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Trunk mounted bike rack

17009 Views 12 Replies 11 Participants Last post by  alexv
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
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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.
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?
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
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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?
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.
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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.
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!
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.
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
I am using this one right now: Thule Raceway PRO 2-Bike Platform Rack TH9003PRO

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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!
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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.
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