Trunk Mount Carriers to Avoid?

I had one from performance which wasn't very good. It was king of like a shower curtain rod where you screwed it tight against the bed rails. The hand-tighten fork mount nuts broke after a few months and the fork-mount fittings rusted.

This is something I am also interested in, and would like to ad a question to the conversation if I may.

As far as a bike in the bed of the truck, is it better to have a bike holder that attaches to the wheel, like the normal bike racks at a park; or is it better that have the mount where you must remove the front tire, and attach it via the front fork?

Hollywood Baja

Solidly built, great customer service and good price.

I have a Thule.  I haven't used it a lot yet but so far it seems very well made, easy to install and use. 

I don't know about ones to avoid, but have been using the saris bones 2 and thought it was excellent. It fit both my explorer and my wifes mustang

..DP

Edited by kevint 2009-07-27 11:35 AM

I agree with the Saris Bones rack. It is a great rack and adjusts to any vehicle you have. I used mine on my Saab 9-5 and on my Vibe and it fits great. The customer service is also outstanding.

x3 on the Saris Bones rack. I have the three bike model and it's been excellent. Used it on several multi-hour drives and always worked great.

I have heard that the Saris bones racks damage the paint.  Do you folks who are using them have any paint damage where the mounts touch the paint?

I have not noticed any damage to the paint.

I have the Saris Bones RS and common sense applies - clean the contact points from dirt before you put it on and you'll be fine.

That being said - I bought the 3M Clear Foil and struck it where the rack meets the car. Better safe than sorry and since they are clear, you don;t really see them when the rack is not attached.

I have a cheap o Bell from Walmart. Ive taken week long road trips with my TRi and MTB on it and never had an issue. Not as fancy as some of the others but works for me. We use it on a Rav 4 and have used it on a VW Cabrio. Cost like $50.