Can Trunk Be Opened with Hollywood Racks Expedition Installed
Question:
Will I be able to open the trunk with the bike rack attached?
asked by: Erin
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.
The only exception to this is the Thule OutWay # TH45JV. This rack will allow you to open the trunk with the rack installed and the bikes removed. The bikes must be removed. The Thule OutWay is a confirmed fit for your 2015 Subaru Imprezza if it is a 5-Door Wagon without a spoiler or if it is a Sedan without a spoiler.
