Recommended Trunk Mount Bike Rack that Wont Scratch or Dent 2015 Mercedes-Benz 300C
Question:
Hello I have a 2015 c300 and am very nervous about damaging my car with dents from a bike rack. what would be my best option but also not too expensive. Someone told me about the saris bones 3 but when I put in my car model it says it wont fit. Thanks!
asked by: Allison
Expert Reply:
Let me begin by saying that anytime you have a piece of equipment strapped to the painted finish of a vehicle, the potential for scratches or dents exists, no getting around it.
This being said, the risks can be minimized by putting as little weight as possible on the racks and by observing the racks weight capacity, by installing the rack exactly as described in the instructions, and by keeping the surfaces where the rack and vehicle touch absolutely clean. A good coat of quality car wax where the surfaces meet would add extra protection.
The design of the rack can also influence the likelihood of the vehicle being scratched. You'll want a rack that spreads the weight of the rack and the bikes on the vehicle over a large an area as possible. The Saris Bones for example (which Saris confirms isn't a fit for your vehicle) has rather small feet, which applies all the weight of the racks and the bike on a very small area. Most trunk racks use 6 hooks to attach to the vehicle's trunk, which also can cause scratches.
The Thule OutWay, part # TH45JV for the two bike version or # TH56BV for the 3 bike model isn't inexpensive, however because the rack uses only 2 rubber coated straps to attach to the vehicle (2-4 less points of contact than other racks) and long feet that touch the vehicle (spreading out the force applied to the trunk lid and bumper over a larger area), in my opinion theOutWay is much less likely to damage your vehicle than any other trunk mounted bike rack we offer. Finally, the OutWay is ridiculously easy to install and remove, as you'll see if you click the video I've linked for you.
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.
Products Referenced in This Question
Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- 24-3/8 - 33-3/4 Inch Long
- Swagman
more information >
Thule OutWay Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Adjustable Arms
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Standard
- 2 Bikes
- Non-Retractable
- Bike and Rack Lock
- Fits Most Factory Spoilers
- 2 Straps
- Adjustable Arms
- Hanging Rack
- Thule
more information >
Thule OutWay Trunk Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - Adjustable Arms
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Standard
- 3 Bikes
- Non-Retractable
- Bike and Rack Lock
- Fits Most Factory Spoilers
- 2 Straps
- Adjustable Arms
- Hanging Rack
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Saris Bones 3 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Anti-Sway
- 3 Bikes
- Non-Retractable
- Locks Not Included
- Does Not Fit Spoilers
- 6 Straps
- Adjustable Arms
- Hanging Rack
- Saris
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Trunk Bike Rack
- Shop: Thule OutWay Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Adjustable Arms
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Shop: Saris Bones 2 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Shop: Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Shop: Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Video: Swagman Deluxe Bike Frame Adapter Bar Review
- Video: Thule OutWay Trunk Bike Rack Review
- Q&A: Recommended Locking Pin for Kuat Sherpa 2.0
- Search Results: hitch receiver
- Search Results: kuat sherpa
- Search Results: kuat sherpa 2 bike
- Search Results: yakima ridgeback
- Video: etrailer Trailer Hitch Installation - 2021 Mazda CX-5
- Video: Yakima Trunk Bike Racks Review - 2018 Mazda CX-5 Y02634
- Video: Thule Passage Trunk Bike Racks Review - 2016 Mazda CX-5
- Q&A: Clarification When Using Anchor Mode On A 2019 Mini Cooper 3 Door Hardtop Using The Yakima FullBack
- Q&A: How Does Yakima Fullback Trunk Rack Attach to 2018 Toyota Prius Glass Hatch
- Q&A: Will the Yakima FullBack Fit a 2017 Audi Q7
- Search Results: hitch bike racks
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: hitch