Can Trunk Mount Bike Racks be Installed, Removed, and Reinstalled As Needed on 2011 Subaru Forester

Question:

Am I correct in assuming that the bike rack can be removed after transporting a bike then reattached when necessary?

asked by: Robyn

Expert Reply:

You assume correctly. You can remove a trunk mount bike rack, such as the Thule Passage # TH910XT, and store it inside the vehicle and then reinstall it later. On a rack like the Passage you will just have to loosen the straps some to remove them from where they are attach to the vehicle. Then you would just place the hooks in the correct places and tighten the straps again to reinstall the rack.

However, if your Forester has that top spoiler or trim piece at the top of the hatch then I recommend the Saris Bones EX # SAR83FR. It is designed to work with most factory spoilers.

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.

expert reply by: Michael H