Transporting your bikes with an SUV doesn’t always require a hitch. If your SUV doesn’t have a hitch, or you prefer not to install one, trunk bike racks are an excellent solution. Designed to securely attach to the rear of your SUV using a robust strap system, these racks make it possible to carry bikes on virtually any SUV – no hitch needed!
Whether you drive a compact, mid-size, or full-size SUV, or even a crossover, there’s likely a trunk bike rack designed to fit your vehicle. However, it’s crucial to understand that not every trunk rack is universally compatible. Unlike hitch racks, which generally fit any vehicle equipped with a hitch receiver, trunk racks require careful consideration of your SUV’s specific design. Bike rack manufacturers provide “fit guides” to help you determine if a particular rack is compatible with your SUV model. Always consult these guides before making a purchase to ensure a secure and safe fit for your vehicle.
Trunk bike racks for SUVs often present a more budget-friendly alternative compared to hitch-mounted options, which is a significant advantage for families and individuals seeking to enjoy biking adventures without overspending. Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top-rated trunk bike racks that are perfect for SUVs and available at reasonable prices.
Top Trunk Bike Racks for SUVs: Our Picks
The following trunk racks are generally compatible with 20″ kids’ bikes, and some models can even accommodate 16″ bikes. Finding racks for bikes smaller than 20″ can be challenging, as balance bikes and 12″ to 16″ pedal bikes are often transported inside the SUV itself.
Crucially, always verify the rack’s compatibility with your specific SUV model before purchasing. While termed “trunk” racks, many are engineered for the rear of various vehicle types, including SUVs, hatchbacks, sedans, and vans.
| Model | Why We Recommend for SUVs | 2 Bike MSRP | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saris Bones (EX) | Best for SUVs with Spoilers & Hatchbacks | $229 | 2 or 3 |
| Allen Deluxe | Great for Families with 16″ Bikes | $59 | 2, 3, 4 |
| Allen Sports Premier | Ideal for Hauling Multiple Bikes on SUVs | $109 | 2, 3, 4 |
| Thule Passage | Superior Stability for SUV Bike Transport | $199 | 2 or 3 |
| Allen Ultra Compact | Best Compact Rack for SUV Storage | $79 | 1 or 2 |
QUICK BUYING TIPS FOR SUV TRUNK RACKS
More detailed information is available in the Buying Guide below
- GROUND CLEARANCE: Be mindful of SUVs with lower ground clearance and larger bikes (27.5″+ wheels). Ensure sufficient space between bike wheels and the road, especially when the SUV is loaded.
- KIDS BIKES: Look for racks with narrower support bars (around 11 – 12″) for better compatibility with smaller kids’ bikes.
- WEIGHT CAPACITY: Trunk racks are generally not designed for e-bikes or bikes exceeding 35 lbs. Consider the weight of your bikes, especially for SUVs carrying multiple bikes.
- SUV COMPATIBILITY: Always utilize the manufacturer’s “rack fit guide” to confirm compatibility with your specific SUV make and model before purchasing. This is especially important for SUVs with spoilers or unique rear designs.
best for hatchbacks
Saris Bones EX
$230+
CAPACITY: 2 – 3 bikes, not suitable for bikes smaller than 20″
FEATURES: Unique mounting leg design to fit over most SUV spoilers, arc-shaped arms to stagger bikes for better spacing, user-friendly ratcheting cradle straps, anti-sway cradles, vinyl-coated hooks to protect SUV finish, foldable arms for storage when not in use.
SUPPORT BAR WIDTH: Variable – 8.5″ to 11″
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About the Saris Bones EX
BEST FOR SUVs BECAUSE…
The Saris Bones EX stands out as an exceptional trunk rack, particularly for SUV owners. Its reputation for quality, stability, and ease of use has been built over decades, and for good reason. If you’re seeking a top-tier trunk rack for your SUV and primarily transport 20″ bikes and larger, the Bones EX is hard to surpass.
