How can you know that there are "no issues"? I'm asking honestly...it's clear that the spoiler changes the line of action on that strap, and I would want to know what the stress limits are on that part vs. what force/stress is coming from the strap. Would one good trounce over a pothole be all it takes to crack the spoiler?

 

Really wish Volvo would have a normal 2" factory hitch. Hitch racks are the way to go. You have to make do with what you have though. The current factory hitch is nothing but an expensive gimmick.

 

When I found out Volvo was switching to the stupid "swivel" hitch design I immediately ran out and bought the OEM fixed hitch. Found the last one in the region, AFAIK. If I had to do it again, now, I'd go with the Stealth Hitch.

Looking at OPs picture I certainly would NOT trust that on my vehicle. I wouldn't be surprised if damage occurs, in the future.

 

Not going to spend $1,600 on installing a volvo hitch plus I don’t have a garage to leave a hitch bike rack anyways.
I have been using it for over a month with no issues. the vertical load is going to the horizontal part of the bumper, it’s not hanging from the spoiler. If the top of that rack would be an inch or maybe two higher would be perfect. There’s another rack from hollywood rack that had that piece higher, but was too bulky and heavier and I don’t have space to storage while not in use. That’s what I have for now. It’s something that we didn’t think when we bought our xc60


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Not going to spend $1,600 on installing a volvo hitch plus I don't have a garage to leave a hitch bike rack anyways.
I have been using it for over a month with no issues. the vertical load is going to the horizontal part of the bumper, it's not hanging from the spoiler. If the top of that rack would be an inch or maybe two higher would be perfect. There's another rack from hollywood rack that had that piece higher, but was too bulky and heavier and I don't have space to storage while not in use. That's what I have for now. It's something that we didn't think when we bought our xc60

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I completely understand where you're coming from; with that said, if that back window or rear spoiler break due to the stress, I think you're going to be looking at over $1,000 in repairs anyways.

Surely there's got to be an aftermarket hitch (maybe from Uhaul?) for cheaper than that. I would think you could also just keep it in the trunk when not in use.

At the end of the day though, you just gotta say 'suum cuique'

 

Oh no no no....

There's way too much pressure on that spoiler for my likes. [emoji1751]

 

Etrailer - $200

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Volvo/XC60/2019/76194.html?VehicleID=201965361

 

Fwiw, I had to use one of those hatch racks a couple times on our xc60 and was not super comfortable with it either. That said, I don't have any bad experiences to share and it's likely fine for occasional use. It's certainly economical.

Ours is a lease, the factory hitch is super expensive, and we needed a rack at the time when Covid limited travel. So we got the SeaSucker industrial suction cup roof mount instead (3 bike version) - Bike Racks. A number of my coworkers had them and had positive experiences and it was secure and functional last season if taking a wheel off is not a hassle for you.

It is also very compact for storage and works with just about any car. The one-bike version is so compact it would be e-z to fly with and use on a rental car.

For our next car I'd get the factory bars and the Volvo upright bike racks. They are surprisingly well priced. Our friend got those for a v60 and it's less hassle for sure. Or I'd get the hitch mount. It's less elegant but more accessible given the height of xc60 roof.

 

It would clearly go on a different part of the car (roof), but what about Yakima or Thule bars and a rack on that? I am partial to the Kuat racks; take off the front wheel, strap the bike in, and it isn't going anywhere. Can fit four on top of my XC60 and they are rock solid. To each their own; that is the solution to my transporting my bikes.

 

Won’t fit the parking garage clearance....! Otherwise that would be my preferred option....!


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These type of racks (hanger racks) aren't great for your bike either.

 

+1 on SeaSucker
If you’re not doing a roof rack with hard connections for the bikes, then the SeaSucker is the best route

I hate hitch racks - obscure vision and they require additional tie downs, and they’re open to road spray more so than on the roof


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+1 on SeaSucker
If you're not doing a roof rack with hard connections for the bikes, then the SeaSucker is the best route

I hate hitch racks - obscure vision and they require additional tie downs, and they're open to road spray more so than on the roof

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Those are really cool....! And I agree that hitch racks and the one I'm using obscure vision and require additional tie downs. But my options at this point are very limited because I have to bring down my bikes from my apartment and load my car inside building parking garage, where head clearance definitely doesn't work. It was a tv commercial long time ago where a guy with a car loaded with bikes on a roof rack forgot about it and try to enter a parking garage and destroyed bikes.....[emoji1787][emoji1787][emoji1787] that would be me LOL

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Ha - I know that and I’m a competitive cyclist and also garage and am based in NYC normally

Usually the deal is show up to garage with trunk equipment, spin the car out in front of the building, load bikes on the roof

It makes getting to races a real pain as this usually happens at 530a - but that was in the before times

I’ve got my fixed bike rack on an X5d (don’t judge!) and now need to figure out what to do with the XC70 which is likely to become the racing rig since the roof access is SO MUCH BETTER

I’ve got a SeaSucker I’ve used while racing overseas and out west with a rental - but also just a heads up you’ll need to clean the surface you’re using it on if you plan on removing them - any dirt will either compromise the suction and/or scratch the paint

Also - I’ve hit 120kph with the SeaSucker and 2 bikes attached (road and time trial) with no issues - it’s good kit


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Ha - I know that and I'm a competitive cyclist and also garage and am based in NYC normally

Usually the deal is show up to garage with trunk equipment, spin the car out in front of the building, load bikes on the roof

It makes getting to races a real pain as this usually happens at 530a - but that was in the before times

I've got my fixed bike rack on an X5d (don't judge!) and now need to figure out what to do with the XC70 which is likely to become the racing rig since the roof access is SO MUCH BETTER

I've got a SeaSucker I've used while racing overseas and out west with a rental - but also just a heads up you'll need to clean the surface you're using it on if you plan on removing them - any dirt will either compromise the suction and/or scratch the paint

Also - I've hit 120kph with the SeaSucker and 2 bikes attached (road and time trial) with no issues - it's good kit

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Do you use any tricks to remind yourself that you have bikes on the roof, before pulling into a low-clearance spot?

I love the theoretical benefits of roof racks vs. a hitch rack, but all it would take is one moment of forgetfulness for me to wipe all of that out.

 

To each his own. I've been hauling my bikes around like this for years. Five minutes to attach rack and load bikes. City streets, interstates and off road, never a single issue. Oh, I take off the bags for interstate driving.

 

That looks great!
Seems the attachment is smaller than the standard 2in square bar, am I right?
If so, would it fit on a «swivel» hitch? what are the bar dimension?

thanks!

 

You should also check out 1UpUSA bike racks. Probably the best on the market. I have the 4 tray option and it is solid!

1UP USA Official Site

 

1Up does make high quality racks. You just need to be careful where you park. A jackass with the 4-rack version parked in the front at the grocery store and blocked the aisle, preventing people from being able to get past them.

Please be courteous when you've got accessories/loads that stick out from your vehicle!