Tow Hook Bike Rack

[AJM100]

I recently saw a vehicle with a bike rack mounted to the rear tow hooks. I don't recall the make and model it was (I know Mini makes them OEM) but it was not a Mini. I have been unable to locate any with a Google search. Anyone know whether these are made and marketed in the US at this time? Thanks.

[SlowPokePete]

Not sure what you mean by "tow hooks."

A receiver hitch?

SPP

[AJM100]

No not hitch mount. Tow hooks are located along the rear bumper of a car. There are usually cutout tabs that are removable, when removed a threaded hook is then inserted so that the vehicle can be pulled onto a flat bed tow truck. There are usually two, one on either side of the rear bumpers.

[SlowPokePete]

Did not really know that...I don't think I've ever seen a rack mounted like that.

SPP

[weisan]

Could be a custom-made rack.

[Bentley]

Generally tow hooks are threaded into a boss on the frame so its basically bolted on. I have not seen one, but interesting way to attach a rack

[radsmd]

Have seen some BMW systems for their SUV's such as the X5 and X6. Not sure if they use the actual tow hook attachment or a combination of the attachment point and another built in hole.

Pretty sure they are oem only. So, unlikely to find anything aftermarket.

[chiasticon]

wow, pretty cool. never thought of that.

I think my Outback only has one tow hook, and I've only ever used it to pull my riding mower out of some mud I got it stuck into

anyway, I'm sure you've googled and seen DIY's like this? looks like mainly you'd just need to find someone who can weld. or take it somewhere to get it welded. then you just attach a roof rack like normal.

[Tickdoc]

what kind of car? most german cars have a single tow hook on the rear and front of the car, but not two.

[AngryScientist]

Originally Posted by Tickdoc

what kind of car? most german cars have a single tow hook on the rear and front of the car, but not two.

agreed. what you saw was likely some custom set-up. i have never seen a car with dual tow hooks in a rear bumper. all the german cars i've ever has have a single hook insert in the rear and one in the front.

[Black Dog]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

agreed. what you saw was likely some custom set-up. i have never seen a car with dual tow hooks in a rear bumper. all the german cars i've ever has have a single hook insert in the rear and one in the front.

There are cars with duel hooks for sure. Not german though.

[chiasticon]

Originally Posted by Black Dog

There are cars with duel hooks for sure. Not german though.

yep. Scion ain't so German.

from the link I posted above:

[eddief]

would be great of all cars had 2 threaded slots and then no need for installing hitch for bike rack. just screw in two posts then add the rack of your choice.

stainless?

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1690989

[C50]

I have a Subaru BRZ and use a tow hook bike rack system. I wanted a small fun relatively inexpensive car (I can get my bike in the car with the seats folded down but it is a bit of a chore) that still was bike friendly. The tow hook bike rack allows that without having to install a hitch. Pop the covers out of the bumper, thread the posts into the tow hook ports and put my bike on the rack in under 2 minutes. Same for removing it and once you have the covers back on the bumper no one would ever know you have had a bike rack on the car. Since the posts thread into the tow hook ports no part of the rack touches the paint of the car like a hitch. I have used this with my road bike and my mountain bike. I have never tried putting another bike mount (I use the Yakima BOA which just stays on the posts and makes installation easier and quicker) but I would guess that I could actually carry 2 road bikes if I wanted to.

[C50]

I have no idea why those came out rotated 90 degrees when they were correct on my computer, sorry about that.