[bandersen]

I've searched the posts, as well as the accessories guide...

Has anyone used a trunk bike rack - not with a hitch, but one with straps that attach to the trunk/tailgate?

Thoughts?

[streborx]

I had one many years ago. Even though the rack has plastic coated strap hooks and rubber bumpers, these contact painted areas. My concern was the accumulation of dirt/dust in these contact areas and slight vibrations that would leave abrasions in the paint. An aftermarket bumper hitch or roof rack mount would be my preferences.

[Skimo612]

Long-time bike-rack owner here. Don’t do it. Trunk racks are asking to scratch and mar your vehicle. Guaranteed. Taller vehicles need a hitch-rack or the bikes go inside. I use a roof mount when the hitch is full, but getting the bikes up and down is not great, nor is worrying about hitting the bikes on an overhang, etc.

[niehms]

A really good idea is an inside bike carrier. I’ve been using this since 8 years for my 2015 X5 40e and our two 28” bikes with no problems whatsoever:
https://www.radfazz.de/

[icj_45e]

X5s have a rear "spoiler" on top of the rear door/hatch above the window. The strap-on bike racks typically aren't recommended in this application because they put a concentrated load on this spoiler.
I've seen some racks that use suction cups to attach to vehicle, but I have no idea how well they work

[Sleeper]

Originally Posted by niehms

A really good idea is an inside bike carrier. I’ve been using this since 8 years for my 2015 X5 40e and our two 28” bikes with no problems whatsoever:
https://www.radfazz.de/

Do you have a picture of your bikes in the carrier/racks? Would be curious to see how they mount up.

[tooloud10]

Originally Posted by icj_45e

X5s have a rear "spoiler" on top of the rear door/hatch above the window. The strap-on bike racks typically aren't recommended in this application because they put a concentrated load on this spoiler.

That's a great point--after clipping the rack to the top of the hatch, the straps would be applying a large part of the load to the edge of the plastic spoiler. Certainly not ideal, same with almost everything about these styles of racks.

I've seen some racks that use suction cups to attach to vehicle, but I have no idea how well they work

I've got several friends that use Seasuckers and I've never heard of a problem, but I've fortunately never had a reason to rely on the suction cups--I doubt I'd ever stop worrying about my bike falling off. Don't even have to think about the bikes falling off on a platform rack like the Kuat or 1Up models.

[Skimo612]

Originally Posted by tooloud10

That's a great point--after clipping the rack to the top of the hatch, the straps would be applying a large part of the load to the edge of the plastic spoiler. Certainly not ideal, same with almost everything about these styles of racks.



I've got several friends that use Seasuckers and I've never heard of a problem, but I've fortunately never had a reason to rely on the suction cups--I doubt I'd ever stop worrying about my bike falling off. Don't even have to think about the bikes falling off on a platform rack like the Kuat or 1Up models.

I have been using a 1Up hitch rack for about 5 years and it is superior to all options. Well, except QuikR Stuff which is the updated design done by the same guy.

https://1up-usa.com/

https://quikrstuff.com/

[tooloud10]

Originally Posted by Skimo612

I have been using a 1Up hitch rack for about 5 years and it is superior to all options. Well, except QuikR Stuff which is the updated design done by the same guy.

They're good racks but when I was in the market years ago they certainly had some flaws, so I ended up with two Kuat NV 2.0s that I greatly prefer to the 1Up models. I regularly have to defend the Kuats because I live just a couple miles from 1Up HQ and everyone here seems to use them.

The short version is that I don't like the metallic clunkiness of the 1Up, and when I was buying they didn't come with a locking hitch pin and instead just used friction to keep the rack in the receiver, which was a dealbreaker for me. I believe they changed this but I have no reason to switch now.

[eelnoraa]

Originally Posted by tooloud10

They're good racks but when I was in the market years ago they certainly had some flaws, so I ended up with two Kuat NV 2.0s that I greatly prefer to the 1Up models. I regularly have to defend the Kuats because I live just a couple miles from 1Up HQ and everyone here seems to use them.

The short version is that I don't like the metallic clunkiness of the 1Up, and when I was buying they didn't come with a locking hitch pin and instead just used friction to keep the rack in the receiver, which was a dealbreaker for me. I believe they changed this but I have no reason to switch now.

I totally agree with you. 1up is what I call engineers design a product for engineers. It is very good in concept, beautiful workmanship. But as a bike rake that see rough use, Kuat or Thule are better, more practical.

For me, hitch or rook. Hitch > roof for X5 just because how high the car is. No trunk mount or suction cup mount on glass.

[Skimo612]

Originally Posted by eelnoraa

I totally agree with you. 1up is what I call engineers design a product for engineers. It is very good in concept, beautiful workmanship. But as a bike rake that see rough use, Kuat or Thule are better, more practical.

For me, hitch or rook. Hitch > roof for X5 just because how high the car is. No trunk mount or suction cup mount on glass.

I agree that the Thule and Kuat are a bit easier to use. But I have not had the same longevity/durability with them.

I haven't tried the suction racks before--are they rated for a vertical mount situation? I've only seen them on top of a 911 or similar.

[tooloud10]

Originally Posted by Skimo612

I agree that the Thule and Kuat are a bit easier to use. But I have not had the same longevity/durability with them.

I stuck with Kuat when buying my second rack specifically because the one I've had on my camping rig has been abused and held up well for years now. Besides that, there's a lifetime warranty if anything does break.

Tried a Thule for a year or so and found it to be junk.

[Skimo612]

Originally Posted by tooloud10

I stuck with Kuat when buying my second rack specifically because the one I've had on my camping rig has been abused and held up well for years now. Besides that, there's a lifetime warranty if anything does break.

Tried a Thule for a year or so and found it to be junk.

That was my experience with the Thule as well. The Quats are nice.

[everythingDynamics]

The good part of 1up is that you can fold it for storage. Thule hitch rack is really easy to use (especially for road bike), but just a bit too plastic and super bulky for storage.