Trunk-Mount 3-Bike Rack Recommendation for 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander

Question:

Can you help me in finding a Rear Mounted Rack for my 2013 Mitubishi Outlander? My car doesnt have a hitch. Thank you.

asked by: Dania V

Expert Reply:

Vehicles like your 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander that have a rear spoiler at the roofline can pose a challenge to installing many otherwise excellent trunk-mount bike racks. The straps that hold many racks in place can rub on the spoiler and cause wear or potentially even damage to such structures since these were not intended to carry any sort of weight load.

Fortunately the clever folks at Hollywood Racks have designed a bike rack that can easily work on vehicles with spoilers. Their Over-the-Top 3 Bike Rack # HRF2-3 features a unique arched frame design that avoids any interference with a spoiler. The linked video shows this great rack in use on a vehicle similar to your Outlander.

If you'd like a product to help secure the rack to your vehicle you might consider the Thule Passive Security Strap for Trunk Mounted Bike Carriers, part # TH533. If you need a lock to secure the bikes to the rack I recommend # e98891 which at 10-feet is long enough to wind through the frames and wheels of your bikes.

If you will be transporting any bikes without a horizontal top frame tube, such as many women's or kids' bikes, then you might consider an adapter bar like the Hollywood Racks # HRBA-PRO. This simple device connects between the seat and handlebar posts to provide a level mounting surface to mate with the carrier arms. This ensures safe ground clearance at the wheels.

expert reply by: Adam R