Does Trunk Mount Bike Rack Need to be Removed for Hatch Access on a 2011 Honda Element

Question:

Once mounted on back with Bike, does it all have to be removed to open the tailgate and the upper door?

asked by: Raymond L

Expert Reply:

Yes, you will need to remove the Thule OutWay 2 Bike Rack # TH45JV from the trunk of your 2011 Honda Element before opening up the tailgate and upper door. This is the same case for all trunk mount bike racks on any vehicle.

If you are wanting to have unrestricted access to the rear hatch area of your Honda Element without removing your bikes or bike rack then you can install a trailer hitch and use a swing-away bike rack.

For this application I recommend the etrailer # e78KR which may require a little fascia trimming but provides a better look after over the Curt # 13574 after it is installed.

Then for a bike rack I recommend the Yakima SwingDaddy # Y02464. This is a swinging bike rack that allows you to have unrestricted access to the rear cargo area in your Element even with your bikes still loaded. It can hold up to 4 bikes that have a total weight of 150 lbs and comes with a limited lifetime warranty which just goes to show the quality of the bike rack. Attached is a review video for you to reference for more info.

We do have options that only carry 2 bikes but they would require the use of the BackSwing # Y02483 and overall the cost would be more than the SwingDaddy.

Whether you use the Kuat Highline or the SwingDaddy, if any of your bikes don't have a horizontal top tube you will need to use an adapter bar like part # TH982XT to ensure that your bike(s) sit level.