The updated Saris Bones EX model expands on the original Bones’ design with uniquely shaped car mounting legs. This enhancement significantly improves compatibility, fitting an estimated 20% more vehicles, including a wider range of SUVs, than the original.
SUVs with spoilers and hatchbacks often pose fitting challenges for trunk racks, but the Bones EX was specifically engineered to address this. It excels as a bike rack for SUVs with spoilers and hatchbacks. In tests involving 12 popular hatchback and SUV models, the Bones EX demonstrated compatibility with 11, highlighting its superior design for these vehicle types.
CONSIDER ANOTHER RACK IF…
If you frequently need to transport 16″ bikes, the Saris Bones EX may not be the ideal choice without additional accessories. While some 16″ bikes might fit with a top tube adapter, most will not fit securely. For SUV owners regularly carrying 16″ bikes, the Allen Sports Deluxe is a more suitable alternative right out of the box.
fits wide range of bikes
Allen Sports Deluxe Trunk
$59+
CAPACITY: 2 – 4 bikes, compatible with most 16″ bikes
FEATURES: Accommodates most 16″ and 20″ bikes without needing an adapter bar, rotating cradles to accommodate various bike frame styles, excellent value at an affordable price.
SUPPORT BAR WIDTH: 11″
About the Allen Sport Deluxe
BEST FOR SUVs BECAUSE…
The Allen Sports Deluxe Trunk Mount Rack is a strong contender for SUV owners seeking to carry kids’ bikes, specifically 16″ bikes and larger, without a hitch. Featuring support bars set closer together than many other racks, the Allen Deluxe (along with the Ultra Compact model) stood out in our tests as the only trunk racks capable of fitting both 16″ and 20″ bikes without requiring an adapter bar. This makes it exceptionally convenient for families with young riders.
The narrow support bars of the Deluxe, combined with Allen’s unique rotating cradles, provide remarkable versatility. You can mount small and uniquely framed bikes by utilizing the top tube, down tube, or even the seat tube. This adjustability is particularly useful for SUVs carrying a variety of bike types and frame designs, eliminating the need for adapter bars and saving both time and money.
For SUV owners looking for a budget-conscious option, the Allen Deluxe is highly appealing. While it might lack premium features like rubber cradle straps (found on the Allen Premier, Thule, and Saris), it reliably and securely transports bikes at nearly half the cost of other racks, making it a smart choice for cost-conscious SUV owners.
CONSIDER ANOTHER RACK IF…
If you plan to frequently transport several large, heavier bikes on your SUV, the Allen Deluxe might not be the optimal choice. The narrower support bars of the Deluxe, while beneficial for smaller bikes, do not distribute the weight of heavier bikes across the SUV’s trunk as effectively as racks with wider bars, such as the Thule Passage. For heavier loads, the enhanced stability offered by the wider base of other racks is preferable to minimize sway and bounce, especially on longer SUV trips.
best for 4 bikes
Allen Sports Deluxe Trunk (Premier Model)
$139
CAPACITY: 2 – 4 bikes
FEATURES: Rotating cradles with upgraded rubber straps, durable rubber mounting feet, wider base for enhanced stability on SUVs.
SUPPORT BAR WIDTH: 14.5″
About the Allen Sports Deluxe Premier
BEST FOR SUVs BECAUSE…
For SUV owners seeking an affordable yet upgraded trunk rack that is easy to use and offers time-saving features, the Allen Sports Premier is an excellent choice. Building upon the foundation of the Allen Deluxe, the Premier model incorporates rubber cradle straps (a significant improvement over nylon) and features a wider profile. This wider base is particularly advantageous for SUVs, as it better distributes the weight of the bikes across the rear of the vehicle, enhancing stability and reducing stress on the mounting points.
Improved weight distribution translates directly to enhanced stability, a critical factor for SUV drivers, especially when hauling up to 4 bikes. While the Thule Passage and Saris Bones also feature wide bases, they do not offer a 4-bike capacity option. The Allen Premier 4-capacity model is specifically engineered to handle the increased forces generated when transporting four bikes on the back of a car or SUV, making it a robust option for larger families or groups.
