TMC is an independent, primarily volunteer organization that relies on ad revenue to cover its operating costs. Please consider whitelisting TMC on your ad blocker and becoming a Supporting Member. For more info: Support TMC
  1. TMC is currently READ ONLY.
    Click here for more info.

Best Trunk-Mount Bicycle Rack for Model Y?

Discussion in 'Model Y: Interior & Exterior' started by bbmertz, Apr 22, 2020.

  1. bbmertz

    bbmertz Model Y

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2012
    Messages:
    338
    Location:
    North Carolina
    What are the best trunk-mount bicycle racks available for the Model Y? We have lots of mounting options for the Y now that Tesla offers a tow hitch and roof rails. Nevertheless, I am most interested in finding the most secure, easy-to-install trunk mount rack for two bicycles. Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
     
  2. marym23

    marym23 Member

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2018
    Messages:
    69
    Location:
    Portland
    I have a hitch on my Model 3 and the bike rake is from 1UP-USA.com. Only place you can get them. You cant wrong. Best racks ever, easy to install and remove.
     
    • Like x 2
  3. 911xy

    911xy Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2020
    Messages:
    24
    Location:
    The Middle
    +1. Best rack.
     
    • Like x 1
  4. bbmertz

    bbmertz Model Y

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2012
    Messages:
    338
    Location:
    North Carolina
    Thanks for the recommendation. I’m specifically looking for a trunk-mount bike rack since I don’t have a hitch on my Model Y. Although I’m aware there are aftermarket hitch options available, it would probably cost over $1300 to install a hitch and buy a hitch rack.
     
  5. brinox

    brinox Member

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2020
    Messages:
    61
    Location:
    Lenexa
    Another recommendation for a 1UP bike rack if you plan to or already have a hitch. I would say getting a hitch installed is definitely the best option, and getting a 1UP tray rack to go with it for bikes is the best combination out there.

    If you don't want to spend the coin to get a hitch installed in your Y, or spend a lot less coin to get a hitch and install it yourself, then check out the Seasucker options:

    Bike Racks
     
  6. Lord Voltemort

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2014
    Messages:
    21
    Location:
    Atlanta
    I have a Saris Bones bike rack from my Chevy Volt with the hatch huggers, I can try and see if it fits securely on. I don’t see why it wouldn’t just have to adjust it and make sure it doesn’t scratch the car. I’ll be able to test this when I take delivery in a week.
     
  7. bbmertz

    bbmertz Model Y

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2012
    Messages:
    338
    Location:
    North Carolina
    Any luck with the Saris Bones hitch on your Model Y? I have yet to find a manufacturer that offers a trunk hitch for the MY, perhaps because of the positioning of the glass on the liftgate.
     
  8. Lord Voltemort

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2014
    Messages:
    21
    Location:
    Atlanta
    After looking at it more (and without actually trying it), it wouldn't be a good idea. As you load bikes on the rack the weight is transferred down and since there isn't a bumper lip it'll just keep sliding down. If it had more a bump ( the volt has a tiny angled bump on the latch) it would work. You might be able to hold one road bike without any problems but I usually take 2-3 bikes and that kind of weight would be too much to put on a edge less bumper.
     
  9. bbmertz

    bbmertz Model Y

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2012
    Messages:
    338
    Location:
    North Carolina
    Thanks for your response. Most of the major bike rack manufacturers got back to me confirming that they do not currently offer any trunk mount racks for the Y. (Thule mentioned that they might begin testing one for the Y next year.)

    Looks like I’ll have to install a tow hitch if I want to use a bike rack this year. in the meantime, I’ll continue to transport my bike in the trunk.
     
  10. ahagge

    ahagge Member

    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2016
    Messages:
    57
    Location:
    Northridge, CA
    Like you, I'd like to find a trunk-mount bike rack for the Model Y, but after looking closely at the Y's back hatch, I don't think we'll be able to find one - here's why: If you look closely at the front lip of the hatch, you'll see that the glass portrudes beyond any metal:

    Model Y glass lip.jpg

    What this means is that the clips for the rack will be transferring the weight of the bike(s) into a shearing force acting on the glass (trying to pull it off the back of the car). I'd be extremely concerned that hitting a bump with a heavier bike on it (> 25 lbs or so) could either crack/shatter the glass or possibly cause it to detach over time.

    I have an Allen Sports Ultra Compact single bike rack that I used hundreds of times over about 8 years on my Nissan LEAF with a 20 lb road bike with great results. I think it will work as well on our Model 3 (again, only with a light bike, due to the aluminum trunk lid):

    Model 3 bike rack.jpg

    But I don't think I'd trust it on the Model Y except in an emergency, and then only with a light bike. 60+ lb. electric bike? No way.
     
  11. bbmertz

    bbmertz Model Y

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2012
    Messages:
    338
    Location:
    North Carolina
    Agreed. I finally broke down and had the Tesla OEM hitch installed. I now use the Kuat NV 2.0 hitch rack for my bikes.
     
  12. CoolAztec

    CoolAztec New Member

    Joined:
    Thursday
    Messages:
    2
    Location:
    Los Angeles

    I have an Allen Sports Ultra 2 and after a quick fit test I believe it will work great. I can't make out exactly where the lip is you are pointing out in your pic, you can see in my pic where I found the best place to secure the hooks. I have to road test it but it felt very secure and not near any glass.
     

    Attached Files:

  13. Der Kaiser

    Der Kaiser Österreicher

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2020
    Messages:
    32
    Location:
    Western PA
    question: do you turn on/off Trailer Model so you don't get the sensor alerts?
     
  14. CoolAztec

    CoolAztec New Member

    Joined:
    Thursday
    Messages:
    2
    Location:
    Los Angeles
    Good question, I actually haven't driven with the bike yet, this was only a fit test -I just got my Y. I know that you can turn off park assist chimes in the safety and security menu, so I am going to try that.
     
  15. ahagge

    ahagge Member

    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2016
    Messages:
    57
    Location:
    Northridge, CA
    I don't have a hitch, so I don't have trailer mode - I wish I did. Basically the system beeps like crazy when going in reverse, but is quiet when going forward. Since I tend to drive that way most of the time ;) it's not an issue.
     
  16. ahagge

    ahagge Member

    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2016
    Messages:
    57
    Location:
    Northridge, CA
    I was talking about the front edge of the hatch - the glass protrudes slightly forward of the metal, so if you hook straps anywhere where there's glass, you're hooking on the glass itself. But I see that you attached your straps waayy out on the side of your hatch - on either side of the glass. That should work, as long as they don't slide inward while driving. I don't think that the straps on my Ultra Compact single rack can get that far out, so it may not be an option for me.

    Let us know how it works for you when you get a chance to do a drive with a bike or two on it - thanks!
     

Share This Page

  • About Us

    Formed in 2006, Tesla Motors Club (TMC) was the first independent online Tesla community. Today it remains the largest and most dynamic community of Tesla enthusiasts. Learn more.
  • Do you value your experience at TMC? Consider becoming a Supporting Member of Tesla Motors Club. As a thank you for your contribution, you'll get nearly no ads in the Community and Groups sections. Additional perks are available depending on the level of contribution. Please visit the Account Upgrades page for more details.


    SUPPORT TMC