Recommendation For Trunk Mount 3-Bike Racks for 1996 Dodge Caravan With Rear Spoiler  

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Any vehicle that has a rear spoiler on its trunk or above its rear hatch can pose a challenge to proper fitment of a trunk-style bike rack. Often these spoilers are delicate and cannot handle the pressure of the bike rack's installation straps.

The good news is that the folks at Hollywood Racks have designed a lightweight trunk-mount rack expressly made for such vehicles. Their 3-bike Over-the-Top rack # HRF2-3 features an arching design that extends up and over the rear spoiler to avoid interference. I have linked for you a video showing installation of this unique rack on a Dodge Caravan.

Another option that will avoid any issues with your spoiler or rear bumper cover is a hitch-mounted rack. This of course requires a trailer hitch be installed. This option will cost more than a trunk rack but it will avoid putting any stress on the more delicate parts of the vehicle and it will also allow you to use other hitch-mounted accessory items such as a cargo carrier.

Your 1996 Caravan can be equipped with any of several sizes and weight classes of hitch, but in order to transport 3 bikes you will need to use a Class III hitch like # 36296 from Draw-Tite. At right you'll find links to two helpful articles on hitch installation as well as a video.

With a hitch like this in place you can use one of the 3-bike Class III hitch racks shown on the link. Two articles on hitch racks are linked to help you select one that will work with your bikes.

expert reply by: Michael H

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