Premier Trunk Mounted Bike Rack

The Verdict

Most trunk racks are either cheap junk that wobbles at 55 mph or overpriced hitch systems that cost more than your bike. The Premier Trunk Mounted Bike Rack sits somewhere in the sensible middle—and for most weekend riders, that’s exactly the right spot.

I’ve tested this rack on a 2019 Honda Civic, a Mazda CX-5, and a friend’s aging Ford Focus. Here’s what 215 Amazon reviewers (4.3 stars) and my own trunk-lid wrestling match taught me.

What’s Actually in the Box

You get the rack frame, six padded hooks, four ratcheting straps, and two wheel trays. No tools needed—the whole thing assembles by hand in about four minutes. The frame is steel with a powder-coated finish that’s survived two New England winters without rust spots.

The folding mechanism is the standout feature. It collapses to roughly the size of a thick briefcase, which means it lives in my trunk year-round without eating cargo space. For apartment dwellers, that’s a genuine win—no wall-mounting hardware required.

Real-World Performance

The ratcheting straps are the heart of this system. They use a cam-over design that cinches tight and stays tight. On a 200-mile highway trip with two aluminum-frame bikes, I checked the straps at every rest stop—zero movement. The rubber-coated hooks grip trunk edges without scratching paint, and the padded frame cradles held both bikes securely.

Installation is genuinely tool-free. Hook the top straps, attach the side straps, ratchet down, and you’re done. First-time users report 10-15 minutes; veterans can do it in five. The included instructions are clear enough that I didn’t need YouTube.

What Buyers Keep Praising

The 4.3-star rating isn’t accidental. Reviewers consistently highlight the same wins:

• “Fits my 2018 Camry perfectly and feels solid at highway speeds” — one verified buyer notes the straps don’t loosen even on rough pavement.
• “No scratches on my $2,000 carbon frame” — the padded cradles genuinely protect expensive bikes.
• “Easiest rack I’ve ever installed” — multiple reviewers confirm the tool-free setup is as advertised.

Where It Falls Short

The biggest complaint in the reviews: no anti-sway straps included. On bumpy roads, the two bikes can swing toward each other. One reviewer noted, “My handlebars rubbed and chipped paint before I added my own straps.” That’s a $5 fix, but it’s annoying to discover mid-trip.

Fit is the second issue. The rack uses a universal strap system, but spoilers, rear wipers, and shaped trunk lids can block proper hook placement. The Mazda CX-5 required careful positioning to avoid the wiper arm. Hatchbacks and SUVs with angled rear windows are hit-or-miss—measure your trunk lid before ordering.

And the three-bike capacity? It’s technically true, but the third bike blocks your license plate and taillights in most states. Plan on two bikes max for legal, safe driving.

Who Should Buy This

• Weekend cyclists who ride 2-3 times monthly and want a reliable rack without hitch installation costs
• Apartment dwellers who need a rack that stores compactly between uses
• First-time rack buyers who want something forgiving and easy to install

Skip it if you have a carbon frame bike you drive with weekly, a vehicle with a large spoiler, or you regularly carry more than two bikes. Those use cases need a hitch rack or a tray-style system.

FAQ

Will this fit my SUV or hatchback? Check your trunk lid shape. It works on many SUVs, but angled rear windows and spoilers can interfere with strap placement. Measure your trunk’s top edge width—it needs at least 12 inches of flat surface.

Does it scratch my car or bike? The hooks are rubber-coated and the frame cradles are padded. No scratching on either surface in my testing. Just ensure the straps are snug—a loose rack will bounce and cause wear.

Can it hold an e-bike? No. The rack is rated for 35 lbs per bike, and most e-bikes exceed that significantly. Don’t risk it.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want a dependable, affordable trunk rack for two standard bikes on a sedan or compatible hatchback. It’s well-built, easy to install, and stores compactly.

Skip it if you need three-bike capacity, have a spoiler-heavy vehicle, or ride an e-bike. Those scenarios need a different solution.

Rating: 4.2/5 — solid value, with one notable omission (anti-sway straps) that’s easy to fix yourself. For the price, it’s hard to beat.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.