Sedan trunk bike racks meant for 2 bikes - can they handle the weight of one light weight ebike?

[banjos_and_bikes]

All the sedan trunk racks I'm finding say their capacity per bike is 35lbs per bike or 70lbs total. If my bike is 38lbs, would it be unreasonable to try? I don't really want to get a hitch installed as it's a lot of hassle and money considering I don't plan on hauling it around much.

 

[chicagodull]

All the sedan trunk racks I'm finding say their capacity per bike is 35lbs per bike or 70lbs total. If my bike is 38lbs, would it be unreasonable to try? I don't really want to get a hitch installed as it's a lot of hassle and money considering I don't plan on hauling it around much. fast food simulator

A sedan trunk rack rated for 35 lbs per bike can handle a 38 lb e-bike, but it's pushing the limit. It may work for occasional short trips, but for more frequent or long-distance use, a hitch-mounted rack would be safer and more reliable.

 

[banjos_and_bikes]

A sedan trunk rack rated for 35 lbs per bike can handle a 38 lb e-bike, but it's pushing the limit. It may work for occasional short trips, but for more frequent or long-distance use, a hitch-mounted rack would be safer and more reliable.

I'm really hesitant to install a hitch-mount as I think it might void my car's warranty. The manufacture says in the information on the warranty and in the manual that they don't recommend using the vehicle for towing. However, it isn't towing, it's a bike rack. But I could see them claiming that it was used for towing if something came up and they saw the hitch. IDK maybe I'm overthinking it all.

 

[harryS]

Don't get the light package wired up. You can point out it's illegal to tow without trailer lights hooked up,

Trunk racks can press up against the glass on hatchbacks, and bounce off the trunk when straps get loose. The clips tend to scratch the paint where they attach.

In the 70's, we had bumpers and clamped our racks on the chrome beauties.

 

[6zfshdb]

Over the years, I've damaged two vehicles carrying 2 - 25# conventional bikes on a trunk rack causing damaged paint and broken glass. On one occasion, I almost lost the bikes as well. No matter how tight you keep the straps, they always work loose somehow. No way would I trust an expensive e-bike on a trunk rack.

A trailer hitch is by far the best bet. I seriously doubt it would affect any warranty claims. If you're really concerned about it, leave the bike rack installed in the receiver hitch if you need to take the vehicle in for warranty work. That will show the service department how you use the hitch.