Frequently Asked Questions
General questions
To choose the bike rack that best suits your vehicle, consider the following points:
- Vehicle compatibility: Use the online compatibility guides provided by manufacturers to check which model is suitable for your car. But the best way to transport a bike is definitely in the back of a car using a hitch or tow ball system.
- Type of bikes: Think about the types of bikes you will be transporting (road, mountain, electric) and ensure the rack can accommodate them.
- Number of bikes: Choose a model that matches the number of bikes you want to carry. Our racks cannot carry more than 4 bikes. You will find some manufacturers offering to carry more 4 than bikes. Existing norms and common sense make this impossible and very risky.
- Ease of installation and use: Some models are easier to install and use than others. If you don’t have time to assemble a product, you can go for a fully assembled product. Some of our products are folding making the storage easier if you have limited space
- Hitch/tow ball bike rack: Attaches to the vehicle’s hitch or tow ball, ideal for carrying multiple bikes, easy to install and load.
- Roof bike rack: Mounts on roof bars, perfect for leaving the trunk free, but requires lifting the bikes.
- Trunk bike rack: Attaches to the back of the car, often with straps. It’s a more economical option and easy to remove but may limit access to the trunk.
Yes, you can use a trunk-mounted bike rack. This type of rack is designed to fit most vehicles without needing a roof rack or hitch or tow ball. It is secured in place with straps that attach to the trunk of the vehicle.
Most high-end bike racks come with locking systems to secure the bikes and the rack itself to the vehicle. It is advisable to choose a model with an integrated locking option or to use additional locks to maximize security.
But keep in mind that nowadays, it is very difficult to completely secure anything, so the best is to store your bike or keep an eye on it.
Electric bikes are often heavier than standard bikes, so it’s essential to check that the bike rack is designed to support this weight. Check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure the maximum load capacity per bike matches the weight of your electric bike.
This depends on the type of bike rack:
- Hitch/tow ball bike rack: Many models offer a tilt function that allows the trunk to open without removing the bikes. But this unction might be limited for some vans with 2 rear doors or very big and flat doors like the VW vans
- Trunk bike rack: Typically, you need to remove the bikes to access the trunk, though some models may allow partial access as the COLIBRI for one bike and for some cars only
While you can leave a bike rack permanently installed, it may increase air resistance, which can affect fuel consumption. Hitch or tow ball racks are often left in place, while trunk racks are usually removed after use to prevent premature wear or potential damage to the car’s paint.
Even though we apply high-standard coatings to our products, please keep in mind that bike racks are exposed to all types of weather and UV rays, which can cause them to wear faster than the car itself. Additionally, the back of the car is highly exposed to dirt, water, salt, mud, and other harsh conditions that can shorten the product’s lifespan.
To extend the lifespan of your bike rack:
- Regularly clean the parts exposed to weather and dirt.
- Lubricate moving parts to prevent rust and wear.
- Inspect the fasteners and straps before each use for signs of wear or damage.
- Store the bike rack in a dry place when not used for extended periods.
If your bike rack blocks the license plate or tail lights, you must install additional plates and lights, following local regulations. We offer lighting kits and plate holders specifically designed for this situation.
Our tow ball products are typically supplied with lights and license plate holders, as required by the regulations in the regions where they are sold.
Yes, many bike racks are designed to be compatible with different vehicles. However, it’s important to check the specific compatibility with each vehicle, especially concerning trunk-mounted and hitch bike racks.
BuzzRack hanging bike carriers are designed to carry most standard adult bicycle frame styles. However, children’s bikes, step-through frames, BMX bikes, or full-suspension bikes may not fit on hanging carriers due to their size or top tube shape. In such cases, you can use a BUZZGRIP adapter, which provides the bikes with a longer, straight top tube for better compatibility with the carrier.Alternatively, platform-style carriers, like the Scorpion or Hornet series will fit a wide variety of bike frame shapes and styles, as long as they meet the length and tire size requirements.
Our bike racks are designed to carry standard bicycle frames and are not suitable for tandem or recumbent bikes. Each rack has specific weight limits, which are detailed in the individual instruction manual. Bikes must be properly secured using the rack’s attachment devices and evenly distributed, with the heaviest or largest bike loaded first and placed closest to the car.
IMPORTANT: Do not exceed the maximum load capacity of the carrier.
Models like hanging style bike carriers are not an issue for carbon bikes.Concerning platform style, you need to fix your frame with a lot of attention. Bike racks that grip the main frame of the bike can cause abrasion to the carbon, or crush the fragile material. You can always secure the bike with the safety strap provided with our products to avoid tightening too much the carbon frame.
