Will Trunk Mount Bike Rack Cause Damage on 2018 Mazda CX-9

Question:

Hello! Im looking to purchase the Yakima FullBack 3 for my 2018 Mazda CX9. I was happy to see the video you have on that exact same model.... however, Ive now read two reviews and seen one photo on your own site that talk about denting on the rear panel where the bottom bar presses against the vehicle. Im worried about denting my own vehicle. Can you please advise on why you think the damage happened or what they might have done wrong for it to happen? It looks like the dent occurred under the exact mounting spot that you recommend on your site. Thank you!

asked by: Robert S

Expert Reply:

The Yakima FullBack 3 Bike Rack # Y02633 is one of my favorite trunk mount racks because of how easy it is to use and install and I have no issues recommending it for your 2018 Mazda CX-9. In regards to the damage, there are a number of reasons why the dent could have occurred including overloading the rack, improper installation, or using the rack for prolonged periods of time. The review is correct about the placement of the outer/lower support frame so I'm guessing they used that rack a lot over the course of a year. This is not typical though otherwise we would be seeing reports like this all over the place.

Trunk mount racks are a great cost-effective way to transport your bikes but the rack touching your vehicle could cause some denting if you aren't careful which is why some people tend to steer away from them. If you use a trunk mount rack I recommend double checking everything when you go to use it and then removing the rack when you aren't using it.

If you'd like to avoid a rack that makes contact with your vehicle then I recommend installing the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13284 and using a hitch mount bike rack instead. This gives you some advantages like being able to carry more bikes, use nicer racks, access your rear cargo area without removing the bikes/rack (with platform racks), or even add some wiring and a ball mount kit to tow if the need arises.

Then for a hitch mount rack I recommend the Thule Apex XT # TH9025XT which is a hitch mount equivalent to the FullBack in that it has integrated bike and rack locks as well as features that make it really easy to use, like levers to tilt the rack and fold the arms as opposed to pins and clips.

Be sure to pick up a bike adapter bar like part # TH982XT if any of your bikes has a children's or alternative frame without a horizontal top tube.

Attached is an installation video of the Curt hitch and a review video of the Apex XT for you to check out.