Bike Rack Recommendations To Allow Rear Cargo Access on 2015 Dodge Journey  

Question:

Expert Reply:

It's not recommended to open and close the rear hatch with a hatch mounted bike rack in place. The gas struts that hold up the rear hatch are rated for the weight of the hatch, and not much more. Having extra weight on the hatch could cause the hatch to close unexpectedly, catching you by surprise (not to mention the head and shoulders.)

Closing the rear hatch with the rack in place could also damage the rear door from the extra shock of the rack being in place.

I have an alternative that would work very well for you, which would involve installing a receiver hitch like part # C13201 and a two bike rack like the Swagman Trailhead, part # S63360. The rack could easily be removed when its not being used, or with the bikes removed from it, you can tilt the rack rearward which will allow you to open the rear hatch. This would be my recommendation, the bike rack will not touch the painted finish of the vehicle, so no worries about anything getting scratched.

Another added benefit of the hitch is that you can use it for other hitch mounted accessories like a cargo carrier such as the etrailer brand # e98874 which would come in very handy for road trips. You'd also be able to tow a trailer with the addition of a wiring harness # 118536 (for LED taillights) or # 118567 (for incandescent taillights), a ballmount # C45010 and a 1-7/8 inch # 19260 or a 2 inch trailer ball, part # 63845.

If you'll be transporting women's bikes or bikes with sharply-angled top tubes, you might also consider a frame adapter bar like part # 64005. The bar spans the distance between the handlebar gooseneck and the seat post, which provides a secondary attachment point for the bike rack. This allows the bike to be carried level, which maximizes ground clearance. I'll link you to a video showing how the adapter bar works.

expert reply by: Mike L

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