Further enhancements in the Premier model include a “quick snap” setup mechanism, simplifying folding and unfolding compared to the Deluxe. The car-mounting straps are also upgraded, being less stiff than the webbing found on the Allen Deluxe, contributing to easier and more secure installation on your SUV.
CONSIDER ANOTHER RACK IF…
The wider support bars, while beneficial for stability with heavier loads, can make loading smaller bikes more challenging. We successfully mounted a 20″ bike, but a 16″ bike did not fit as easily on the Premier. Additionally, the Premier does not fold down as compactly as the Allen Deluxe, so if storage space within your SUV or garage is a primary concern, the smaller Deluxe might be a more practical choice.
minimizes bike sway
Thule Passage
$179 – $199
CAPACITY: 2 – 3 bikes
FEATURES: No-sway cradles to minimize bike movement, wide base for transporting heavier loads on SUVs, rubber cradle straps for secure bike hold, vinyl-coated car hooks, support arms fold down when not loaded for convenience.
SUPPORT BAR WIDTH: 15″
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About the Passage
BEST FOR SUVs BECAUSE…
The Thule Passage, with its notably wide base, excels at distributing the weight of bikes effectively, which is especially beneficial for SUVs. This broad weight distribution significantly increases stability, particularly important when driving an SUV, which tends to have a higher center of gravity than sedans.
Enhancing stability further, the Passage incorporates large, high-wall rubber cradles. These cradles provide exceptional support and protection to the bike frames during transport on your SUV. The rubber cradle straps ensure bikes remain securely fastened, while integrated anti-sway cradles minimize bike-to-bike contact and overall sway, contributing to a smoother and safer journey, especially on longer SUV trips.
Similar to the Saris Bones, the Thule Passage offers the convenience of foldable support arms. When bikes are unloaded, the arms can be folded down, a practical feature if you intend to keep the rack mounted on your SUV for extended periods. Folded arms reduce the rack’s profile and prevent accidental bumps or scrapes in parking lots or garages.
CONSIDER ANOTHER RACK IF…
Due to the design of its large cradle base, the Thule Passage can present challenges for bikes with small frame triangles (where the top tube is positioned close to the down tube). Loading such bikes onto the Passage can be difficult or impossible without an adapter. While we encountered no issues loading standard adult bikes and kids’ 20″ and 24″ bikes, our high-end Woom 20″ bike, with its smaller frame geometry, did not fit over the cradles.
Similarly, adult mountain bikes with more contemporary frame geometries are likely to experience the same issue. However, compatibility can often be achieved with the use of a top tube adapter, though this is an additional purchase and step to consider for SUV owners with these types of bikes.
compact, easy to store
Allen Sports Ultra Compact
$59+
CAPACITY: 1 or 2 bikes
FEATURES: Folds down to an exceptionally small size for easy storage in an SUV, rotating cradles for versatile bike mounting.
SUPPORT BAR WIDTH: 13 1/4″
About the Ultra Compact
BEST FOR SUVs BECAUSE…
For SUV owners with limited storage space at home or who prefer to keep a bike rack readily available in their vehicle without it taking up much room, the Allen Sports Ultra Compact is the perfect solution. While many trunk racks are bulky and cumbersome to store, the Ultra Compact excels in portability. It folds down incredibly small, easily fitting into an included small bag. This compact form factor allows for convenient storage in your SUV’s trunk or cargo area, or even in a backpack, making it ideal for spontaneous bike trips or for those living in apartments or condos with limited storage.
CONSIDER ANOTHER RACK IF…
If you need to transport more than 2 bikes or frequently carry relatively heavy bikes on your SUV, the Ultra Compact might not be the best choice. Its narrow build, particularly its smaller foot base (the portion that rests on the SUV), makes it less suitable for larger, heavier bikes. For owners of heavier bikes or those needing to carry more than two, we recommend considering the Allen Deluxe 2-bike capacity model, which offers a slightly larger and more robust platform without sacrificing too much storage convenience.
