Can Vehicle Trunk Be Opened While Trunk-Mount Bike Rack is Installed
Question:
Trunk Mount bike rack for 2013 Toyota Highlander. Does the trunk open with the bike rack on the car?
asked by: McGuire
Expert Reply:
There are hitch-type bike racks that enable you to keep access to a vehicle's rear cargo area or trunk but unfortunately all trunk-mount bike racks, including the Hollywood Racks Over-the-Top 2 # HRF2, prevent opening the trunk/hatch while the rack is installed. They also prevent use of a rear wiper if one is present on the vehicle.
If your Highlander has a 2-inch hitch such as # e98858 you can use a 2-bike wheel-mount rack like the tilt-away Kuat Transfer # KU74FR and still be able to access the rear of the vehicle without taking the rack out of the hitch. Higher capacity hitch racks like the Thule 4-bike Apex Swing # TH9027XT actually extend/swing over to the passenger side of a vehicle - even when they're loaded with bikes.
Hitch racks do offer these and other advantages and if you like you can refer to the linked article that recaps the various pros and cons for each type of bike carrier.
Products Referenced in This Question
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 750 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Kuat
more information >
Thule Apex Swing XT Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Swing Away
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Swing-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 4 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Thule
more information >