Joined
·
82 Posts
I don't want to spend too much money. What is a good trunk mount bikerack that will fit ascent? Will this fit: Bike Carriers | Outdoor Equipment at L.L.Bean. ?
Any good recommendations? I want to avoid the tow hitch because its $$$.The link went to all the Thule racks that LL Bean carries, but I have the 3 bike trunk mount one, and the answer is yes...but....
it will fit, but it’s a pain to mount with the power liftgate. Also, trunk mount racks on hatchbacks have a tendency to dent the liftgate when heavily loaded. I’ve done that now on two different cars (no I didn’t learn my lesson the first time). So I’d only load two bikes on either of those racks.
And honestly, I’d get a roof or hitch mounted rack if I was planning to move more than one or two bikes more than a few times a year.
For the Hitch Mounted Rack, do I have to make any Ascent modifications? Do I need to do this --You're better off with a hitch-mounted bike rack (if you have a trailer hitch). These work much better and will not damage your bike or car. If you don't have a hitch and don't want to pay for one, then at least try to find a high-quality liftgate mounted model.
I'm sorry but I can't in good conscience recommend any cheap ones as they're mostly junk in my opinion. If you value your car and bike(s) you need to purchase a quality bike rack.
If you only need to transport one or two bikes and don't mind a bit of maneuvering, the Ascent is large enough to safely store at least two bikes inside, provided you don't need to use the rear seats.
But it seems I have to pay for that option. I don't believe on my Touring I payed for the hitch option. Its so confusiing.^^^ that's for the installation of the factory hitch, which is by far the best option. However, there are less expensive and easier to install aftermarket hitches which are suitable for bike rack use. etrailer.com has several and has the installation instructions and installation videos on their site so you know what's involved.
If you don't have the factory hitch (easy to check) then you'll need to pay either for it or an aftermarket hitch. You can install either one yourself if you have decent DIY skills.But it seems I have to pay for that option. I don't believe on my Touring I payed for the hitch option. Its so confusiing.
Premium, Limited and Touring have everything for towing standard except for the hitch receiver and 4/7 pin connectors. Yes, there is a cost to add the hitch receiver, whether you do the OEM unit or a third party product. The nice thing about the OEM hitch receiver is that it fully integrates with the vehicle and is also hidden behind a panel when not in actual use. It also doesn't hang down below the bumper and reduce approach/departure angles when on uneven terrain or surfaces. Having a 2" hitch receiver on your vehicle gives you the flexibility to do more than just a quality bike rack, too...there are other accessories, like a cargo carrier which is handy when traveling as an alternative to a fuel economy reducing roof rack container, etc., as well as little things like a shackle for recovery purposes.But it seems I have to pay for that option. I don't believe on my Touring I payed for the hitch option. Its so confusiing.
The hitch itself costs around $300, so yes, $550 for labor seems very high.dealer charging me $850 for labor and parts. Its out of the question for me but was curious if thats a fair price.
Do you know a handyman or a DIY'er friend that could help you? Or you can bring it to a car mechanic that might charge less than the Subaru dealership.i looked at the videos. I don't think I can do it myself. Looks like I need a lot of tools.
Good idea. I will try that. Worst case, I may just get a roof carrier.Do you know a handyman or a DIY'er friend that could help you? Or you can bring it to a car mechanic that might charge less than the Subaru dealership.
U-Haul installs hitches of all sorts for very reasonable costs. Talk with them, they might install the factory hitch for you.
$500 for hitch and installation in NJ.dealer charging me $850 for labor and parts. Its out of the question for me but was curious if thats a fair price.
Unless you're 6'6" or have a ladder or something, a rooftop bike rack is going to be hard to use because the Ascent is very high.Good idea. I will try that. Worst case, I may just get a roof carrier.