Recommended Mounting Style of Bike Rack for Leased 2015 BMW X1

Question:

I own a thule rear mounted bike rack for a 1 1/4 inch hitch. I think I can get a curt 13140 2 inch hitch put on the car and add an adapter so that I can use my current rack. Would I still need a tie that would need to hook onto the trunk as recommended by curt. Alternatively for less money than buying and professionally installing the hitch plus adapter, I can buy a trunk mount rack such as the Yakima king joe pro. I would use the rack for one bike maybe 15 times per year mostly for short trips. Since I am leasing the car my main concern is which solution is best in general and which of the 2 alternatives is better for the overall well being of the car which will be closely inspected upon return at the end of the lease.

asked by: Martin I

Expert Reply:

When it comes to transporting bikes, using a hitch mounted bike carrier will offer the most protection for your BMW since the bikes will be carried away from the vehicle. In my opinion this would be the way to go.

As for the hitch, yes, you could go with the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver, # C13140, that you mentioned for your 2015 BMW X1 but in order to maintain the warranty through Curt, using a support strap like # 18050 would be required for all non-trailer loads including bike racks and cargo carriers.

If you are looking to avoid using support straps, I suggest taking a look at the Draw-Tite Class III Receiver Hitch, # 75761, for your vehicle. This hitch manufacturer does not require that you use the support straps.

For either hitch you will need to use a hitch reducer like part # HT02 in order to mount the 1-1/4 inch hitch mounted bike carrier into the 2 inch hitch receiver.

Now for the trunk mounted carriers. These can be pretty appealing because installation time is very minimal and are generally the most economical option. If you choose to go this route, I highly recommend the Thule OutWay, # TH45JV. This bike rack uses multiple features to make it the easiest to install, avoid paint scratches, and deter theft.

Here are a few tips that can considerably reduce the risk of damage to your vehicle when using a trunk mounted bike rack. 1) Make sure the surface of the rack and vehicle are clean and free of any debris. A good coat of quality car wax applied to the vehicles finish will also provide extra protection. 2) Installation instructions should be precisely followed. 3) Rack should be removed when not in use. 4) Rack weight capacity should be strictly adhered to.

If you plan on carrying women's, children's or alternative framed bikes, I recommend an adapter bar like the Swagman Easy-Out, # 64005. This bar attaches between the seat post and the handlebar stem and allows the bike to be carried more evenly in the carrier while providing more ground clearance.