Bike Rack Recommendation Yakima FullBack 2-Bike Trunk Racks

Question:

Yesterday Jameson recommended a Yakima Fullback 2 trunk rack for my 2016 Toyota Corolla LE. Will this rack damage the paint on my car. I had a Saris Bones 2 trunk rack do about 500.00 worth of damage to my 2012 Toyota corolla S where the pad makes contact on the top of the trunk. It was installed correctly and I was extremely careful with it.

asked by: David

Helpful Expert Reply:

Honestly, the best way to prevent scratches to your vehicle's paint is going to get a hitch mounted rack.

The Yakima Fullback # Y02634 is a nice trunk-mounted rack that many are very happy with.

We typically recommend a fresh wash and wax before installing any trunk rack. It is important that the rack be installed securely to reduce bouncing or movement, which causes scratches. But honestly it is the nature of the location of the rack and the elements it encounters while on the road. Dirt and debris will get caught by the rack and then rub against your paint. You would have to be extremely careful and plan on cleaning the rack and vehicle on a regular basis to reduce the amount of scratches. Sounds like you were already extremely careful with your previous rack and it still did quite a bit of damage.

If you decide to go with a hitch mounted rack, I recommend the Draw-Tite # 24913 because you will not have to use a support strap with this hitch like you will with the Curt # C11265. A great bike rack, that I really like and recommend for your Corolla LE and for this Class I hitch is that Thule Helium Pro # TH9042PRO. It has some great features also like the integrated hitch and cable locks, the new cradles that have 2 layers of cushioning and the Hold Fast anti sway cradles, and its light weight design.

expert reply by: Jackie C