Trunk Mount Bike Rack for a 2009 Lexus RX 350

Question:

Did not see this on reviews. Will this carrier work with our car. We are driving with it out of town, roughly 300 miles.

asked by: Jill

Expert Reply:

The Thule Passage trunk mount bike rack # TH910XT does technically fit your 2009 Lexus RX 350. But the vehicle has that top spoiler-like piece that holds the third brake light and a traditional trunk mount rack will put stress on it.

What I recommend is the Hollywood Racks Over-the-Top rack # HRF2. This rack has an additional upper arm piece that moves the top straps up and over that spoiler so no weight is put on it (since the spoiler is not meant to support weight). I have included a link to a video that shows how it works. It will work fine for a long trip but I recommend checking the tightness of the straps when you stop for any reason.

If you will be carrying any bikes that do not have a top frame bar that goes straight across (like a typical men's bike would) then I recommend using bike adapter bar # 64005. This will allow you to carry those bikes more level and will provide better ground clearance. I have linked a video showing how the adapter works.

expert reply by: Michael H