Chapter
● How to put a bike rack on a car or SUV?
● How to take off a bike rack from a hitch?
What is bike rack?
Bicycle racks are kinds of bicycle accessories that attach to vehicles to transport more than one bike.It is common for people to think of bike racks when they hear the phrase "bike rack", such as bicycle racks to attach to bikes (although we make those too). Regardless of whether they are considered "bike racks," our bike racks attach to vehicles to transport your collection of bikes to wherever you need them to go.
How to put a bike rack on a car or SUV?
Having a bike rack on your car or SUV makes it easier to bring your bike along when you go on a road trip. Usually, you don't need any tools to assemble a bike rack. However, it depends on the type, brand, and model of rack you choose.
Bike racks come in a variety of types, each of which has its own advantages and challenges. Trunk racks hook onto your trunk, roof racks use the cross bars on top of a vehicle to store a bike, and hitch racks fit directly into a vehicle's hitch trailer.
Roof-Mounted Bike Rack
Your car or SUV's roof might have cross bars, in which case you might want to get a roof-mounted bike rack. Usually, roof bike racks clamp around the down tube of a bike and attach to crossbars. A cargo area can be accessed easily from here, and you have a clear view of the back of your vehicle. However, as you drive, your bikes are exposed to wind, dirt, and debris. Typically, you can store only one bike per rack, but if you need to transport two or more bikes, you can install multiple racks.
Racks mounted on the roof of cars are usually adjustable and advertised as universal. Make sure the rack you purchase will fit your car or SUV by measuring the length and width of your crossbars. For further information on a particular model, email us or chat with us online, we will give you good advice and instructions. You can install crossbars on your vehicle if it does not have them already.
Before installing the rack on the roof of your SUV, assemble it first on the ground. Then, lay the bike roof rack on the crossbars, and line it up with the tracks in the bars. Make sure the front of the rack is facing the windshield. Next, wrap the front strap around the front crossbar and the back strap around the back crossbar. Lock the attachments to set the rack in place.
Trunk-Mounted Bike Rack
A trunk-mounted bike rack hangs under the lip of your SUV’ s cargo door and attaches to the top of the rear. It can typically hold one or two bikes. This type of bike rack for car trunk is a good option if you want to be able to drive under low underpasses and low-hanging branches or put a kayak or sled on top of your SUV. However, it can leave scratches or marks on your rear door even if it’s properly installed. If you want to keep your vehicle in mint condition, it’s better to get a roof or hitch bike rack.
Before you buy the trunk bike rack, make sure you check the description in detail to determine if your preferred trunk rack will fit your vehicle. It’s critical to carefully read the manual or instructions before you begin the bike rack installation. Generally, a trunk bike rack for suv comes in one piece and you doesn’t need to do a complicated assembly, but try to follow the installation instructions exactly.
In most cases, a trunk bike rack has straps on the top, sides, and bottom. Firstly, open the back door of your car and hook the edge of each harness to the corresponding side of the back door. Secondly, adjust trunk rack to ensure that the gasket resting in the center of the door. Then, tighten each belt by adjusting the slider or pulling the belt.
In order to make sure more secure for your bike, many trunk bike racks have straps that go all the way around and lock together on the inside of the rear door. If you drive a compact crossover or need to park your vehicle in a tight space, opt, it is easy to put on and take off as a compact trunk bike rack. Nonetheless, a compact trunk mount bike rack is usually weaker and can only carry one bike.
Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack
If you want to buy a hitch bike rack, your car should have a trailer hitch, Some cars don’t have a trailer, so it may not be a good choice. If your vehicle has one, it might be a good idea to get a hitch mount bike rack. This type of bike rack uses the trailer hitch to anchor and stabilize your bikes behind the rear door. It’s an easy-to-install bike rack that attaches to a part of your car that’s designed to withstand heavy loads. As such, it offers the largest weight capacity among the three main styles of bike racks. Usually, a bike rack hitch can hold two to four bikes.
When it comes to choosing a properly fitting tow hitch bike rack, the shape and design of the rack matter more than its size. Make sure the frame of your car and the shape of its rear bumper don’t interfere with the rack you intend to buy. Visit our website to find out if your chosen model is suitable for your vehicle.
If your vehicle already has a trailer hitch, installing a car hitch bike rack should be a simple. A hitch rack often only takes a few minutes to put together and may be mounted in one or two procedures. However, because it's usually installed behind your SUV's rear door, you may need to go underneath it.
A hitch bike rack can be installed in a variety of ways. In most cases, you'll attach it to your SUV by inserting a pole through the trailer hitch's aperture and screwing a bolt through both the opening and the rack. Another form of hitch rack demands getting underneath your car and attaching vertically into the frame. To do so, just slip the bike rack into the hitch and align the bolt hole with the frame opening. Then tighten the bolt with a socket wrench.
A bike rack, while inexpensive, performs the crucial function of attaching your bike to your SUV. As a result, investing in a high-quality rack is essential, especially if you have an expensive bike. Before you start driving, double-check that your bike rack is correctly mounted and that your bike is securely connected. If your bike rack or bike slips off your car, it may harm the vehicle next to you or cause an accident.
How to take off a bike rack from a hitch?
To remove a bike rack from a hitch, you must first unlock the rack using your key. Then, on the right side of the rack, where the bike rack connects to the receiver, there is a cross bar, pull the bar out slightly away from the rack, and loosen the anti-rattle knob.
What bike rack fits my car?
“What bike rack fits my car?” is one of the most frequently asked questions at Rack Attack. Fortunately for you, obtaining this information is not difficult.
Bike storage racks are easier to choose from than other types of racks because they are more application-specific. To locate the ideal rack for your needs, you only need to know a few pieces of essential information:
Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack
Mounting Method: Connects to trailer hitch
Number of bikes: Up to four bicycles are allowed.
Access to the rear vehicle: Most
Ease of Loading Bikes: Easiest
Contact Points: Front Wheel for most, Frame for some
Limited rear visibility: Potentially
Extends Vehicle dimensions: Longer
Lockable: Depending on the model.
Weight capacity per bike(Pounds): 40-65
Rack Weight(Pounds): 20-68
Trunk-Mounted Bike Rack
Mounting Method: Straps on rear hatch or trunk
Number of bikes: Up to3 bicycles are allowed.
Access to the rear vehicle: With bikes unloaded (and possibly rack removed)
Ease of Loading Bikes: Moderate
Contact Points: Frame
Limited rear visibility: Yes
Extends Vehicle dimensions: Longer
Lockable: No for most models
Weight capacity per bike(Pounds): 35
Rack Weight(Pounds): 2.4-22
Roof-Mounted Bike Rack
Mounting Method: Bike rack car roof connects to cross bars
Number of bikes: One per rack, can usually fit three to four on a car
Access to the rear vehicle: Yes
Ease of Loading Bikes: Hardest
Contact Points: Front Wheel for most, Frame for some
Limited rear visibility: No
Extends Vehicle dimensions: Taller
Lockable: Depending on the model.
Weight capacity per bike(Pounds): 35-50
Rack Weight(Pounds): 6-18
How much is a bike rack?
Roof-Mounted Bike Rack: $150 to $300 per bike
Trunk-Mounted Bike Rack: $35 to $350
Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack: $170 to $800
Where to buy a bike rack?
ECCPP bike racks are professionally designed to make transporting your bike safe and simple. Whether you enjoy road cycling or family bike trips, we have some for you. Every cyclist will find a bike rack. Shop now and register to get a 10% extra discount.
