[dahntahn_pgh]

I'm considering a trunk mounted bike rack for my TLX. Has anyone purchased one for theirs? Recommendations?

I'm looking at this Saris rack:
Saris Bones 3 Bike Trunk Rack - REI.com

 

[Wazaloob]

I got a Thule one recently. It works pretty well. Be careful of scraping off the paint though when attaching the hooks to the trunk.

 

[leeroy]

I got a Thule one recently. It works pretty well. Be careful of scraping off the paint though when attaching the hooks to the trunk.

This is what makes me nervous about using a rack on my car... scratching or scraping paint with the hooks. Are the new racks any better with protecting the paint against the hooks?

 

[Wes Beard]

If it were me (and only one bike):

Remove front tire
Lay down back seat
Insert bike into trunk and put front tire in back seat
Enjoy the ride

 

[dahntahn_pgh]

I ended up getting that saris rack, and did notice some minor scuff marks on top of the trunk after the first use. To be fair, I was driving on a dirt road carrying 3 bikes...so the fine particles probably got underneath the pads. Normally, I would just haul 1 bike on paved roads.

Saris does stress to make sure the trunk is clean before installing it.

Anybody get a hitch mounted bike rack hooked up?

 

[Flexin5]

for anything that has the potential of rubbing through paint, i would pick up a roll of clear vynal. just simply cut and stick on a strip where the pad meets the paint and peel off after.

 

[explicit_tl]

for anything that has the potential of rubbing through paint, i would pick up a roll of clear vynal. just simply cut and stick on a strip where the pad meets the paint and peel off after.

You might even be able to find a vinyl shop that can help to get something exact fit to fit in that area properly and look good too.

 

[Wazaloob]

If you're careful in attaching the hooks to the trunk it should be safe. The hooks on mine has a plastic coating that helps prevent scratching the paint. But there's always the risk!

 

[typeess]

Ultimately using a hitch mounted system is the best way to avoid damage, any time you put that much of a load on that area the risk for dent and damage to the paint goes up.

 

[chrislumd]

Do you need hatch hugger to replace side hooks for Bone 3 on TLX?

I ended up getting that saris rack, and did notice some minor scuff marks on top of the trunk after the first use. To be fair, I was driving on a dirt road carrying 3 bikes...so the fine particles probably got underneath the pads. Normally, I would just haul 1 bike on paved roads.

Saris does stress to make sure the trunk is clean before installing it.




=> Hi Dahntahn_pgh,
I am looking for a trunk bike rack for TXL.
How do you like the Saris bone 3 on TLX?
According to Saris web site, it requires Parts #3035 Hatch Hugger to replace side hooks. Did you get the Saris Hatch hugger as well? Thank you in advance.


- Chris

 

[Sprakyrsx]

I am using this one right now: Thule Raceway PRO 2-Bike Platform Rack TH9003PRO

 

[crack-kitty]

If it were me (and only one bike):

Remove front tire
Lay down back seat
Insert bike into trunk and put front tire in back seat
Enjoy the ride

Used this 2 weeks ago. Worked great (of course)... I still need to call my dealer and ask about the warranty implications of adding a hitch for bike rack (only)... as often I would like my bike and GF's bike, or my bike and the 2 bikes for the kids and the 'fold seats down' method doesn't really work (can't fit all bikes and if you could, couldn't fit all people).

Anyway, thanks!

 

[alexv]

This is an old thread but having seen the effect of exactly that Saris Bones 3-bike rack on my previous car (many very fine scratches caused by the dust/sand particles accumulated under the rubber pads) I was reluctant to put it on my new TLX. The solution came from an Amazon review for a similar rack. Buy a "helicopter tape" which is a thick vinyl tape with very sticky coating on one side, kind of a heavy duty wide (2" or so) scotch tape. I applied the tape where the rack gets in contact with the trunk and the bumper. It is slightly noticeable but the paint is protected very well.