Bike Carrying Options for 2012 Ford Mustang Coupe  

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The two most convenient methods of carrying a bike rack on your vehicle would be a trunk mount rack that would attach to the trunk lid or a hitch mounted rack. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages.

Trunk mounted racks typically require a lower initial cost, but they are not compatible with all vehicles. They are best for occasional use because it is not recommended to permanently leave the rack attached to the vehicle. Before installing a trunk mounted bike rack, it is important to ensure that the portion of the vehicle and the rack that touch each other are perfectly clean and free of grit in order to minimize the risk of scratching the vehicle, but because the rack and the vehicle finish are in direct contact, the risk exists.

We have a large selection of trunk mounted racks, I have linked you to the models that are a confirmed fit for your Mustang. Of the various choices, I can highly recommend the Thule OutWay, available in a 2 bike model as part # TH45JV or a 3-bike model as # TH56BV. Rather than the 4-6 straps and buckles used to attach the rack to the vehicle, the OutWay uses only 2 rubber coated straps making this carrier super easy to install. This allows the rack to be installed or removed in an instant. It also comes with locks for both the rack and the bikes using the OneKey system.

A hitch mounted rack might be your best choice because the rack will not be in direct contact with the vehicle finish. To go with this alternative, you would first need to install a trailer hitch like the Draw-Tite Class I hitch, part # 24863. With the hitch in place, you can use a bike rack to carry up to two bikes. I have linked you to our selection of Class I compatible bike racks. I really like the Swagman Trailhead, part # S63360. The Trailhead is low-cost rack that offers important features like anti-sway cradles to prevent the bikes from swaying back and forth and striking each other or the rear of the vehicle during transport. The Swagman Titan # S63400 is a similar rack that offers an integrated cable lock. An optional anti-rattle hitch lock is also available, part # S64029.

To carry women's bikes or bikes with sharply angled top tubes or step-through frames, using a frame adapter like part # TH982XT is recommended. The adapter spans the distance between the seat post and the handle bar gooseneck, and provides a level attachment point to the bike rack so the bike has greater ground clearance and is not carried at an angle.

I have linked you to the products I recommended, as well as some product demonstration videos and FAQ articles that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Mike L

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