Which rack -- not hitch or roof -- do you recommend?

[akelman]

Here's the problem: we have a car that won't play nicely with a hitch, and my not-very-tall wife doesn't want to deal with anything on the roof. So, what's the solution? Are there any racks that you would recommend in this case?

[Idris Icabod]

Never used one but I did shake the crap out of the demo at the 24 hours in the Old Pueblo. Seemed really solid:

https://www.seasucker.com/collections/bike

[fffuhq]

Saris bones 2 or 3

[cp43]

I think that means you're looking for a trunk mount rack.

Yakima (https://www.yakima.com/mount-location/trunk)and Saris (https://www.saris.com/catalog/racks/trunk) come to mind for good places to start looking.

Chris

[akelman]

Saris bones 2 or 3

That's what I was thinking, but I wondered if there was something better out there.

[AngryScientist]

Here's the problem: we have a car that won't play nicely with a hitch, and my not-very-tall wife doesn't want to deal with anything on the roof. So, what's the solution? Are there any racks that you would recommend in this case?

what is the car? is it a hatchback, sedan, etc?

there are lots of custom solutions available for individual cars. when we had a mini i seriously considered installing something like this for a rear rack...

https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/attachments/r56-hatch-talk-2007/22090d1182257332-anyone-tried-the-r56-mini-rear-bike-carrier-dscn8740.jpg

[akelman]

what is the car?

Volvo V60: replacement for the SportWagen.

[ColonelJLloyd]

Volvo V60: replacement for the SportWagen.

If the issue is the rear door, a Softride Dura Assist (https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Bike-Racks/Softride/SR26247.html?feed=npn&gclid=Cj0KCQjwwqXMBRCDARIsAD-AQ2gox-i0iCQPhRq6uiJnTvdT1N_Fy96Wu4S-jiGyCNsVTBtJ7U-ehvsaAhqIEALw_wcB) rack might work. I used one on both a Rav4 and Murano.

[tuscanyswe]

what is the car? is it a hatchback, sedan, etc?

there are lots of custom solutions available for individual cars. when we had a mini i seriously considered installing something like this for a rear rack...

https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/attachments/r56-hatch-talk-2007/22090d1182257332-anyone-tried-the-r56-mini-rear-bike-carrier-dscn8740.jpg

Im looking for something like this ( i think). What is it? can you point me to some more info? Thanks!

[AngryScientist]

i just dont like all the "temporary" solutions out there.

when you think about how auto manufacturers likely design a car and it's hardware - it is relative to the normal forces the component will see, with some margins added. the hinges and closure system for a rear hatch and rear glass are simply not designed with hanging 30+ lbs cantilevered off of them. more weight if you consider wind forces that may act on the bikes.

these seasucker and strap attachment racks like the saris may very well be OK for light occasional use, but i don't view them as good regular use solutions, especially when connected to a rear hatch.

i would think if one is not available yet, surely someone will create a nice tidy hitch solution for that volvo. i would be hesitant to regularly hook up anything that puts extra stress on the rear hatch itself, and even more cautious about the glass.

in my engineering minded opinion.

[AngryScientist]

Im looking for something like this ( i think). What is it? can you point me to some more info? Thanks!

https://www.waymotorworks.com/sports-link.html

[PWong87]

I looked into the Thule hitch mount platform rack before I ended up installing a hitch on my car and buying a 1up.

Thule Raceway Platform 9003PRO 2 BIKE (https://www.thule.com/en-us/ca/bike-rack/trunk-bike-racks/thule-raceway-platform-9003pro-2-bike-_-1685475)

[akelman]

Let me say again that a hitch rack won't work. Nor will a roof rack.

[akelman]

I looked into the Thule hitch mount platform rack before I ended up installing a hitch on my car and buying a 1up.

Thule Raceway Platform 9003PRO 2 BIKE (https://www.thule.com/en-us/ca/bike-rack/trunk-bike-racks/thule-raceway-platform-9003pro-2-bike-_-1685475)

That's interesting -- though some of the reviews are pretty scary -- but probably heavy enough that it's a non-starter for my wife.

[cdn_bacon]

saris bones. so easy to set up. goes from my Cruze to my wifes Santa Fe with minor adjustments of rotating the arms. the concept is so simple and its extremely sturdy. Never had a concern with mine.

