Can I Open My Rear Hatch with the Bike Rack Installed or Do I Need to Remove it

Published 05/24/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Thule Passage Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Hanging Style

(967)

$179.95

Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs

(836)

$48.20

Question:

Will I be able to open my rear hatch with the bike rack still on or do I need to remove it to use the back storage space? Thanks

asked by: Brian C

Expert Reply:

I have a recommendation for you, but bike rack manufacturers do not recommend leaving trunk-mount racks installed on your vehicle when accessing the rear hatch. If someone did attempt to try and open the trunk while the Thule Passage 2 Bike Rack Carrier # TH910XT is installed, the hinges are not designed to support additional weight and the the rear hatch could fall the the person underneath. Also, the straps could dislodge and the bike rack could fall and scratch the vehicle.

If you are wanting easy access to your vehicle's trunk, many hitch mounted racks can tilt down away from your vehicle to allow access to the back. Take a look at the Thule Camber Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack, # TH9058 for example. If you are interested in a hitch mount bike rack option, I would be happy to make a specific recommendation if you can tell me the year, make and model of your vehicle.

The Camber can tilt down for access to the rear and can be easily installed on any 1-1/4" or 2" hitch. If you do not have a hitch, I attached the link to our trailer hitch main page. If you are carrying any women's children's or alternative framed bikes without the top horizontal cross tube, you may want to consider a bike adapter bar similar to # 64005 to make loading bikes easier.

I have attached a review video of the Thule Passage and Roadway Bike Racks along with a demonstration video of the bike adapter bar you may want to check out.

expert reply by: Sarah H