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Is it safe to use hatch door mounted bike racks?

1367 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  neolynne
Hi! While saving up for a hitch, is it safe to use my old hatch door mounted bike rack? I might be carrying 2-3 bikes sometimes.

Thanks!
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The one that straps on the door itself, like this?

I don't see why not, it's what I used before making my own for my roof basket. I did, however, cut little cloth squares to make sure the paint wouldn't scratch where it attaches.

The best way to mount it would be to have the bottom bar resting on the bumper, so the load is on it. It was, however, impossible on my 2008 with the rack I had (it didn't had long bars on the bottom).

Also, make sure the tires aren't directly aligned with the muffler... I learned it the hard way after melting 1 tire.

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Yes ToNIX, just like that! Thanks for the advice!
U-Haul hitches are not that expensive....but then yuou do have to buy a new rack.
U-Haul hitches are not that expensive....but then yuou do have to buy a new rack.
Already have a new rack. The other car has a hitch. Hitches at Amazon are actually cheaper than U-Haul's but I do not have the extra cash right now. I have two 4-bike racks at home... maybe I should sell the other one. Thanks for the advice!
I'd pad where the straps touch the vehicle too. I had a Saris Bones and the straps left marks on the paint.
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