Trunk-Mount Bike Rack to Fit 2013 Chrysler Town & Country With Rear Spoiler

Question:

I have a Chrysler 2013 T and C Minivan. I had read some place to be careful about installing a bike rack that does not have a frame that is the height of the rear door. The concern is if the frame doesnt extend the full height of the rear door, the tension straps will have to be tightened so tight over the rear air foil that the air foil could be damaged. None of your installation videos illustrate this possibility. Is this a concern?

asked by: Kerry P

Expert Reply:

Vehicles that have a rear spoiler can pose a challenge to fitting a trunk-mount bike rack and for the exact reason you state: pressure put on the spoiler from the bike rack's mounting straps. However, there are racks designed expressly to be compatible with this vehicle feature.

Hollywood Racks offers their 2-bike # HRF2 rack, the Over-the-Top 2 Bike Carrier, and also a 3-bike version, part # HRF2-3. Both of these unique racks feature an arched frame design that extends up and over the roofline spoiler to prevent the mounting straps from contacting it. The video linked at your right will show you its design and installation.

If you'd like to add a theft-deterrent device for the rack we offer the Thule Passive Security Strap for Trunk Mounted Bike Carriers, part # TH533, to provide a degree of security for the rack. For the bikes we offer a cable lock # e98891 to lock the bikes to the rack.

If you will be transporting kids', women's or alternative-design bikes that do not have a horizontal top frame tube you'll benefit from using a bike adapter bar such as the Hollywood Racks # HRBA-PRO. This simple device attaches between the seat and handlebar posts to provide level mounting surface to mate with the carrier's arms. This keep such bikes level to ensure safe ground clearance.
The linked video illustrates.

expert reply by: Adam R