Methods to Avoid Trunk-Mount Bike Carrier from Damaging Paint Finish on Vehicle

Question:

We are looking at a Saris Bone 3 and are concerned about the hooks scratching the paint on the car at point of contact. Is there a way to protect the paint or is there another rack that you would recommend for our 2014 Juke?

asked by: Becky

Helpful Expert Reply:

Any trunk-mount bike carrier will rest on part of the vehicle, primarily the bumper cover which supports most of the loaded rack's weight. Most trunk racks install in a similar manner, also using 4 to 6 straps to grip the outside edges of the hatch, which help distribute the total weight across more surface area and stabilize the rack when you are in motion.

Since the Saris Bones 3 # SA801BL is among the lightest available racks it is a good choice for your 2014 Juke. The clips that grip the rear hatch are vinyl-coated to prevent any potential metal-to-metal contact.

The best way to protect your vehicle finish when using any trunk-mount bike carrier is to ensure that the vehicle and rack mating surfaces are clean and free of any trapped dirt or grit that could cause scratches. This is true for the clips and for the rack's articulating rubber feet too and this applies to ANY brand or model.

Hitch racks are not an option for your vehicle if you need to transport 3 bikes; the hitches made for the car are light-duty Class I types that can only handle the load of 2 bikes no matter what the rack capacity is.

expert reply by: Adam R