Can the Trunk or Hatch be Opened with a Trunk Mount Bike Rack Installed on a 2012 Subaru Forester

Question:

I have a 2012 Subaru Forester and I would like to know if I can open the trunk while this rack is attached? I dont mean with the bike on it. I mean just the rack or do I need to remove it whenever I open the trunk?

asked by: Diane

Helpful Expert Reply:

With any trunk mount bike rack, including # TH910XT, the rack will have to be removed before you can open the trunk or hatch on the vehicle. The reasons are that the hooks that fit into the gaps between the trunk/hatch lid and body of the car can get squished and it can actually damage the vehicle.

Also, the struts used to hold up the trunk/hatch may not be able to support the weight of even just the rack and it could fall on you.

And finally, even if it opens just fine and does not fall and closes fine, the fit could be compromised, a strap could get too loose, and you might lose the rack.

expert reply by: Michael H