How to Install a Trunk Bicycle Rack

Trunk style bicycle racks attach to the lip between the trunk and the car's body via hooks or quick clips. The racks have rubber bumper on the solid portion of the rack that lean against the vehicle to protect the car's surface. These racks go on quick and support up to four bicycles, depending on the model. While each rack maker uses their own system of attachment, there is a basic formula to follow when installing trunk style bike racks.

Instructions

    • 1

      Open the rack up to the extended position. Most rack makers have a knob to turn counter-clockwise. Turn this knob, then push the rack arms to the open position and turn the knob clockwise to tighten.

    • 2

      Lift the rack up to the trunk and rest the rubber bumpers of the rack arms against the top of the trunk and the vehicle's bumper. Grab the nylon straps at the trunk side of the rack and extend them to the lip where the trunk meets the vehicle---near the rear window.

    • 3

      Slide the rack strap hooks into the lip, securing the rack to the trunk. Most racks of this style have two straps and hooks.

    • 4

      Grab the straps under the rack and extend them to the car's bumper. Slide the strap hooks under the cars bumper and then tighten the straps at the strap tightening fixture. This secures the lower straps to the car.

    • 5

      Grab the straps at the trunk top you attached from Step 3 and tighten as tight as possible using the strap tighteners. This balances the rack against the bumper straps and secures it to the trunk and vehicle. The rack is now ready to use.