Things to Consider When Purchasing a Trunk Bike Rack for Your SUV
Check for Fit on Your Specific SUV Model
Given the wide array of SUV body shapes, rear window angles, spoiler designs, and other vehicle-specific variations, it’s impossible for a single trunk bike rack to perfectly fit every SUV on the market. Therefore, it is absolutely essential to always, always, always verify that a trunk rack is compatible with your specific SUV’s make, model, and year before you proceed with a purchase.
Keep in mind that even within a single brand of bike racks, compatibility can vary between models. For example, an Allen Premier rack might fit perfectly on your SUV, while an Allen Deluxe from the same manufacturer might not. Always consult the manufacturer’s fit guide for each specific rack model you are considering.
A common challenge for SUVs, particularly those with factory-installed spoilers, is trunk rack compatibility. Many standard trunk racks are not designed to accommodate spoilers, which can interfere with the rack’s mounting and stability. If your SUV has a spoiler, prioritize models like the Saris Bones EX or the Hollywood Racks “Over the Top”, which are specifically engineered to be compatible with a broader range of vehicles, including SUVs with spoilers. These racks often feature unique leg designs or mounting systems that bypass or accommodate spoilers, ensuring a secure and stable fit.
Check Bike Compatibility with the Rack
The diversity of bike frame designs and sizes means that some bikes are simply not ideally suited for trunk racks, or even for hanging-style bike racks in general. Certain categories of bikes present common fit challenges:
- Kids Bikes: Smaller frames and geometries can be tricky to secure.
- Cruiser-style Bikes: Swept-back handlebars and frame shapes can interfere with rack cradles and spacing.
- Modern Geometry Mountain Bikes: Sloping top tubes and complex frame designs may not align well with standard rack cradles.
These bike styles often lack a traditional long, flat top tube that hanging rack cradles are designed to accommodate. To overcome this, a top tube adapter is often necessary. This adapter essentially creates an artificial horizontal top tube, providing a suitable attachment point for the rack’s cradles.
However, be aware that using a top tube adapter will lower the bike’s overall position on the rack. This can be particularly problematic for SUVs with lower ground clearance, especially when transporting bikes with larger 27.5″ or 29″ wheels. The adapter can cause the bike’s front wheel to hang significantly lower, potentially extending a foot or more below the SUV’s bumper. This drastically reduces ground clearance and increases the risk of the front wheel scraping or being damaged by curbs, speed bumps, or uneven road surfaces.
Choosing a trunk rack with swiveling cradles (as featured on all Allen Sports racks in our list) can sometimes eliminate the need for a top tube adapter. Furthermore, most racks on our list (excluding the Saris Bones) allow for loading bikes by either the top tube or the down tube. This versatility in loading orientation can significantly improve a bike’s vertical clearance and reduce the risk of ground clearance issues, especially for SUVs.
Cruiser bike handlebars that sweep significantly backward can also create loading challenges. These wide handlebars can often obstruct the rack’s cradles or intrude into the space intended for the adjacent bike, making it difficult to load bikes side-by-side. If you frequently transport cruiser bikes on your SUV, we recommend selecting a rack with a higher capacity than you strictly need. For example, if you typically carry two cruiser bikes, opt for a 3-capacity rack. This allows you to leave the cradles between the bikes empty, providing extra clearance and preventing handlebar interference.
Finally, it’s crucial to note that many carbon fiber bike manufacturers explicitly void warranties if damage occurs while using hanging-style bike racks. If you own a carbon frame bike and plan to transport it on your SUV, platform-style hitch racks are strongly recommended as they support the bike by the wheels, avoiding stress on the frame itself.
Weight Capacity of Trunk Bike Racks
Trunk bike racks generally have a lower maximum weight capacity compared to hitch-mounted racks. Most trunk racks are designed to carry bikes weighing no more than 35 pounds each. In contrast, high-quality hitch platform racks can often handle bikes up to 60 pounds or more. This weight limitation is particularly relevant for SUV owners, as SUVs are often used to transport a variety of bikes, including heavier models.
