Bike Rack Options For Daughters 2007 Scion tC

Question:

My daughter needs a bike rack for her Scion TC. It has the full hatchback so trunk racks seem a bit risky to me Yes/no? and a lot of added hardware. Hitch seems the best approach. Does the frame already have the mounting holes pre-drilled for the hitch unit you sell?? Thanks

asked by: Michael P

Expert Reply:

We do have trunk mount bike racks that will fit your daughters 2007 Scion tC, that have been tested and are safe to use. A trunk mount bike rack is a good option for a bike rack, if you will be carrying bikes every once in a while or carrying bikes on short trips.

A good choice for a trunk mounted bike rack is the Yakima FullBack 2 Bike Rack, part # Y02634, which is a confirmed fit for the 2007 Scion tC. This rack features ant-sway cradles, to minimize movement and keep bikes in place when being carried. The FullBack comes with locks for both the rack and the bikes. It is also available in a 3 bike version, part # Y02633.

Before mounting a trunk mounted bike rack, you want to make sure the vehicle finish is clean and the mounting points of the bike rack are also clean, to prevent scratching. I would also recommend waxing the vehicle paint, to further prevent scratching. One thing to remember with a trunk mounted bike rack, is that you will not be able to open or access the trunk while the bike rack is mounted.

A hitch bike rack, as you mentioned would also be a good option. Hitch bike racks are great if you will be carrying bikes often and will be traveling long distances. With a hitch bike rack, the bikes or the rack will not come in contact with the vehicle. You would need to install a trailer hitch like the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch, part # 24827. The # 24827 is a Class I 1-1/4 inch hitch, so you would be limited to a 2 bike rack and bike racks that are compatible with Class I hitches. This hitch works with existing holes in the frame of the vehicle.

For a hitch bike rack that will fit the Draw-Tite # 24827, I would recommend the Thule Camber 2 Bike Carrier, part # TH9058. This bike rack also features anti-sway cradles, and also has a tilting feature to allow easier access to the vehicles trunk when the bike rack is mounted.

Your daughter will also want to use the Yakima Tube Top Bike Adapter Bar, part # Y02531, which will allow her to carry her bike level. The Yakima Bike Adapter Bar is also great for childrens and alternative frame bicycles.