How to Install a Bike Rack on a Minivan

bike image by Byron Moore from Fotolia.com

Automobile-mounted bicycle racks provide cyclists with a secure tool for transporting one or multiple bicycles. Bike racks designed specifically for a minivan are different from traditional car bike racks because of how the bike rack is mounted and where the security straps are placed. The installation process is moderately easy, and tools are not necessary. The greatest difficulty is pulling the security straps tight enough to hold the bike rack in place.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step 1

Open the bike rack so it is fully extended. You may need to pull the tubes of the bike rack open so it locks into an open position.

Step 2

Position the bike tubes (front and rear) against the back glass of your minivan. Position the front and rear arms of the bike rack so they are parallel to the ground and facing away from your vehicle.

Step 3

Secure the bike rack. Pass the two rear bike straps from the bike rack up to the hinge of the trunk. Hook the straps using the two clips between the lip of the trunk and the bottom edge of the minivan. Allow the trunk door to catch the straps between the lip of the trunk and the frame. Pull the straps to tighten. A snug fit is necessary to secure the bike rack in place.

Step 4

Fasten the last two straps by hooking them inside the bottom edge of your trunk door. Pull the straps until they are taut.

Tips & Warnings

The rack must sit upright and away from the vehicle.

Not all bike racks are manufactured the same, so always refer to the manufacturer's instructions before installing a new bike rack to a minivan.

Resources

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...