Will my trunk be accessible with this attached. How about with the bikes loaded? Will I need to remove them to access the trunk?
1006893
Your trunk will probably not be reasonably accessible when the rack (with or without bikes) is mounted. Once you have mounted the bike rack once or twice, it is easy to do the whole dismount/re-mount of the bike rack in about 2-3 minutes. Some cars (without spoilers) can probably give some minimal access to the trunk (if you are very careful with the straps & clips), but I would recommend dismounting and re-mounting the bike rack for best results.
822996
It depends on how safe an area you are parked in. I removed the bike rack when I arrived at my destination because I was in a high crime area for bicycles and related equipment. I wouldn't leave the bike rack on when you are not planning on transporting bikes. It's easy to remove and also impedes access to the trunk so I wouldn't leave it on if you are not actively using it.
1834249
Attn Solo,I think the rack will miss the spare tyre however I think you will not get a bike in the carrier closiet to the back of the car.
115115
A spring loaded large pin releases vertical arm to tilt away from the trunk. This is of course done without bike(s) loaded.
305399
We have two and kept them separate. Then, you can park the bikes where ever you want. You don't have to connect them.
1119042
The rack will tilt down away from your hatch. I have not done this with bikes loaded on the rack but the rack does have the capability. I would imagine it may be a bit difficult to do with loaded bikes given the rack uses pins to adjust to different settings. However I have Mazda 3 hatch and the rack is far enough away from the car to open the hatch without adjusting the racks position.
1331782
No, the panniers can not be separated from the trunk. They fold into the side pockets when not being used. The side pockets can still be used with the panniers folded inside.
5787
Yes you should have a lock to secure your bikes. If you dont use a locking hitch pin than anyone with vise grip pliers or some crescent wrenches can remove the rack (and your bikes if on the rack.)
822994
My husband has used it once so far and he removed it and put it in the truck during the bike ride. It is weighty but it had to hold large bikes. If you leave it on someone can take it--my neighbor just leaves his on but it is a cheaper version of a bike rack, very old and he just uses it for one bike and takes the chance. The Allen Sports bike rack looks more expensive and substantial and it will be noticed in my opinion. I would rather have a nice bike ride and take the extra minutes to put it in the trunk and not be concerned about it. As far as I was able to research when I bought it--all bike racks can be stolen off the back of the car. Hopes this helps.
1966430
no....the trunk will open to about 45 degrees. I haven't found this to be a big problem since the trunk is fairly deep. I have not had any problems loading and unloading gear.
1646332
Possible. Beware of the extra weight though; one would have to be very careful closing the trunk lid. That being said, I am in good physical shape and i was able to open the trunk with 1 bike mounted (don't recommend doing that alone for the safety reasons). Vehicle is 2007 Nissan Altima
536811
Nothing, but not leaving vehicle unattended while bikes are on it. When bikes aren't on it, remove it and put in inside the vehicle.
1638181
I primarily use it on the bumper of an RV, so I'm not sure if a car trunk can open. When I use it on my pickup truck, it must be removed to drop the tailgate. Removal is pretty easy, and it is the best bike rack I've used.
1308941
I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee and we can open the hack without taking the bikes off. We remove the pin to rack and lean it down. You need to hold onto the bikes and the rack does not lean down all the way.
871992
The straps have hooks that basically sit inside the seams of the hatchback and would require the hatch to be open in order to remove. I suppose someone could just cut the straps, but that would render the rack unusable. If the intention is for you to lock the bike to the rack and the rack to the car, thereby locking the bike to the car...the answer is no. This is no way to actually lock the rack to the car that I can think of.Having said that I used it on a trip across US (Boston to Tx to San Diego) and never had a problem leaving it and bikes overnight in parking lots.
449330
The rack can easily be removed. Therefore you should easily remove it anytime you lock up your bike and take it with you wherever you go.
1989898
Yes. There is sufficient distance between the two racks so that your bikes should not touch. However, you will need to load the bikes in opposite directions to ensure the handle bars don't touch.