18 Jul 2024
0
0

Tailgate bike rack: use, choice and fitting for trips

Showroom: Drumul Lunca Corbului 2, Sector 3, Bucharest, Romania

A tailgate bike rack is a simple option for short journeys and trips, especially if you do not have roof bars on the roof. Below you can see what to check before you choose a model. Our shop is in Bucharest, Romania, at Drumul Lunca Corbului 2, Sector 3, Bucharest, Romania.

In brief

Car: only cars with a factory-fitted tailgate or boot lid; otherwise another type of rack must be chosen.
Bikes: usually one, two or three, depending on the rack model.
Capacity: respect the maximum load given by the manufacturer in the specifications of each model.
Fitting: clean the tailgate first, and fasten the support straps as described in the fitting instructions.

About tailgate bike racks

The rack is fitted directly on the back of the car, on the tailgate or the boot lid, without the need for roof bars. If the car does not have a factory-fitted tailgate, you must choose another type of rack, because forced and improper fitting is not recommended.

Not all cars are compatible with every tailgate rack, so check the compatibility list of the model before ordering. Before fitting, read the manual in the package, which shows the correct order of the steps. Our guide on roof-mounted and tailgate bike racks shows the differences between the two options.

Which type of tailgate rack to choose

A tailgate rack usually has clamps and rubber pads that protect the bodywork, plus support straps that you have to attach to the car. Models differ in the number of bikes and in the materials used, and in the the tailgate bike rack category you will find our range. Menabo tailgate racks are TÜV tested and City Crash tested, and for a short trip they are a quick and light solution.

For e-bikes and fat bikes you can look at the towbar-mounted bike racks category and check on each model's page whether it accepts this type of bike.

Video: SuportBicicleta.ro video

Tailgate bike rack for a car, photo 1

Technical details and what to watch for

The maximum load of the rack is given in the manufacturer's data sheet and must be respected, because exceeding it can damage the tailgate, the rack or the bikes.
Clean the tailgate before fitting so that the pads grip well and do not scratch the paint.
After fitting, move the rack from side to side: it must stay firm and not slide.
The handlebars or pedals of the bikes must not touch the bodywork or other bikes.
After fitting, check that the number plate and the rear lights remain visible.
The rack is designed not to block the view through the rear window completely, and it is easy to store when you are not using it.

Frequently asked questions

How much weight does a tailgate bike rack carry?

The maximum weight depends on the rack model and the manufacturer, and the exact value is in the product sheet and in the fitting instructions. Never exceed the stated value, because a higher figure could damage the tailgate or the rack.

Can a tailgate bike rack be fitted on any car?

No. The tailgate rack needs a factory-fitted tailgate or boot lid, and if the car does not have one, another type of rack must be chosen, such as a roof-mounted or towbar-mounted one.

How do you fit a tailgate bike rack?

Clean the tailgate, attach the rack as described in the fitting instructions, fasten the support straps and check that they sit firmly. The detailed steps are in tailgate bike rack fitting guide.