It’s easy to exceed the weight limit of a trunk rack if you’re not careful about the bikes you’re loading. While many standard bikes weigh under 35 pounds, certain types, such as cruiser bikes, electric bikes (e-bikes), and “recreational” mountain bikes, can easily approach or surpass this weight limit. E-bikes, in particular, are significantly heavier than traditional bikes due to their motors and batteries.
Before purchasing a trunk rack for your SUV, always check the weight of each bike you intend to transport. Exceeding the rack’s weight capacity can compromise its structural integrity, potentially leading to rack failure and damage to your bikes and SUV.
Importance of Support Bar Spacing
The spacing between the support bars of a trunk rack is a key factor influencing bike compatibility, particularly for SUVs carrying a variety of bike sizes. The support bars are the two arms that extend from the rack and upon which the bikes rest.
Trunk racks with narrower support bar spacing tend to be more versatile and accommodate a wider range of bike sizes, especially smaller kids’ bikes. Conversely, racks with wider support bar spacing often provide better support for larger and heavier bikes, distributing their weight more effectively.
For example, the Allen Sports Deluxe, with support bars spaced at 11″ apart, successfully accommodated a 16″ bike in our testing.
However, the same 16″ bike could not be securely mounted on the Thule Passage, which has wider support bars spaced at 15″. The smaller frame of the 16″ bike simply didn’t align well with the Thule Passage’s wider bar spacing.
Racks with wider-set support bars are generally preferable for SUVs that frequently carry heavier bikes or travel longer distances. The wider spacing allows for better weight distribution across the rack and onto the SUV’s rear, enhancing stability and reducing sway, especially during highway driving. If you primarily transport larger adult bikes or multiple bikes, a rack with wider support bars, like the Thule Passage, will likely offer greater stability and peace of mind.
Storage of the Bike Rack
For SUV owners who live in apartments, have limited garage space, or simply value maximizing storage space within their vehicles, the overall size and foldability of a trunk bike rack are important considerations.
In the image below, you can clearly see the size difference between three Allen Sports trunk rack models: the Ultra Compact, the Deluxe, and the Premier. The Ultra Compact is significantly smaller than the other two when folded, making it exceptionally easy to store. If you primarily need to transport only 1 or 2 bikes on your SUV, and storage space is a premium, the Ultra Compact is an excellent choice.
Allen Sports Ultra Compact, Deluxe, and Premier Trunk Bike Racks
Cradle Straps
A noticeable difference between budget-friendly trunk racks and higher-end models is the type of cradle straps used to secure bikes to the rack. Lower-priced racks typically use nylon webbing straps, while more premium racks feature flexible rubber straps. Rubber straps offer several advantages: they are generally easier and faster to fasten and unfasten, and they tend to provide a more secure and snug hold on the bike frame, minimizing bike movement within the cradles during transport on your SUV.
While rubber straps are a desirable feature, the type of strap shouldn’t necessarily be a deal-breaker when choosing a trunk rack for your SUV. Both nylon and rubber straps can effectively secure bikes when properly used. However, rubber straps do offer enhanced convenience and a slightly more premium feel.
Purchase Velcro Straps – A Must-Have Accessory for SUV Trunk Racks
If you decide to purchase a trunk rack for your SUV, we strongly recommend investing in a pack of Velcro straps. These simple and inexpensive straps are incredibly versatile and will significantly enhance your trunk rack experience.
You’ll need at least four Velcro straps to neatly secure the excess length of the rack’s car-mounting straps. Without Velcro straps, these long straps can flap excessively in the wind while driving, creating noise and potential distractions. Some higher-end racks, such as the Saris Bones, conveniently include Velcro straps with the rack.
Additionally, it’s beneficial to have one Velcro strap per bike. These can be used to secure the front tire to the bike frame, preventing it from rotating freely and potentially hitting your SUV or other bikes during transport. Velcro straps can also be used as makeshift padding between bikes in a pinch, or to lash two bikes together to minimize movement and prevent them from bumping into each other while driving.
