Bike-Carrying Options For 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK Series  

Question:

Expert Reply:

There are a few options you can consider to carry bikes on your 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK.

As you mentioned, it would be easier to use a trunk mount bike carrier, but you would not be able to open the rear hatch with a trunk-mount bike rack installed. A roof rack is another option, but it may be difficult to place bikes on and off the roof in a bike rack.

A third option which I recommend is to have a hitch installed and use a hitch-mount bike carrier. This keeps the roof open, and with many of the bike carriers having tilting features, you can open your hatch with the carrier installed in the hitch. When you are not carrying bikes you simply pull the carrier out of the hitch and you are good to go.

If you want to use a trunk-mount bike rack I recommend the Hollywood Racks Over-The-Top, part # HRF2. This rack is designed for vehicles with spoilers just like yours. I have attached a product review video for this rack you can check out.

If you are interested in a roof rack for your vehicle I recommend a rack like the Thule WingBar Evo Roof Rack. This roof rack has aerodynamic aluminum crossbars that are some of the quietest on the road. You can check out the product review video I have attached. To order this roof rack you will need part # TH711400 or # TH711420 for the bars, and part # TH710401 for the feet.

The bike carrier I recommend is the Thule FastRide, part # TH95JV.

For a trailer hitch I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch, part # C13155 if you have a GLK250. This is a Class lll hitch and it has a 2 inch receiver opening.

If your Mercedes-Benz is a GLK350 I recommend part # 75774. This also is a Class lll hitch and has a 2 inch receiver opening.

For a bike hitch mounted bike carrier I recommend is the Thule Helium Pro 2 Bike Rack, part # TH9042PRO. This lightweight bike rack features dual arching arms that helps when loading and unloading bikes. This rack tilts away from the back of the vehicle when unloaded for access to the rear cargo area.

If you are planning on carrying bikes with alternative frames like kids bikes or women's bikes I recommend using an adapter bar like part # 64005. This attaches between the seat post and the handlebar stem and allows the bike to be carried more level in the carrier while providing additional ground clearance. I have attached a product review video for this adapter bar.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

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