Will A Trunk Mounted Bike Rack Scratch or Damage Vehicle
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I have just received the Thule Gateway Pro 2 trunk mount bike rack i bought from your website. I have a 2019 BMW 540i sedan. I plan to carry only 1 bicycle a TREK DS-3. I want to know if the bike rack with the bike on it will scratch the paint on my car. I need to drive 55 miles mostly interstate with this setup.
asked by: Rodger O
Expert Reply:
Any time you install a weight bearing device on a vehicle that rests on a painted surface, there's the potential that the vehicle can be damaged. That's the honest answer.
That being said, there are things you can do to greatly reduce the possibility of that occurring.
• You'll want to make sure that the surfaces of the bike rack and the vehicle that touch each other are 100%
clean and free of dirt and grit. A good coat of high quality car wax applied to the surface of the vehicle will
provide some protection.
• The bike rack can handle 2 bikes weighing up to 35 lbs apiece, be sure not to exceed that capacity.
• It's very important that the bike rack is installed exactly according to the instructions.
• It's not recommended to leave the bike rack on the vehicle if it isn't going to be used for an extended
period.
• Do not open or close the trunk lid with the rack in place.
If you are concerned about the vehicle getting scratched, I'd honestly recommend using a trailer hitch and a hitch mounted bike rack. The hitch mounted rack will not be in contact with the vehicle, which completely eliminates the chance of the vehicle being damaged.
Stealth hitch offers the perfect hitch for your vehicle, part # SH24VR. The hitch is completely concealed and is invisible when installed. When you want to carry your bikes, you'd install the included receiver and install the bike rack. Once you're done with the rack, it's a quick matter to remove the receiver, which makes the hitch completely invisible from the rear. This is not an inexpensive option, but for folks that don't care for the appearance of a hitch, it's certainly the way to go. I've linked to the installation instructions for you.
If you decide to go this route, for a hitch mounted bike rack, I'd recommend the Thule T2 Pro, part # TH23JV. The rack includes a locking hitch pin as well as an integrated cable lock to help deter theft.
I've linked to a demonstration video for the bike rack mentioned above.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Gateway Pro 2 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Anti-Sway
- 2 Bikes
- Non-Retractable
- Lock Rack
- Fits Most Factory Spoilers
- 6 Straps
- Adjustable Arms
- Hanging Rack
- Thule
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Shop: TowSmart Hitch Receiver Locking Pin w/Cap - 1/2" and 5/8" Diameter
- Q&A: Recommended Hitch for a 2024 Nissan Altima
- Q&A: Recommended Hitch for a 2024 Nissan Altima
- Shop: Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Q&A: Recommendations to Prevent Trunk Mount Bike Rack From Scratching Vehicle
- Shop: Stealth Hitches Hidden Rack Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
- Shop: Thule T2 Pro XTR Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Finding the Right Trailer Wiring Harness
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Video: Installing the Towsmart Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2024 Toyota RAV4
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Search Results: hitch bike racks
- Q&A: Comparing the Curt Hitch C13416 and EcoHitch Hitch 306-X7396 for a 2019 Toyota RAV4
- Search Results: trailer hitch ball mount
- Video: Mount: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek
- Q&A: Difference Between Curt and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receivers for 2020 Chevy Colorado
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes
- Q&A: Difference Between Curt & etrailer Trailer Hitches For 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness
- Video: Comprehensive Review: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for 2" Hitch Accessories
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Search Results: hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: hitch cargo carrier
on Trunk Bike Racks
