheTacomadm18 it's just one that I ordered at a local shop. Not really even sure there as a brand name on it. They installed it in about 15 minutes.

[@drmoynihan]

I want a through locking hitch bolt!!! So I won't be buying this Yakima Hitch. Thank you Clint for your thorough reviews.

[@charlespalmerii4299]

NO offence meant but at this price I think the THule 9034XTB - T2 Pro XT - BLACK - 2 Bike Rack - for 2 Inch Hitch, the Thule, you dont contact bikes as they do a reverse placements of bikes... plus security they give you is wow.... Anyway, something to think about ...

[@hhova29]

Do you think this bike rack is better than the two timer you reviewed previously?

[@ClintGibbs]

I like this one because it does not touch the frame at all. Both are good but this one is my preference.

[@pbryan25]

what is to total weight of the rack by its self?

[@michaelblack4993]

Thanks for the video, big help

[@DM-hw4cr]

Very helpful reviews

[@JeanYvesHudon]

I have a Dr tray. The bike rocking side to side is a non issue. I drove thousands of kilometer, no problem. However, do not trust the cable lock. It is very easy to cut off, talking from experience!

[@ClintGibbs]

+Jean-Yves Hudon 👍

[@clintalgrim2961]

Bike rocking to one side is very much an issue with long travel bikes, just as review states.

[@matthewrobinson9604]

On the new one it carry’s 20” 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@michaelutley7661]

Awesome Review!!! Thx!

[@orasharzo5950]

Thanks for review appreciated

[@eduardoegea6732]

Clint are you still using it? I'm about to buy one. Still Loving it?

[@ClintGibbs]

I still use it and like it. Rumor has it that they modified it and made the wheel trays longer. Probably based on my video! It still boggles my mind how company like Yakima who supposedly does research and development would make the original wheel tray so short that trail bikes Rock backwards. In the next few months I'll probably sell mine and get the one with the longer wheel trays.

[@eduardoegea6732]

Clint Gibbs Yakima website says updated. But doesn't say what they updated. Thanks!

[@ClintGibbs]

I know. I was actually going to call them soon about it.

[@abshassan]

Wow you have a beautiful house 🏡

[@Necrocous]

I have a Swagman Chinook. It doesn't move with a bike on it, even at highway speeds.

[@ClintGibbs]

+Jay Grafe the racks that hold bikes by the top tube I've found to be the most stable.

[@Mtbhtx]

How much you paid for the hitch receiver?

[@ClintGibbs]

About $225

[@Mtbhtx]

@@ClintGibbs thank you

[@turner02]

I sound like a broken record. 1up USA. Get the rack and the add-on.

[@ClintGibbs]

+JLP Design like I said in the video, I don't want to have to use a wrench to adjust the rack everytime I carry my son's BMX bike. And I do that 2-3 days per week.

[@Esteb858]

Clint Gibbs sounds like this is a nice setup to review the new 1up USA Mark 2 rack that is being released in December 2017. All the things you point out that you don't like including what you don't like on the original 1up rack has been addressed in the new one. 1upusa.com/quik-rack-ii

[@tarantulasam7609]

What size is your receiver?

[@apnk6870]

cars usually have a 1in

[@ClintGibbs]

+TarantulaSam 1.25

[@orcellod1592]

I notice that you don't Cinch down on the arm that stabilized the front wheel. Especially on your review of the Yakima Stand Up. Expensive bike or not, I'm making sure I'm forcing it down on that tire has hard as I can. No rolling around when turning and no fussing with Velcro or tie downs on the wheels. You butchered the Yakima Stand in your last review which I think is a great product. Then purchase the same brand (different model) with the same issues. Head scratcher!!

[@ClintGibbs]

+Orcello D the reason I purchase the same brand is because I was able to get a very good deal on the rack. My main issue with the holdup was bike contact. The Dr tray completely eliminates that issue.

[@BienvenidoEspinal]

I have a Kuat NV 2.0 and cinching down the arm actually causes it to rock more. All you have to do is hand pressure just before it touches the bike and you won't have an issue.

