Can the Rear Hatch on a BMW X5 be Opened with a Trunk Mount Bike Rack Installed  

Question:

Expert Reply:

It is not recommended to open a rear hatch or trunk of any vehicle with a bike rack mounted to the trunk. The hinges of a rear hatch or trunk were not designed to support additional weight and could fail under the weight of a bike rack. Also, due to the way trunk mount bike racks attach to the vehicle, the side straps could fall off or slip once the trunk is open. The hooks of the straps could also bind up and damage the edges of your rear hatch.

The best option for not losing tension and causing possible damage in doing so is to use the Thule OutWay # TH56BV because it has a locking hub to keep the straps tight and secure.

If you can send me the year of your BMW X5 I can give you a link to all of the trunk mount bike racks that are listed as a fit for your vehicle.

If you would like a bike rack option that does not require you to remove the bike rack each time you want to open the rear hatch, I recommend looking into a hitch mount tilting bike rack. You must have a trailer hitch installed on your X5 to use a hitch mounted bike rack.

If you are interested is pursuing this option, let me know the year of your X5 and I can provide you will all of your options for a trailer hitch and a hitch mounted bike rack that will allow you to open your rear hatch.

expert reply by: John H

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