How to Hang a Bike Rack Carrier

Having a bike rack on your car is a great way to transport your bike. The majority of bike rack carriers are made to fit easily on vehicles of all styles, including trucks, minivans and compact cars. However, there are small differences in hanging the bike rack carrier, depending on the type of vehicle. Make sure to read any instructions included with your bike rack carrier for these differences before installing your bike rack carrier.

Instructions

  1. Sedan/Compact Car

    • 1

      Lift the bike rack onto the center of the trunk of your car. The long U-shaped, or bottom, frame should be at the trunk's edge. The top frame, or swiveling U-bar, should rest on the trunk lid. The bar that holds the bike should be pointing up and out from the car.

    • 2

      Attach the two straps on the upper part of the rack to the trunk. Insert the clips on the rack to the trunk where the trunk is hinged to the car. Tighten the straps against the trunk by grabbing and pulling them toward you.

    • 3

      Clip the bottom straps to the trunk at the point where the trunk closes and meets the bumper of the car. Tighten the straps against the trunk by grabbing and pulling them toward you.

    • 4

      Shake the bike rack carrier to make sure it is stable against your car. Jostle it from side to side and up and down to ensure that it will not fall off with your bike on it.

    Van/SUV

    • 5

      Position the bike rack carrier so that the upper bar rests against the back window of your hatchback and the bottom is toward the bottom of the door. Make sure that carrier is not blocking door handles or hinges.

    • 6

      Connect the clips for the bottom straps on the bottom of your hatchback door. Pull the straps down to tighten them.

    • 7

      Shake or attempt to move the bike rack carrier to make sure that it is securely fastened.