[Pierre]

Never used one but I did shake the crap out of the demo at the 24 hours in the Old Pueblo. Seemed really solid:

https://www.seasucker.com/collections/bike

I've used this exact set-up. It took a leap of faith but man, that thing held like no tomorrow....and this was in -30deg C weather!

[William]

I've used this exact set-up. It took a leap of faith but man, that thing held like no tomorrow....and this was in -30deg C weather!

Yes, they work fine and they can attach to glass or smooth body panels.






William

[ejanastacio]

I would go with the sea sucker mini bomber or Kuat is you're looking for a hitch rack.

[cp43]

That's what I was thinking, but I wondered if there was something better out there.

In my relatively limited (and potentially outdated) experience with a Saris and a Yakima trunk rack, I prefer the Yakima. It's easier to adjust the angles of the arms, and I think the straps are better quality on the Yakima.

For any trunk rack, you need to make sure that the hooks will be able to fit well with the hatch when it's closed. The last time I installed a trunk rack, there was some trim around the trunk lid that meant that with the hooks where I wanted them, the trunk wouldn't close. I was able to make things work in that case, which was a one off, rental car situation. But, if you'll be using it regularly, you'll want the hooks correctly placed for a secure hold.

Chris

[eddief]

why not?
https://www.waymotorworks.com/sports-link.html

[Bruce K]

Had a V60

Thule roof rack was the perfect solution

I might suggest a small step ladder to help your wife.

The car is not super tall so I am guessing she is very petite.

BK

[akelman]

I am guessing she is very petite.

She is rather wee, yes: 5' 2 3/4". (That 3/4" matters a lot to her.)

[cmbicycles]

Thule makes a pretty cool looking tray style trunk rack called the Raceway.

I have a Saris bones rack for a backup/loaner and overall it works well and is stable on our highlander or any other cars I've put it on.

[pdmtong]

She is rather wee, yes: 5' 2 3/4". (That 3/4" matters a lot to her.)

same height as my daughter.

roof rack and put a step stool or mini-ladder in the vehicle.

[DRZRM]

Not even sure what this thing is, but the image is from a Volvo site. Seems to mount to the bumper? With brake lights? I'm sure its very affordable. You can even buy the ramp for loading. Look how happy these people are, but I guess it is hitch mounted at the end of the day...and do you need a spare license plate?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ly2ZszXd8w

http://www.volvopartswebstore.com/showAssembly.aspx?ukey_assembly=1181542&ukey_product=9961133

[trener1]

Kind of slightly off topic.
But I am thinking of getting a V60 in year or so, just wondering why wont a hitch fit?.

[Bruce K]

I think hitches do fit, they just require some bumper cover modifications.

FYI the V60 is now FWD only. No more AWD unless you buy the Cross Country.

BK

[peanutgallery]

Seasucker is an option, but there is no way that I would put any rear mounted strap type rack on a V60. Those types of racks destroy bikes and vehicles without discrimination. I don't care if it's a Thule, Yakima, Saris or an Allen - they will equally butcher your bike and the car. A 1975 Pontiac Lemans...maybe. Newer cars, never

If you like your bikes, I also recommend staying away from anything that holds your bike by the top tube

Roof rack and a stepladder is your best option...or get a taller wife...or hire stevedores :)

What's up with the no receiver hitch? They're available for a V60?

[staggerwing]

Volvo V60: replacement for the SportWagen.

What do you mean "does not play nice with a hitch?"

We have a 2016 V60, and I just installed a CURT 13266 (2") hitch myself. Was about $120 on Amazon. Install took about 1 hour, using only hand tools and without rushing it. The only leap of faith moment is the sharp tug to dislodge the rear bumper cover.

Yes, there is a very minor bumper cover cut required. You can not even see the mod unless you are laying on the ground.

Hitch on etrailer.com with install video. (https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Volvo/V60/2016/13266.html?vehicleid=201623958)


BONUS INFO

If you want cross bars for bike mounts or a roof carrier, they are actually way cheaper direct from Volvo. Bars, pylons and locks are about $225, all up. This is the same Aeroblade setup that is almost $400 from Thule. It was going to cost more more to get new pylons for the Aeroblades we had for our TDI Sportwagen than buying complete new units from Volvo.

