Can Hatch on 2017 Ford Escape Be Opened with a Trunk Mount Bike Rack Installed

Question:

I read the directions and they say that the lower straps need to be in anchor mode, which means I that I would have to take the bike rack off the SUV to get in the trunk. Would all trunk mount bike racks be this way on my vehicle?

asked by: Beth

Expert Reply:

All trunk mount bike racks have to be removed from the vehicle prior to opening the hatch or trunk for several reasons. First, the hinges/struts that support a hatch or trunk are not rated for the additional weight. This can cause the hatch/trunk to fall unexpectedly.

Second, opening the trunk/hatch with the rack on can affect the fit of the rack and it would most likely need to be readjusted so none of the straps come loose.

And last, where hooks attach to the trunk/hatch, there is an opening between the trunk/hatch and the body of the vehicle. The shape of that opening changes when the trunk or hatch is opened. Since the hooks on trunk bike racks is thicker than the sheet metal of the vehicle the vehicle metal can bend. I have seen it happen.

Since the Yakima FullBack # Y02633 uses just 4 straps taking the rack off is a bit easier than with other racks that use 6 straps.

expert reply by: Michael H