Clip on back rack

[slowgo]

I am in the process of buying a bike rack for my Toyota Rav.

Want to know from the experts as to what the pro's and con's are to go the clip on route seeing I don't want to fit a towbar on my vehicle.

[LeoKnight]

Con.. that if your bikes are to heavy or in rough wind it can bend the metal.. or it might just be an urban legend

[ChrisF]

When I asked Thuli did NOT have a clip on rack for my 2017 RAV.

 

 

Okay, I bought it with a towbar, and was happy to get the platform rack.

 

I later invested in a roof-rack unit for long trips on gravel roads.

[Starchboy]

I had a Thule clip on rack on the first car I got when I arrived in SA (a Citigolf) and decided never again. It scratched the paint a bit on the door and warped the metal. Next car I got I put on a tow bar and don't regret it for a second.

[Hello Ruan]

I had a Thule clip on rack on the first car I got when I arrived in SA (a Citigolf) and decided never again. It scratched the paint a bit on the door and warped the metal. Next car I got I put on a tow bar and don't regret it for a second.

Yeah that can happen but you can easily prevent that from happening too.

 

I have been using one on my Ford Figo, I just wrapped the little hooks that clip on with electrical tape, the pressure ones not the sticky shiny ones they stick down like a bomb and provide very nice protection and grip too. My car doesn't show any signs of bike rack abuse.

 

As far as warping the metal goes, you really don't need to fasten the straps down that much just make sure they are solid and not wobbly.

 

I was also very skeptical about this at first, spoke to my uncle who has been using a boot rack on his Audi for 6 years and he doesn't have any of these problems mentioned. Sure, they can happen and will most likely happen but if you just take the time and make a few tweaks you are good to go.

[LeoKnight]

I would assume it also plays a role where you stay, for example if you had to go over sir lowry's pass during one of those windy days when there a bunch of strong gust their might be a bit of warping of the metal. but if you dont want a towbar I would rather go for the clips than roof. as I KNOW i will drive into a garage or something with the bikes still on top