If you plan to go camping or any other outdoor activity, you must grab all the essentials. A complete checklist of such conditions helps you to enjoy your stay properly. In another case, you may end up asking for help for the things you have forgotten to bring.
One of such essential things is a bike. Carrying a bike on a camping site or for a stay-cation is very common. People love riding a motorcycle in picturesque places. Also, it is one of the ideal ways to stay fit even during vacations. However, most of the time, people find it challenging to carry the bike along with them. The only solution for that is to install a bike rack on your vehicle.
If you plan to go out on your SUV, this is an excellent guide explaining how to install a bike rack on SUV.
Steps To Install a Bike Rack On SUV
First and foremost, the step to start the installation process is to determine the type of your bike rack. You may find many kinds of bike racks out there in the market. Out of them, these are very common.
Read More Similar Guides Below
How to Transport a Bike Without a Rack – Top 3 Methods
Top 10 Best Bike Racks for Jeep Wrangler!
Top 10 best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes | Buyer’s Guide
Out of these, the first three are commonly used; trunk-mounted, hitch mounted, and roof-mounted.
So, this guide will explain to you how to install a bike rack on SUV, be it roof-mounted, hitch mounted, or trunk mounted.
Installing Trunk Mounted Bike Rack
These racks are easy to mount as they come in an already assembled state. All you have to do is to follow the manual or instructions within the rack packaging.
Now stretch the rack legs to open it. Then place it on the trunk of your SUV. After this, wrap the security straps of the rack on the sides of the trunk. This step is essential to protect your vehicles from any possible damage. You may also find the direction mentioned on the straps to help you wrap it in the right way.
Now buckle up the straps. The key for buckled straps is they will seem tight. Finally, mount the bike and secure it with straps.
Installing Roof Mounted Bike Rack
You can rely on the roof racks if your SUV has crossbars on its roof. These crossbars act like anchors to install a rack on SUV. But before buying a bike rack, you need to measure the distance between both crossbars of your SUV. One of the pro tips is that some of the crossbars are adjustable; you can adjust the distance between them according to your need.
Now look for the rack that fits between the crossbars. Once you purchase it, it’s time to read the instruction or manual guide properly. The best idea is to assemble the rack before installing it on the roof, as it is tough to make it on the vehicle’s top.
Now, position the rack on the roof so that it should be facing the windshield. Fix it with straps and make it secure. Finally, mount the bike on track and secure its wheels by locking them on the rack.
Installing Hitch Mounted Bike Rack
This method is ideal for SUVs that have hitch attached to them. But for that, you need to check if the rack you are going to buy fits in the trap or not. For that, the best idea is to check with the maker.
Indeed, this one is the easiest way among all as it comes preassembled. All you will have to do is to read and follow the instructions in the manual.
It usually takes one or two steps to install this type of rack. Just screw the frame into the hitch and tight it with the bolt. Now, place the bike on the shelf and fix its wheels on the cradle. Finally, tie security straps to lock it.
Conclusion
Bike riders can double up your camping fun. They make vacations super exciting and enjoyable. The thought of bike rides on the campsite or beaches thrills most people. That is why they carry the cycle along with them on vacations. These easy steps of how to install a bike rack on an SUV can help you to enjoy your plans.
3 thoughts on “Complete Guide On How To Install a Bike Rack On SUV?”