Can Rear Hatch or Trunk Be Opened with a Trunk Mount Bike Rack Installed on 2003 Mazda MPV
Question:
Hi - I watched the installation video of the TH911XT, which is recommended for Mazda MPV 2003. My question - can the hatch be opened after the rack is installed and before bikes are loaded? Since the bottom bar rests on the bumper, Im guessing no?
asked by: Beth V
Expert Reply:
You are right, with a trunk mount bike rack installed, bikes or no bikes, you cannot open the rear hatch or trunk on any vehicle including your 2003 Mazda MPV. There are a few reasons why. First, the opening between the trunk/hatch and the body of the vehicle will change shape. It can get smaller which will cause the bike rack hooks to bend the metal on the trunk lid. I have seen this happen.
The hinges are not meant to support the additional weight of the rack so if you could open it there is a slight chance it could damage the hinges, though probably not likely. But once you closed the trunk the fit of the bike rack would not be right and you would have to readjust everything.
Also, if you were to raise the trunk or hatch, since it would be heavier with the rack on it, the trunk could fall on you. And that would hurt.
If you anticipate the need to access the rear of the vehicle while carrying bikes there is a possible solution. You could install a trailer hitch such as # C12288. Then you could use a bike rack like the Yakima FullSwing # Y02465. Instead of tilting, this 4-bike rack swings to the side, with the bikes on it, to completely get out of your way so that you will have full access to the back of your vehicle. I have linked a video showing how it works.
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.
Products Referenced in This Question
Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- 24-3/8 - 33-3/4 Inch Long
- Swagman
more information >
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class II
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Yakima FullSwing Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Swing Away
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Swing-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 4 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Yakima
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Passage 3 Bike Carrier - Trunk Mount
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Anti-Sway
- 3 Bikes
- Non-Retractable
- Locks Not Included
- Fits Most Factory Spoilers
- 6 Straps
- Adjustable Arms
- Hanging Rack
- Thule
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: How to Choose a Bike Rack for a Minivan
- Q&A: Does Hollywood Racks Express Trunk rack # HRE3 Fit on 2019 Toyota Camry
- Q&A: Installation Instructions for the Thule Passage # TH910XT on a 2018 Subaru Forester
- Article: How to carry Bikes on a Vehicle
- Q&A: How to Rotate the Cradles on the Thule Passage item # TH911XT
- Q&A: Upright Hanging Style Bike Rack For A 49 lb E-Bike
- Q&A: Recommended Trailer Hitch and Bike Rack for a 2019 Toyota Prius
- Q&A: Replacement T-Slot Bolts for Adding Accessories?
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes
- Article: Roof Rack Information
- Article: Rooftop Cargo Carriers
- Q&A: Is Bumper Removal Required to Install Draw-Tite 24819 on a 2009 Toyota Yaris Hatchback
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: Rolling on a Budget: Top Wallet-Friendly Platform Bike Racks