Comparing Trunk-Mount and Hitch-Mount 3-Bike Rack Options for Volvo XC70

Question:

Hi I have 2010 Volvo XC70 and Volvo is saying that the trunk mount racks are dangerous should only use a hitch mount rack. REALLY?! It costs $300 to mount the hitch, and I was planning on trading in the car next month so it doesnt seem too smart. Unless it is that much safer...Do you know about this? Thanks!!!

asked by: Chris

Expert Reply:

In virtually all cases a hitch and hitch-mount bike rack are a better option for the vehicle's sake.

The trunk or hatch on a vehicle is not designed to handle the additional weight of a rear-mount bike rack and the loaded bikes. A loaded 3-bike trunk rack could easily weigh 100-lbs. On some vehicles that may not cause concern for the auto maker or the rack maker, but in other cases neither the auto maker nor the maker of aftermarket bike racks will consider certain vehicles to be suitable for a trunk-mount type rack. The concern is that the trunk lid or its hinge, or the rear hatch or its hinge, cannot handle that weight load. A lot of the specifics come into play here, including just how heavy the particular bikes are, but all other things being equal, a hitch is the better option more often than not.

In general we'd prefer to see folks load bikes on a hitch rack since these completely avoid the concern about weight on the trunk or hatch by putting that load on the car's frame - it's strongest component part. Other benefits include the ability to use other hitch accessories like a cargo carrier, or to tow (if the car is rated for this by its maker) and to avoid loss of use of a rear wiper if one is present on the car. All of hitches we sell include the required installation hardware and instructions and many folks handle the install themselves by using our helpful articles and videos.

Now to re-complicate things, since you're intending to trade the vehicle in very soon, the hitch route probably does not make sense. All hitches for your XC70 require some trimming of rear fascia panels - which might be a bad route if you have a leased vehicle. The hitch that fits your XC70 MIGHT not fit your next vehicle unless it too is an XC70 and then there are no guarantees until we know the new car's exact year/make/model/version. By the same token, a trunk-mount rack that fits the Volvo XC70 MIGHT not fit the next vehicle you drive! Which feels softer to you - the "rock" or the "hard place" ?

My best recommendation is to wait until you're in your new vehicle and then let us know the year/make/model/version so we can then give you recommendations for both the hitch and trunk options as applicable. If you absolutely need a trunk rack now, then choose the lowest cost and lightest weight option for the XC70, Thule's Passage 3 # TH911XT, which weighs only about 10-lbs.

You may care to check out the two linked articles on selecting a bike rack. These will give you food for thought on the best option for your specific circumstances.

expert reply by: Adam R