Trunk and Trailer Hitch Mount Bike Rack Recommendations for a 2002 Volvo V70

Question:

I find lots of pictures of different racks installed on sedans trunk mount, but very little showing me how to install TH910XT on a car with a hatch back - and then it is a royal pain. First, the joint at the top of the hatch is well-fitted, so there is no room for the top strap hooks. So they must be dangled inside and pulled back up when the liid is closed again. There is no metal available below the bumper to hook the bottom strap to, so we must undergo a similar procedure at the bottom of the door. This is not a one-person job! Our car does not have a hitch, and the dealer-installed version is extremely expensive, so those systems are out. Isnt there some hatch mounted system available that can hold two bikes, and just attach to the hatch? Thanks for your attention.

asked by: Kris P

Helpful Expert Reply:

If you are new to installing trunk mount bike racks it certainly can seem very difficult. It is actually easier on some vehicles than on others. I have a hatch back and use the Thule OutWay # TH45JV . It is the easiest trunk mount rack to install on the planet.

The OutWay uses only 2 rubber coated straps instead of the 6 straps of other carriers. One person can easily install this rack. I have included a video to show you how it works.

You mentioned how expensive the dealer trailer hitch is. You can get an aftermarket hitch at a fraction of the price. Trailer hitch # 36297 fits all models of the 2002 Volvo V70 along with some other Volvo models like the S60 shown in the video I have linked.

Then for a good economically priced bike rack I recommend the Swagman Trailhead # S63360. This rack also has a rise in the shank for additional ground clearance. I have linked a video review of this rack as well.

If you will be carrying any bikes that do not have a top frame bar that goes straight across (like a typical men's bike would) then I recommend using bike adapter bar # 64005. This will allow you to carry those bikes more level and will provide better ground clearance. I have to use these adapters and without them my wife's bike would be at a severe angle and I would not be able to load my son's bike at all. I have linked a video showing how the adapter works.