Can 2013 Honda Civic Trunk be Opened with a Trunk Mount Bike Rack Installed

Question:

Im just wondering if the trunk can be opened when the bike rack is on the car. I bought a cheaper version and it did not stay snug on the truck when it was opened.

asked by: Denise

Expert Reply:

You cannot open the trunk on any vehicle with any trunk mount bike rack installed. There are a few reasons for this. First, the extra weight of the rack could cause the trunk to fall unexpectedly which could result in damage or injury. Similarly the hinges on the trunk are not designed for the additional stress (though an unloaded rack doesn't add much weight).

And last the geometry, the shape of the opening that the bike rack hooks fit into on a vehicle changes when you open the trunk. Because the hooks on trunk bike racks are thicker steel than the body panels on the vehicle the result will be damage to the vehicle (I've personally seen this happen). It will also affect the fit of the rack and could result in loss of rack as you drive.

The solution as far as trunk mount racks would be to use one that A) doesn't require many connection points to the vehicle and B) is easy to install and remove. For your 2013 Honda Civic the Yakima FullBack # Y02634 fits this description. It uses 4 straps instead of 6 like many other racks and it is relatively easier to install/remove because of it. I have linked a video review of this rack for you.

expert reply by: Michael H