Concerns about installing a bike rack on a Model 3

[pitabun]

Now that the novelty of owning a Tesla is wearing off, I'm looking at my car and wanting more functionality from it. It's still my little speed demon, but it's time to let loose a bit and give it more purpose in life.
I am wrestling with whether or not I should install my bike rack.

What I'm most worried about are 2 things.

1. Scratching of the car where the supportive wires tug the trunk frame. The metal claws are wrapped in plastic but the TM3 paint is so susceptible to the lightest fallen feather.

2. Trunk warping or loosening if I just decide to venture off on longer excursions.

Guys I'm really itching to go out riding with my boy, but my TS3 IS much more fragile than my previous Toyota Highlander. I have a 12/18 model and that back trunk piece just looks so loose and fragile as it is.

 

[Jrzapata]

Rack4

• Jrzapata
• Jan 28, 2019

Rack3

• Jrzapata
• Jan 28, 2019

Rack2

• Jrzapata
• Jan 28, 2019

Rack1

• Jrzapata
• Jan 28, 2019

1up USA Bike rack, 1up bike rack addons Bike Racks – 1UP USA | OFFICIAL SITE
ecoHitch 2018-2019 Tesla Model 3 Stealth EcoHitch

 

[Wodensthrall]

I've been using a Sea Sucker (which I learned about on these forums -- apparently it is the rack of choice for many Tesla owners). I still feel a little weird about trusting it, but i've used it several times and for the admittedly short distances I have driven it's been bulletproof -- no discernable loss of pressure, and the bike is rock solid on the mount.

 

[silenteski]

The trunk mounted racks that use straps have always made me nervous on any car. I’m going to wait and see if the official hitch becomes available in the US. If so I’ll get that installed and buy a hitch-mounted rack.

 

[not4antoher]

I've been using a Sea Sucker (which I learned about on these forums -- apparently it is the rack of choice for many Tesla owners). I still feel a little weird about trusting it, but i've used it several times and for the admittedly short distances I have driven it's been bulletproof -- no discernable loss of pressure, and the bike is rock solid on the mount.

How many times have you used sea Sucker?
Some people reported it caused glass cracks.
I have a Sea Sucker, but never use on my M3 for that reason.

 

[pitabun]

Noticed my pictures didn't go through. I took off the rack and haven't used it yet, was just experimenting!

 

[andy92782]

Fold down the rear seats, take the front wheel off your bike and put it inside the car. I do it all the time w/ a 29" Santa Cruz Tallboy.

 

[malou]

Fold down the rear seats, take the front wheel off your bike and put it inside the car. I do it all the time w/ a 29" Santa Cruz Tallboy.

That won't work the moment you need two or three bikes in there...

 

[Wodensthrall]

How many times have you used sea Sucker?
Some people reported it caused glass cracks.
I have a Sea Sucker, but never use on my M3 for that reason.

I've used it oh, half a dozen times? For trips of about 30 minutes at a time, mixed freeway and surface streets. I have not seen the reports of glass cracks from the Sea Sucker, but I would expect that could happen, especially if one were cornering aggressively. I do tend to drive a bit more conservatively when I've got a bike on top.

 

[WilliamG]

Noticed my pictures didn't go through. I took off the rack and haven't used it yet, was just experimenting!

View attachment 424551

View attachment 424552

Never. In. A. Million. Years. Not on my Model 3.

I can tell you from experience with these things historically that they put a ton of pressure on the trunk, AND more often than not end up damaging the paint.

If I needed to transport something I’d only do it via a hitch method.

 

[AltLogic]

That won't work the moment you need two or three bikes in there...

I can fit two bikes in my model 3. I had to remove both front wheels and the seat from one bike.

 

[dhrivnak]

I added a hitch and use a bike rack that way. It was easy, solid and works well.

 

[AlanSubie4Life]

I can fit two bikes in my model 3. I had to remove both front wheels and the seat from one bike.

I too have been able to do this.

I fit a Specialized Como and a medium frame mountain bike in with (a little) room to spare.

1) Used Harbor Freight larger size moving blankets at the bottom, and also between the bikes to prevent abrasion. (2 blankets)

2) Removed the flat pedals from the e-bike. Left the SPD pedals on the MTB.

3) Dropper on the mountain bike was partially dropped to help fit (not required, just easier).

4) Front wheels removed.

5) Removed battery from e bike to make it easier to handle (it is 45 pounds total or so).

6) Several towels used to protect the rear bumper cover when removing/inserting the bikes, and to put elsewhere to prevent contact of bikes and wheels with the interior and each other.

Much more efficient than a rack. Don’t think I would have been able to make it traveling 80-85mph between El Centro and Gila Bend on I-8 with the rack, if I skipped the partial Yuma Supercharger service.

 

[Cronn]

This is what I'm picking up. Saw a video of a model 3 using these no issues since we have an all glass roof

Bike Racks

 

[dhrivnak]

This is what I'm picking up. Saw a video of a model 3 using these no issues since we have an all glass roof

Bike Racks

I did see one Model 3 with this. To me it does not seem sturdy enough but the owner says it works and has not had any issues with it.

 

[RedModel3]

I wouldn't do that. I had a Torklift Ecohitch installed, and I've been very happy with it. You can also remove the receiver and cover it so it completely hides the hitch.