Bought my first vehicle bike rack that straps onto the rear (don't have a tow bar/hitch) and am trying it out. I am worried that the weight (two adult hybrid bikes) may be too much for this overhang. Keen to get your thoughts? The vehicle is a MG HS SUV. Thanks.
by jahouston82
11 Comments
Too much weight on the trim with the brake light? Yes.
That top brace on the glass has me really concerned though! One good bounce up over a bump and all the momentum is going into the window. 😬
Can you cinch the straps so that the bumper is on the edge of the roof?
A lot of rear hatch racks are built like that, and as long as you respect its advertized load capacity and TIE it properly, thats not an issue.
I feel like this rack is for the trunk of a Sedan, not an SUV.
I wouldn’t do it
Personally I’d set that up so the black sponge was tight under the high-level rear light so some of the force was taken by that rather than the glass.
If it’s a ‘hanging’ rack i.e. bikes hang by the frame, you could take the wheels off to reduce the weight as well.
I have a 4-bike rack that looks the same when it’s strapped to the back of my SUV. The rack is rated for something like 150lbs. The overhang makes some creaking sounds when I have 3 bikes loaded on it but it stays solid and never moves. I’ve driven 90-ish miles like that a few times.
I haven’t loaded it with 4 and I don’t intend to. I don’t love the rack but it works considering I don’t have a trailer hitch. I am looking for a used roof rack that’s compatible with my crossbars as an upgrade.
Have you checked the manual for your specific car before buying the rack?
If you have a rear-facing camera, keep it on. Post the footage after something breaks.
My Mazda CX 30 has the same problem. Had to go with a roof rack which is much more expensive. Worst part is if that trim piece breaks the top tethering could come loose.
I used to sell these and yeah id never recommend it. UNLESS it’s your car and your ok with accepting that it will rub the paint off your car. Some people didn’t care so yeah your choice