bike rack for Prado

Hi have you looked at the range of bike racks by Rhino Rack? see Rhino Bike Racks This was the first type we used and it was very rugged and suitable for offroading - but I found it a bit heavy to use. We had a hitch rack that carried 3 bikes but we only put 2 on it. Not sure if that same model is still available as it is over 10 yrs old but it had separate locks for each bike on the rack. Swing down bar is ideal to still allow you to get to the rear of your vehicle etc. Problem was with 2 bikes on it, and bar down, I couldn't lift it back up and I'm very strong for a female (although very short so somewhat compromised for this type of lift). So for around home for our road and tri bikes we now have a Thurle 2 bike carrier that works on the same principle but much lighter to operate. We also have a 3rd carrier - this is to carry 4 bikes - it is also a hitch mount but not a swing bar - it is a flat carrier that carries all bikes level on their wheels. I only use this for highway driving. It protrudes a long way and requires rear lights and number plate mounted to it. That one was purchased online - bit of a no-name I think but its amazing when we need it, fit for purpose.
If Rhino or Thurle don't have what you want, try bike sites like Chain Reaction or Wiggle.
You can also look on dedicated bike website such as

I just purchased bike rack that goes into the hitch receiver, it wasn't long enough
to clear the spare so took it to a tow bar place and they extended it to fit.

Gooday,
Just been through a similar exercise, needed a carrier to carry a step through I have recently bought, have a look at this site-: http://gripsport.com.au/index.php/product/carriers-racks-on-caravans-campers-etc

Pretty sure they will have something to suit you, though not the cheapest.

I finished up buying one from these people, www.cyclingdeal.com.au (made in Taiwan), I am only carrying 1 Bike so will see how it goes for $149-00, worth a try.
Cheers,
Boroma604.

I had a standard Rhino 3 bike rack on my Prado. It was an earlier model Prado than yours but I don't think there is much difference in the body. It had the spare on the back as well. I took 3 bikes from Brisbane to Melbourne and back on the rack without any issues. It was a fairly rugged and well made rack that inserted into the tow bar hitch. I bought my rack from my local ARB Dealer who provided pretty sound advice.

Cheers Geoff

As you have already brought a rack this is a moot point, but, Rhino say on their instructions, Not suitable for off road use. This i know for sure as last year i saw a traveller on the Tanamai track with a broken Rhino bike rack(tow hitch receiver type). I helped him tie his bikes on the roof of the car.
The best by far are the Australian made "ISI bike carrier" quit pricey, but made by a 4WDer for off road condition. Mine has done thousands of km's on corrugated roads without a problem. Clears the spare tyre and swings down.

I suppose you've had a look at the Thule stuff ?

Thule rear bike carriers

Have a Gripsport rack on my Pajero!
Perfect, highly recommend . Ian

http://www.isi-carriers.com/
I have the 4 bike version...can adjust to suit any wheelbase and you can even order wheel hoops for BMX bikes (that can be returned to ISI and upgraded to MTB wheels at at a later date) I have carried 4 bikes on the carrier and once it is set up it is a doddle to load and unload. Carries MTB/Road and BMX no worries.
Extremely good for offroad as the bikes are sitting on the wheels with a rubberised sliding retainer clamp that goes across the top tube of the bike.
I looked into these racks and the Gripsport and I believe they are far more durable than most. Downside to the Gripsport rack is I believe the clamp has more likelihood of scratching the bikes frame or components when clamping/unclamping (I have seen friends loading bikes to Gripsport FWIW) They sort of "Scissor" down to lay flat to take the bikes off, whereas the ISI you remove the Clamp pole out of the way before lifting the bike out of the wheel hoops-no chance of scratching your ~~5-8K mountain bike.
ISI purchase cost is initially high (as are most high-end MTB's),but I have had mine about 3 years now and is a beauty. You can also buy a different hitch "offset" so you can change it to suit another vehicle (EG I had an 80 series and the Wife a 100 series- bought 2 bases as the drop on the 80 was different to the 100) 2 pins and you are swapped over.
The rack can be lowered by pulling one pin and lifting a lever (all 4 bikes on the rack) so you can access the rear door of the Prado.
Happy travels :)

Another thumbs up for ISI carriers, George who designed them, is a serious mountain biker and the carriers are being supplied by Kimberley Kampers as an option for bike carrying.
I have one and they are excellent.