Hatchbacks are excellent cars for recreational use, everyday commute, and small families and offer ample cargo space. However, being a bike owner, can you put a bike rack on a hatchback? is a question you need to answer, especially if you’ll need to move your bike around often.
You can put a bike rack on your hatchback for easier transportation. Choose either a trunk-bike rack, hitch-mounted rack or a roof-mounted rack based on preference, budget, and the rack’s configuration. Bike racks made for hatchbacks can carry two or sometimes three bikes simultaneously.
This walk-through will make installing a bike rack on your hatchback a piece of cake. Continue reading to learn more about the topic and get relevant answers.
How Do You Put A Bike Rack On A Hatchback? Can You Put A Bike Rack On A Hatchback?
Generally, you’ll need to hook a trunk rack onto the car’s trunk, fit a hitch rack into the car’s hitch trailer, or attach a roof rack to the crossbars. Do this by following the manufacturer’s instructions that are typically simple to grasp and easy to implement.
Here are the steps, along with a description of what you should do.
1. Open The Rack In The Shape Of An Arc
Shapes differ depending on the model and the type of car you have. One end of the strap hooks into the back window, while the other attaches to the bottom of the trunk in SUVs. However, for coupes and sedans, both ends must be hooked on the back of the car.
2. Attach The Clips
The clips attach to the areas where the trunk separates from the car. Find a spot you can easily put the clips to install them. Remember not to force them in, and make sure you got all clips in before proceeding.
3. Tighten The Straps
Do this by simply pulling on the excess strap that protrudes from the clip. The rack and the bike could fall off your car if you don’t do this step correctly.
4. Jolt the bike rack from side to side to test its strength. If it moves freely, tighten the straps further.
5. Pull Up The Bike Arms And Secure Them
The arms should be slightly upwardly angled. If the straps fail, gravity will support the bike until you can secure or replace them.
6. Place The Bike On The Arms Of The Rack
The top section should be placed on top of the rack and ensure the bike’s weight is evenly distributed. Put a clean rag between the bike and the bike rack to avoid scratching your car.
7. Clamp The Arms To The Bike Frame To Secure Them
Keep in mind that this step will differ depending on the model and rack you have.
How Do You Put A Trunk Bike Rack On A Hatchback?
You need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, position the rack properly, attach the clips, tighten the bicycle, and test the installment to ensure it’s well installed.
1. Do the following to attach a trunk-bike rack on your hatchback.
2. To unlock the hubs, take your rack and turn the center dial. Set your hubs based on your vehicle’s fit requirements.
3. Turn the center dial back. Check that it is aligned and that it is locked. At this point, you can add security straps to anchor the rack inside the trunk, a step that could aid in alleviating theft.
4. Ensure the lower frame’s contact point is towards the bottom edge of your trunk/hatch. On the other hand, the top contact point is determined by the shape fit instructions of the vehicle and the location of the bottom contact.
5. Make sure the top hooks are parallel to the top of the trunk or tailgate, then fix your bottom hooks to the hatch or trunk lid.
6. Tighten the top and bottom straps.
7. Rotate the dial to swing the arms upwards while ensuring they are parallel and slightly tilted upward.
8. Use the dials to secure the area so that you can load your bikes. Ensure that the chain of the first bike is facing away from the vehicle.
9. Use the innermost cradle when loading a single bike and rotate the anti-sway cradle against the C tube.
10. Zip the zip strips together and strap it.
11. Double-check strap tension before leaving for your journey.
What Kind Of Bike Rack Should I Get For A Hatchback?
Depending on your bike and preferences, you can either pick a roof-mounted rack, hitch-mounted rack, or trunk-mounted.
Here’s a rundown of the most popular styles that will work with your hatchback.
1. Roof-Mounted Bicycle Racks
When it comes to a long-term solution, you can’t go wrong with roof-mounted bicycle racks. They are easy to install and keep your bike secure with little effort, albeit they necessitate a larger hatchback.
Some versions require you to remove your front wheel to secure your bike. In either case, they’re among the most secure options.
If you are shopping for one, consider Swagman Upright Roof Mount Bike Rack (View on Amazon). It is versatile, easy to assemble, has a sleek design that looks great on almost any vehicle, and promises worry-free security for your bike, whether on the road or when parked.
2. Hitch-Mounted Racks
Some regular bikers who do not want to use a long-term solution such as roof-mounted racks prefer hitch-mounted bicycle racks that can be easily detached and allow them to use the trunk. The best part is that you can easily and safely fit more than one bike at a time.
Hitch-mounted car bike racks are solid, incredibly stable, and extremely simple to install. Hidden hitches, on the other hand, are expensive.
With its stowed and folding configurations, the end of the rack is fully adjustable, making it simple to use.
An excellent example of such a hitch-mounted rack is Allen Sports 4-Bike Hitch Racks for 2 in. Hitch (View on Amazon). It’s versatile, adjustable to fit most hatchbacks, and travels smoothly without bouncing.
3. Trunk-Mounted Racks
It is the most popular variety among average riders. These are simple to install and fold away in a flash.
A huge chunk of the best affordable bike racks is trunk-mounted, as they can be installed on almost all car types and sizes. All you have to do is hang it on the hatch and attach the straps that go through the hatch door.
An excellent example of such a rack is Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, Model 102DN-R (View on Amazon). It’s easy to use, versatile, safe, and offers excellent lateral stability on your car due to the side straps.
FAQs
1. How Do You Carry A Bike In A Hatchback?
Carry your bike on your hatchback by attaching it to a roof-mounted, hitch-mounted, or trunk-mounted rack. Alternatively, you can put it inside the car, but ensure you secure it skillfully to protect your bike and vehicle from damage.
Fold the back seats if possible to get sufficient cargo space.
2. How Do You Fix A Bike Rack On A Hatchback?
You’ll need to rest the rack on the hitch, roof, or trunk and secure it in place to safeguard your bicycle and prevent car damages. Follow the provided installation procedure and ensure the straps are tight for a proper rack attachment.
3. Can You Use Any Bike Rack On A Hatchback?
You can mount nearly any bike rack on your hatchback, but trunk-mounted racks are the most popular choice. The best bike rack for a hatchback offers sufficient carrying capacity, easy to install and use, and is secure.
The rack you pick should also be robust enough to support your bikes, suitable for a hatchback, and ensure you can afford it.
4. Can You Put Roof Racks On A Hatchback?
You can successfully put a roof rack on your hatchback and use it to transport your bike safely. There are plenty of roof-mounted racks to choose from; you only need to find the most suitable one for your hatchback and bicycle.
5. Do Trunk Mount Bike Racks Work On Hatchback?
Trunk-mount racks are quite famous for hatchbacks and offer a pretty economical means for hauling your bike. You can mount a trunk rack on your hatchback effortlessly and attach your bike to it using straps.
Also Read: Do Bike Racks Need Lights?
In Conclusion, Can you Put a Bike Rack on a Hatchback?
A rack is a proper way to transport a bike on a hatchback, and that is why, in situations like these, a bike rack is essential. Installing a rack would be easy if you follow the steps highlighted in this article, and you won’t have to worry about your bike becoming loose and falling off your vehicle.
However, you must tighten the straps and test them by gently shaking them to ensure that the bike is not loose.
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