[@nica080910]

E

[@catg9196]

If you wedge the arm at the lowest point and have the arm actually touching the fork. You will have no rock at all. No problems here with my kuat rack. And it has the same drop at the rear wheel.

[@automat8]

Big thanks!

[@rollingschmon]

Too many moving parts. Trust me, these screw in parts and straps eventually break and need to be replaced. For long term happiness 1up USA.

[@ArnoldWinters]

The length of the cross members of the Yakima would make me not buy it for two reasons/ First the bike hangs over the side and can create a moment around a lower center of gravity which is unsupported, and secondly it takes more time to strap it up to prevent it from falling off. Say you have to swerve to avoid an accident, this may initiate a roll.

[@What_is_your_current_location]

I didn’t know Dan’s lab partner used a bike

[@greym6436]

Love it

[@phillemmert7909]

Look into one up usa racks i have one it awsome

[@huetish]

Fast, Easy Set Up

[@border4554]

You should sell this rack and buy the kuat nv 2.0

[@ClintGibbs]

The Kuat NV 2.0 is my main rack now. kzbin.info/www/bejne/joWQZ3doec5lmrM

[@santopaz7068]

It's not perfect then it is a deal breaker. When we pay such a high price, we expect perfection with flawless design....

[@ClintGibbs]

The improvements on the newer one get it much closer to perfection. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqrRfYKMnc2ikLM

[@tycojewel7979]

Nice house!

[@alexanderjwilde]

Are you an ACR?

[@ClintGibbs]

What is an ACR?

[@alexanderjwilde]

It means Alachua County Resident. I grew up in Gainesville, so I was seeing if you were from the area.

[@ClintGibbs]

@@alexanderjwilde yes, I live in Alachua close to San Felasco

[@alexanderjwilde]

@@ClintGibbs that is what I looked liked! San Felasco is a great park!!

[@Nostromo_1]

I really liked this rack until I read on the Yakima website their products are made in China. I bought the Thule T2 XPR Pro, made in USA. It's an awesome rack.

[@amgoatee3700]

Too bad I cannot buy Yakima in Indonesia

[@zoubtube]

Seriously?? A rack you can recommend? You've only had it for like a couple of days at best. Hows about you use it for a year before you make a claim like that. I Would NEVER recommend a yakima or a thule. it doesn't even take a year before these racks start creaking, vibrating or just plane falling apart, never mind 2 years. and don't get me started on rust (I do live in the north and this is a major issue here). from our experience, Both brands are like the Bose of the audio world, Nice packaging, underwhelming product. For this kind of money people deserve a product that remains solid for the long haul. Now, maybe yakima has fixed their durability issues they had with there previous racks (I highly doubt it) but time will tell. come back in a year or two and let us know. hopefully you prove me wrong so people could have more options for Durable higher end bike racks Also, you can easily fit a 24 to a 29 inch tire on the same rail of a 1UP without having to touch the arms. I did this for two years.. I've never tried smaller than 24 though

[@ClintGibbs]

+Pete Z My recommendation of the rack was based on its functionality. I always do long term product reviews on things like this after a year or two of use. Trust me, if I didn’t have to use a wrench every time I wanted to adjust for my sons 20 inch BMX bike to my 29 I would go with the 1Up.

[@BlackPenquinn]

Wow, 1UP feels more like a cult than a brand. The Fanboys are always out in full force and always decimate every other product. I don’t get it. People do claim they work well, and I’m sure they do. But the fans leave a bad taste in my mouth and frankly they look terrible.

[@thehayman7352]

Barry Quinn they look awful. Looks like you bolted a metal panel to the back of your car. I’ve had no problems with Yakima products at all that many of these 1up fans say exist

[@thehayman7352]

MontalbanJR the Yakima hold up hasn’t failed me yet. Maybe I’m lucky and the only small gripe I have is the weight. But that’s because it solid. I’ve had a truck back into it, takin it on some rough off-road trails with bikes on it and it works perfect. Looks great and customer service is 👌 but just my opinion

[@dsmdallas2466]

Still looks like a bad arm design.

[@aCraig-s3s]

No body can pronounce Yakima ,

[@4SeasonSports]

First...LOL

[@inyourears2596]

Chris M congrats giant will send you a bike