You Get What You Pay For: Investing in Quality for SUV Bike Transport
Trunk bike racks are generally more affordable than hitch racks, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious SUV owners. However, it’s important to acknowledge that trunk racks also tend to be more finicky and can present more challenges compared to the generally more robust and user-friendly hitch racks.
If you are serious about regularly transporting bikes on your SUV, especially for longer trips or highway driving, it’s worth considering the investment in a hitch rack. Hitch racks, particularly platform models, offer superior stability, ease of loading, and bike security compared to trunk racks.
If your SUV is not currently equipped with a hitch receiver, it’s often possible to have one installed aftermarket. Local U-Haul centers (yes, the same company known for moving trucks) are a valuable resource for exploring hitch installation options for your SUV. They can provide information on hitch types, installation costs, and help you determine the best hitch solution for your SUV and bike-hauling needs. While a hitch and hitch rack represent a larger upfront investment, the long-term benefits in terms of convenience, security, and bike protection may be well worth it for frequent SUV bike transporters.
TIPS FOR SUV TRUNK BIKE RACK INSTALLATION
Always thoroughly read the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer when setting up your trunk bike rack on your SUV for the first time. While the general installation process is similar across most racks, the precise placement of mounting straps, especially the bottom strap, can vary from model to model. A typical installation involves positioning the rack on your SUV’s trunk or rear door, then attaching and tightening the upper hooks, followed by the lower and side hooks. No tools are generally required for trunk rack installation.
Crucially, always re-tighten all straps once you have loaded the bikes onto the rack and again every time you stop during your journey. The weight of the bikes can cause the rack to settle or shift slightly, which can loosen the straps, particularly the lower and side straps. Regularly checking and re-tightening straps is essential for maintaining a secure and safe bike transport setup on your SUV.
Exercise extra caution when using trunk racks for long trips and at high speeds. Trunk racks are generally best suited for local use and trips around town at moderate speeds. While they can be used for highway travel, it’s important to be mindful of speed limits and road conditions, and to make frequent stops to check the rack and strap security.
Allocate Sufficient Time for the Initial Installation
The very first time you mount a trunk rack onto your SUV can often be the most challenging and potentially confusing step. However, the process becomes significantly easier and faster with each subsequent use as you become familiar with the rack and your SUV. It’s also highly advisable NOT to discard the original packaging box after you’ve unpacked the rack. Trunk racks typically come with six long straps equipped with hooks, and these straps can be cumbersome to manage and store when not in use. The original box provides an excellent way to keep the straps contained, organized, and protected from damage during storage.
Invest in Car Scratch Protectors
Even though some higher-end trunk racks, like the Thule Passage, incorporate vinyl coating on their hooks to minimize the risk of scratching your SUV’s paint, it’s prudent to assume that all trunk rack hooks have the potential to scratch your vehicle’s finish over time. Therefore, we strongly recommend purchasing and consistently using car scratch protectors.
A wide variety of inexpensive car scratch protector pads are available online and at auto parts stores. These protectors are very effective at creating a protective barrier between the rack’s hooks and your SUV’s paint, preventing scratches and scuff marks. We have personally used these car protectors with great success and highly recommend them as an essential accessory for any SUV owner using a trunk bike rack.
Tie a Knot Below the Sliding Adjuster on Every Strap
Never solely rely on the sliding adjusters on the mounting straps to maintain tension and security. It is entirely possible for trunk racks to detach from the vehicle if straps loosen due to bouncing, vibrations, or general movement during travel. To add a crucial layer of safety and prevent strap slippage, we strongly recommend tying a knot below the sliding adjuster on every mounting strap.
Through testing, we’ve found the clove hitch knot to be particularly effective for this purpose. The clove hitch is relatively easy to tie and provides a secure knot that effectively prevents the strap from slipping back through the adjuster, even under load and vibration. Tying knots in your trunk rack straps is a simple yet vital safety precaution that can significantly reduce the risk of rack failure and ensure your bikes remain securely attached to your SUV.