Official Volvo load bars on Amazon. (https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Volvo-Profile-Carrier-31399065/dp/B00XO1EAYE/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1502291622&sr=1-1&keywords=v60+cross+bars) Also available through any Volvo dealer.

[FlashUNC]

None of the above. Front mount bus rack.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f7/AC_Transit_route_52l.jpg/800px-AC_Transit_route_52l.jpg

[akelman]

Yes, there is a very minor bumper cover cut required. You can not even see the mod unless you are laying on the ground.

Hitch on etrailer.com with install video. (https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Volvo/V60/2016/13266.html?vehicleid=201623958)

Two questions: first, do you have an FWD or an AWD? If the latter, we're talking about different animals. In addition to the bumper cut (more on this below), I worry about ground clearance, which is minimal on my FWD. Second, do you happen to have a picture of your car with the receiver mounted? The video above shows an XC70, which seems like cheating.

[Vientomas]

http://forums.swedespeed.com/showthread.php?232455-V60-cross-country-hitch-options-and-install

[PWong87]

Two questions: first, do you have an FWD or an AWD? If the latter, we're talking about different animals. In addition to the bumper cut (more on this below), I worry about ground clearance, which is minimal on my FWD. Second, do you happen to have a picture of your car with the receiver mounted? The video above shows an XC70, which seems like cheating.

Is the stock ground clearance really that low? I can't imagine it being an issue unless you lowered your car.

[staggerwing]

Two questions: first, do you have an FWD or an AWD? If the latter, we're talking about different animals. In addition to the bumper cut (more on this below), I worry about ground clearance, which is minimal on my FWD. Second, do you happen to have a picture of your car with the receiver mounted? The video above shows an XC70, which seems like cheating.

We have the bone stock, FWD, V60.

Yeah, the V60 sits a little lower than our previous TDI Sportwagen. Had to modify my driveway apron a little to keep the exhaust tips from scraping with 4 people in the car. Now, the class III hitch acts as my sacrificial rear scrape point. A little disturbing aurally, but no real harm if taken slowly. Had a similar issue with a class III hitch on a 2000 Toyota Sienna minivan.

At Ari's request, I will take a couple decent photos, with a ruler in the field, such that people can get a better idea.

[Fatty]

same height as my daughter.

roof rack and put a step stool or mini-ladder in the vehicle.

That is a good solution. One of my buds had a fairly tall Toyota, maybe a 4Runner, he carried a little step ladder in the back. It was use the ladder or step up on tire.

[staggerwing]

Some photos, for those with questions. Sorry, she is still wearing evidence of our recent 3500 mile jaunt through southern Colorado and northern New Mexico.

Looking closely, I really wish that Curt would have pushed the design a little harder, and made the drop about 1" less. May have required a slightly larger cut in the bumper cover, but it would not have been visible. Better yet would have had Volvo making a accommodations in bumper cover for those of us wanting a hitch mount; perhaps pushing the mount as high as the exhaust tips.

Click here for photos (https://goo.gl/photos/rQE4vSnWFF32HdSQ7)

[DRZRM]

Your images are not visible to me, anyone able to see them?

[cp43]

Your images are not visible to me, anyone able to see them?

I could see them earlier today, but cannot now.

[livingminimal]

Cant see the pictures.

Without going through the whole thread Ill just say: Seasucker.

[staggerwing]

Don't know what the issue is, but I put in a hot link to where they are shared on Google photos.

The main issue is the OP already has a perfectly serviceable hitch bike rack. However, he was under the mistaken impression that there were no hitch mounts available for his V60. I simply provided a part number from a reputable manufacturer of hitch mounts, along with photographic evidence of said item installed on my V60.

[akelman]

Don't know what the issue is, but I put in a hot link to where they are shared on Google photos.

The main issue is the OP already has a perfectly serviceable hitch bike rack. However, he was under the mistaken impression that there were no hitch mounts available for his V60. I simply provided a part number from a reputable manufacturer of hitch mounts, along with photographic evidence of said item installed on my V60.

Much appreciated. Seriously, many thanks for your time.

[staggerwing]

Much appreciated. Seriously, many thanks for your time.

No problem at all. It feels good to be occasionally useful. :D