Can You Open Your Trunk with a Bike Rack?
 The Short Answer is: |
It depends on the type of bike rack you have. You can open your trunk if you have a roof rack or a drop-down hitch rack, but you should not try to open your trunk with a trunk rack installed, especially if your bike is on it, as this could damage your car. |
Can You Open Your Trunk with a Bike Rack? If you’re planning to transport your bike using a bike rack, you may be wondering if it’s possible to access your trunk while the rack is attached.
The answer depends on the type of bike rack you have and the design of your vehicle. In this article, we’ll explore different types of bike racks and whether they allow you to open your trunk while they’re attached.
Table of Contents
Understanding Bike Racks and Trunk Accessibility
Trunk-mounted bike racks are a popular option for carrying bikes on cars. They are generally light, highly portable, and easy to store when not in use. However, they are often limited in their load capacity, with two to three bikes being the typical maximum.
Once mounted, they can interfere with trunk access, making it difficult to open the trunk while the rack is attached. Some trunk racks have a drop-down feature that enables you to lower the rack while it is attached so you can access the trunk space.
The best trunk bike racks available today include Saris Bones 2-Bike, Thule Outway Platform 2, B’Twin 320 Car Bike Rack, and Hollywood Express 3 Bike Car. Trunk-mounted racks are great for recreational cyclists and can be used on multiple vehicles since the fit is adjustable.
With some practice, they are easy to mount and take off. However, the effectiveness of the rack relies on the straps being secured tightly. If done poorly, the bikes might shift or sway while driving. Lastly, the design of trunk racks can make it difficult to lock bikes in your vehicle if security is a concern.
Types of Bike Racks and Their Impact on Trunk Opening
If you’re planning to transport your bike using your car, you might be wondering if you can still open your trunk with a bike rack attached. The answer depends on the type of bike rack you choose. Here are some types of bike racks and their impact on trunk opening:
Trunk Mount Racks
Trunk mount racks are typically the most inexpensive of bike rack systems, costing between $50 to $200. They are designed to rest on the back of a car trunk while straps secure it in place. Arms and cradles support the bike to keep it securely in place.
These racks are great for the recreational cyclist, and they can be used on multiple vehicles since fit is adjustable. Trunk-mounted racks are light, highly portable, and easy to store when not in use. With some practice, they are easy to mount and take off.
However, trunk racks are often limited in their load capacity (two to three bikes is typically the max), and once mounted, they interfere with trunk access. Additionally, the effectiveness of the rack relies on the straps being secured tightly. If done poorly, the bikes might shift or sway while driving.
Trunk racks are also not very sturdy, and the extra weight of the rack puts extra pressure on the trunk hinges. You might find that you cannot open the trunk at all.
Hitch Mount Racks
Hitch mount racks attach to a vehicle’s hitch receiver and can carry up to five bikes. They are more expensive than trunk mount racks but offer more stability and security. Most hitch racks tilt down or swing to the side to let you open the rear hatch or trunk of your vehicle (though with most hanging-style hitch racks, you’ll have to remove the bikes).
Many hitch racks can be locked to the vehicle to prevent theft. And many higher-priced racks also have an integrated locking system to secure bikes to the rack.
Roof Mount Racks
Roof mount racks attach to a vehicle’s roof rack and can carry up to six bikes. They are more expensive than trunk mount racks but offer more stability and security. Roof racks, by their nature, don’t block a vehicle’s rear hatch or trunk. However, they can be difficult to load and unload bikes onto, especially for shorter people or those with heavier bikes.
In conclusion, if you want a bike rack that won’t interfere with your trunk opening, a hitch mount or roof mount rack is your best bet. However, if you prefer a more affordable option, a trunk mount rack may work for you as long as you don’t need frequent access to your trunk while transporting your bike.
Factors Affecting Trunk Access with a Bike Rack
When it comes to using a bike rack on your car, one of the main concerns is whether you can still access your trunk. Trunk-mounted racks are typically the most inexpensive option and are designed to rest on the back of a car trunk while straps secure it in place.
However, once mounted, they interfere with trunk access and are often limited in their load capacity (two to three bikes are typically the max). The effectiveness of the rack relies on the straps being secured tightly, and if done poorly, the bikes might shift or sway while driving.