TIPS FOR LOADING BIKES ONTO YOUR SUV TRUNK BIKE RACK
Load Bikes Heaviest to Lightest
When loading multiple bikes onto your SUV’s trunk rack, always adhere to the principle of loading the heaviest bike closest to the SUV and progressing to the lightest bike furthest from the vehicle. Positioning the heaviest load nearest to the SUV minimizes strain on the mounting straps, particularly when driving on bumpy or uneven roads. This weight distribution strategy helps to maintain the rack’s stability and reduces stress on the straps and your SUV’s attachment points.
Load Small Bikes Differently Than Larger Bikes
For most standard-sized bikes, the optimal loading method involves positioning both cradles of the rack underneath the top tube of the bike frame (as illustrated with the black adult bike in the image below).
However, when loading smaller bikes or bikes with unconventional frame geometries, you can often achieve a much better fit, potentially eliminating the need for a top tube adapter, by employing an alternative loading technique. This involves placing the bike’s downtube on the forward-most cradle of the rack and the top tube on the rear cradle (as demonstrated with the green bike in the image below). This angled loading approach can better accommodate smaller frames and improve overall bike fit on the rack.
Remove Saddles When Space is Tight
If you encounter difficulties fitting all your bikes onto the rack, especially when maximizing capacity, consider temporarily removing the bike saddles. Bike saddles are typically quick and easy to detach, and their removal can create valuable extra space between bikes, making loading easier and allowing bikes to fit more snugly on the rack. Just remember to place the removed saddles inside your SUV before you depart!
Expect Bikes to Get Scratched – Take Preventative Measures
With trunk bike racks, bikes are generally positioned much closer together compared to platform-style racks. As a result, it’s almost inevitable that bike pedals, handlebars, and other protruding components will come into contact with the frames, seats, rims, or other parts of adjacent bikes during transport. This bike-to-bike contact can lead to scratches, scuffs, and paint damage over time.
To minimize scratching and protect your bikes, take preventative measures. As shown in the image below, adding foam padding between bikes is an effective strategy. You can use sections of foam pipe insulation, bubble wrap, or even cut-up pool noodles to create cushioning barriers between potential contact points. Secure the padding in place using Velcro straps to prevent it from shifting during travel.
Check Ground Clearance – Especially for Larger Bikes
Bikes that require top tube adapters for mounting on trunk racks tend to hang significantly lower than bikes mounted directly on the rack cradles. This low-hanging position is particularly pronounced when using trunk racks on SUVs with lower ground clearance, and especially when transporting bikes with large frames or 29er wheels. If you notice that your bike’s front wheel is positioned very close to the ground after loading, take steps to improve ground clearance.
Lowering the handlebars and seatpost of the bike can often raise the bike’s overall position on the rack, providing a few extra inches of ground clearance. While this adjustment might slightly alter your bike’s fit and feel, it’s a worthwhile compromise to protect your bike from potential damage due to ground contact, especially when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps.
Always Center Larger Bikes on the SUV
It’s surprisingly easy to load a bike onto a trunk rack in a way that the rear wheel extends a foot or more past one side of your SUV. (See the top image below for an example of improper bike centering). This off-center loading is not ideal and can create several problems. An off-center bike is more vulnerable to being hit by passing objects, especially in tight traffic situations. Furthermore, uneven weight distribution can negatively impact your SUV’s handling and stability.
Bikes, particularly larger adult bikes, should always be centered on the rack as much as possible to prevent the bike’s rear wheel from protruding excessively and to ensure balanced weight distribution. To correct an off-center bike, try sliding the bike on the rack as far as possible towards one side of the SUV until one of the rack’s mounting bars makes contact with the seat tube of the bike (as shown in the bottom image below).
Even after centering the bikes, always allow for extra clearance on both sides of your SUV, especially when driving sedans or smaller SUVs. Large adult bikes, even when properly centered, can still extend a foot or more beyond the width of your vehicle. Be particularly mindful of this extra width when navigating narrow lanes, parking garages, drive-throughs, and other tight spaces. Driving with bikes on a trunk rack requires extra caution and awareness of your vehicle’s increased width.
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