Using the Curt Support Strap With a Bike Rack on a 2014 Acura RDX

Question:

Can a bike rack strap be used on a 2014 Acura RDX. The RDX has a part over the rear window spoiler? - see attached pic that is plastic and cannot support weight. The Curt trailer hitch requires a strap if you have a bike rack.

asked by: Mark O

Expert Reply:

You have a couple options to use the Curt Stabilizing Strap, part # 18050 with a spoiler.

One option is to use two straps and hook to either side of the rear hatch, circumventing the need to attach to the spoiler at all. You would need to put a lot of effort into tightening the straps, but this would avoid the spoiler.

A variation of this would be to lean the bike rack down, attach the anchoring strap to the bottom of the rear door or the back of the bumper and hold it tight while closing, then tilt the bike rack back up or install it to the hitch and tie it off. This would prevent you from using the rear hatch, but avoids the spoiler.

Finally, you can attach the strap to the hitch itself, looping around the metal loop where the safety chains would attach. This is the least stable method, but is an option if you're really wanting to avoid risk to your paint.

expert reply by: Jacob W