Access to the trunk cannot be guaranteed and tested on every car model, as the trailer hitches and their positions can be very different. The factors that will determine whether these types of bike racks will work on your truck are the spare tire mount and the weight of the bikes.
If you’re considering buying a bike rack for your car, it’s important to consider factors such as the number of bikes you want to transport, the type of car you drive, your budget, and how often you plan to use it. Ultimately, while trunk-mounted racks are great for recreational cyclists and can be used on multiple vehicles since the fit is adjustable, they may not be the best option if you need frequent access to your trunk or have more than a few bikes to transport.
Solutions for Trunk Access with a Bike Rack
If you’re wondering whether you can open your trunk with a bike rack on it, the answer is yes! There are several solutions available to make this possible. Some hitch racks have a drop-down feature that allows you to lower the rack while it is attached so you can access the trunk space.
Other bike racks are designed specifically to allow for trunk access, such as the Saris Glide hitch rack, which provides fast and easy hatch access with just one handle. However, it’s important to note that access to the trunk cannot be guaranteed and tested on every car model, as the trailer hitches and their positions can be very different.
Therefore, it’s important to find the right type of bike rack that will work with your specific car model. Some popular options for bike racks that allow for trunk access include the Thule OutWay Trunk Bike Rack and the Bones 805.
Safety Considerations
When it comes to using a bike rack on your car, safety considerations are important. One of the main concerns is whether you can open your trunk with the bike rack installed. Most trunk racks will not allow the trunk to be opened while installed, especially when there are bikes attached.
This can be inconvenient if you need to access your trunk while on a trip. Additionally, trunk racks can interfere with trunk access even when not in use. Another safety consideration is the potential for damage or theft of your bike while it is mounted on the rack.
Bike racks make your bicycle highly visible and seemingly vulnerable on the outside of your car. To prevent theft, it is recommended to lock the bike rack in the car. This will make it more difficult for someone to remove the entire rack and bikes attached to it.
In terms of preventing damage, it is important to ensure that the bikes are secured tightly to the rack and that they do not shift or sway while driving. This can be achieved by properly securing the straps and ensuring that the bikes are evenly distributed on the rack.
Overall, when using a bike rack on your car, it is important to consider safety measures such as preventing theft and damage to your bike, as well as ensuring that the rack does not interfere with trunk access.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Trunk with a Bike Rack:
Can I still access my trunk when a bike rack is installed?
It depends on the type of bike rack you have installed. Some bike racks, such as roof racks or drop-down hitch racks, allow you to open your trunk, while trunk racks do not. It is not recommended to try to open your trunk with a trunk rack installed, especially if your bike is on it, as this could damage your car.
Are there any specific bike rack models that allow trunk access?
Yes, there are specific bike rack models that allow trunk access. Most hitch racks tilt or swing to the side to let you open the rear hatch or trunk of your vehicle, while trunk racks strap to the back of almost any vehicle and support bikes by the frame. Some specific models that allow trunk access include:
- Yakima Fullback 3
- Saris Bones EX 3-Bike trunk rack
- Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack
How can I ensure the safety of my belongings in the trunk with a bike rack installed?
To ensure the safety of your belongings in the trunk with a bike rack installed, you can provide a top-notch security system to lock both your bike and rack. Lock the rack to the vehicle, then lock your bikes to the rack.
Many bike racks come with full locking systems built-in, and for those that don’t, you can purchase locking versions of threaded hitch pins. Additionally, you can speak with an expert Gear Guide before installing a rack to ensure proper installation.
Conclusion: Can You Open Your Trunk with a Bike Rack?
In conclusion, it is possible to open your trunk with a bike rack on it as long as the straps and hooks are tight. Some trunk bike carriers have the ability to tilt and have an inclination angle of around 50 degrees, which allows for easier access to the trunk.
However, it is important to note that not all bike racks are created equal and some may obstruct access to the trunk. It is always recommended to check the manufacturer’s instructions and test the bike rack before hitting the road.
Additionally, installing a hitch receiver for a bike rack may be a more convenient option for those who frequently transport bikes. Ultimately, with proper installation and usage, a bike rack can be a great addition to any outdoor adventure.
