Recommended Method to Transport 2 Bikes on 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara

Question:

Hi, I have a Suzuki Grand Vitara 2010. It has a hard cover on the spare tire. I used to use an over the tire bike rack on my previous Suzuki but it made dents in the tire and the cover eventually tearing the cover. I want something to go over the hardcover without scratching it or denting it. Would the Hollywood over the tire rack work?

asked by: Catherine M

Expert Reply:

The best way to transport bikes on your 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara is to install a trailer hitch like Curt Class III hitch # C13001 and to then use a hitch-mount bike carrier. The advantages of using a hitch-mount rack are higher overall bike/weight capacity than any spare-tire-mounted rack, the ability to use the hitch for other items such as a cargo carrier # C18151 or for towing, and that your bike rack's and bikes' combined weight is carried by the vehicle's frame - it's strongest part.

If you prefer to use a spare-tire-mount rack, the Hollywood Racks SR1 2-Bike Carrier # HRSR1 is a good choice. This easy-to-use rack fits spare tires up to 15 inches wide and with any bolt pattern. Simply loosen the adjustment bolts to widen the mounting brace to fit your spare, place the brace over the spare, and tighten the bolts until the rack is snug. Then wrap the side strap under the bottom of the tire and the two front straps around the back of the tire to minimize side-to-side and front-to-back movement of the rack.

It is not possible to guarantee that your spare tire cover will not be marked or dimpled from the attached weight of the rack and bikes. Many factors, including bike weight, road conditions and driving speed all contribute to the wear on the tire cover. The two linked articles may be helpful to you as you consider your best option.

expert reply by: Adam R