Is a Stabilizer Strap Required for Thule DoubleTrack Rack on a 2011 Mercedes E350 with a Curt Hitch

Question:

I have a 11 MB E350 Sedan and I don't want to attached a bike rack to my trunk or roof. I just ordered the Curt C11001 Hitch and the Thule TH990XT 2 bike rack. Will I still need to use the Stabilizer strap? If so, where would I install the strap? If the strap is suppose to attached to the Trunk, won't that eventually rub against the paint on the trunk lid, and defeat the whole purpose of not using a trunk mount bike rack? Thanks in advance for your expert assistance.

asked by: Joe H

Helpful Expert Reply:

You will need to use a stabilizer strap like the Curt Strap part # 18050 with the Curt Hitch part # C11001 on your 2011 Mercedes E350 otherwise it will void the hitch's warranty.

To install the strap you would want to loop the cambuckle side of the strap around the top of the upright mast of the Thule DoubleTrack Bike Rack and then run the hook end to the top of the trunk lid. If installed correctly the hook will not move so it would not wear on the paint of your vehicle. Trunk mounted racks have a much larger contact area with the vehicle and due to how they are attached to a vehicle there is no way to prevent the rack from moving.

I attached an install video for the # 18050 for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jameson C