Any Smart Mechanics Out There

[scdaf]

Surprised nobody has mentioned the Yakima roof rack, which is affordable and very easy to install and remove. Total retail: $265 for the racks plus whatever bike mount you choose, from $60-$179 per bike. The rack mounts entirely on the tridion cell and is very sturdy. We've carried around 100 lbs up there more than once.

Great thing about the Yakima system is the wide range of accessories available for it, allowing you to carry almost anything on your car.

Search this site for "smart camping trip" to see the racks, a basket case and a farout bag in use.

[Turbo42]

honestly we have done 3 at the dealer just bolting them on and have not had any problems

[Kermit]

Originally Posted by babybenz

honestly we have done 3 at the dealer just bolting them on and have not had any problems

That's what I mentioned to the owner......seemed very sturdy as it was. He agreed and currently uses it as is but wanted the additional bracing on it because it came with it.

[jetfuel]

mechanics.....two years ago I couldn't spell it...today I are one...

jetfuel

[jimvw57]

I'd go with the trailer hitch idea. It can be removed when not being used and if the need ever comes up for a small trailer, you are set.

[smark]

Go with a 1 1/4" trailer hitch. (Uhaul) Can carry bikes, also use with a hitch basket for extra storage, maybe pull a very small trailer. Have a lot more options. I use a small hitch on my other little car, with a (Road Gear) highway bike rack. Drive 600 miles to Chicago and back, with 4 bikes. Works great. Good luck.

[chieftmc]

Originally Posted by jetfuel

mechanics.....two years ago I couldn't spell it...today I are one...

jetfuel

Well, sort of!

[SuperGeek]

Someone once posted here that the tow eyelet threading is designed for easy removal of the bolts, and the vibration over time would be risky. Plus, constant downward pressure is not what those eyelets are designed for but rather pulling force. Granted, bikes aren't more than a hundred pounds with rack but over time I wonder if the bolts would fatigue and break if they didn't just vibrate out entirely.

[jetfuel]

...take a trip to your dealer...look at the naked smart in the show room and then make your own judgement of the tow hook mounts...just me

jetfuel

[John_H]

It's simple enough to design a bolt to no longer rotate once fully installed. That's the idea behind airplanes not falling apart. Huge vibration environments but physical methods to keep bolts from turning.

There are bike racks out there that - I believe - are Smart products:
. Smart Car Base rack
. Bike rack (for 1st bike)
. Bike rack (for 2nd bike)

I never got the impression that these were difficult to install.