BuzzRack bike racks are designed to work with either 1.25″ or 2″ standard hitch receivers. Usually, platforms designed to carry less weight would fit both 1.25” and 2” while platforms for heavier load would only fit 2” hitch receivers. All racks require a minimum of 1.5″ from the center of the hitch pin hole to the end of the receiver.Because of the different brands, trunk designs and mounting positions of hitch receivers, BuzzRack does not have a specific fit guide for hitch-mounted bike racks. You can also find information on hitch rack specifications, bumper clearance and vehicle projection in the Technical documentation in the “ Usefull Informations” section of each hitch rack product page.
Please note that e-bikes tend to be large, wide, and sturdy, and some of our models have limited space on the supporting platform or between the wheel gutters. As long as the maximum weight per bike is not exceeded, you can choose from our wide range of bike racks. We recommend selecting a bike rack where your bikes are securely held by the wheel trays and straps, and where the bikes are not in contact with each other, such as our BuzzRack SCORPION and BuzzRack HORNET models.
Given the weight of most e-bikes, transporting them on roof-mounted or hatch-mounted carriers can be challenging. Therefore, we recommend using a tow bar-mounted carrier.
Models like the BUZZYBEE, BUZZRACER, or EAZZY are not designed to accommodate bikes with large frames that house the battery. The spacing between bikes is too narrow, and the holders are intended for regular bike tubes.
There are three key factors to consider:
- What is the tire width? Does the rack’s wheel cradle have a size limit?
- What is the bike’s wheelbase (the distance between the wheels axles)? Our racks specify the maximum wheelbase they can accommodate.
- How heavy is the bike? Our racks are designed with specific weight capacities, which vary by model. Be sure to check the weight capacity of the rack, and note both the per-bike and total load limits.
BuzzRack bike racks have specific weight limits for each bike position as well as for the entire rack. Bikes exceeding the recommended individual weight limit should not be carried on that rack system. The retention mechanisms are not designed or tested to support bikes heavier than the specified limit, even if the total load is within the rack’s maximum capacity. Carrying bikes that exceed the recommended weight could cause damage to the bike or the rack, and such damage is not covered by BuzzRack’s warranty
All bikes with fenders can fit our racks
No, BUZZRACK products are not suitable for use on RVs, campers, trailers, or Class B vehicles, and doing so will void the warranty. The leverage points on these vehicles differ from those of standard vehicles, leading to vibrations and forces that exceed what our racks are designed to handle, potentially causing the rack or its components to fail.
Several factors can negatively impact a bike rack when used on an RV, with the most significant being movement or motion. This movement is often amplified by how it’s transferred to the vehicle’s body and anything attached to it, such as a hitch or bumper. The suspension dynamics and the resulting leverage applied to external accessories differ greatly from those of a conventional car, truck, van, or SUV. This difference can, and often does, cause fatigue in components, potentially leading to catastrophic failure.
Our BETLE 4×4 and PILOT 4×4 racks are designed for spare tires.
However, if your vehicle has a receiver hitch or a tow ball, you may be able to use some of our platform racks, but you may lose the ability to mount a bike in the first position—or in both the first and second positions for 4-bike platforms. Refer to the Technical Documentation on each product page to verify the rack’s dimensions and ensure it will fit your car without interfering with the spare tire.
It is advisable to remove the bike carrier from your vehicle when it’s not in use, as prolonged exposure to the elements can cause premature wear. Always take off your bike rack before going through a car wash.
Yes, the e-SCORPION XL is designed for fat tire e-bikes with tires up to 4.8 inches, while the standard e-SCORPION accommodates tires up to 4 inches. In some instances, the ratchet strap may not be long enough, but you can purchase our extension strap kit specifically made for fat tires.
All our HORNET and SCORPION racks are compatible with ramps for loading any type of bike. We offer a variety of ramp styles, including fixed, telescopic, and options in aluminum or steel.
Wheelbase is the distance between the center of the front hub and the center of the rear hub, or from the point where the front tire contacts the ground to where the rear tire contacts the ground.
Fits 50mm ISO tow balls only. Always check the weight limitation of your towing system and never overload it.
Ensure there is at least 65mm of clearance from the center of the tow ball to the rear of the vehicle
Our hitch products are sold in various markets, each with different regulations for lights and number plate dimensions. As a result, the light and plate holders are sold separately. Please check with your local distributor for availability.
Most tow balls used in Oceania are of the tongue plate style. Unlike the one-piece goose/swan neck tow bars common in Europe, these tow balls are secured with a nut, which can allow the tow ball to rotate around its axle. To prevent this sway, an anti-sway plate kit is necessary.
Definitely not!
Technical informations
Contact your “Buzzrack” distributor or send an email to our “Buzzrack” customer service to get the list of spare parts available for your product.
You have 2 ways.
For existing products, you can either go directly to the product page or go to the Technical Documents page.
For older discontinued products, go to the Technical Document page or contact us directly.
You can use our application form to send your message to our customer service
BuzzRack lock cylinders may occasionally stick or freeze due to oxidation, debris in the tumblers, or low temperatures. There are several effective methods to prevent and address these issues.
Lubricating the lock cylinders with an aerosol graphite lubricant is a reliable solution. White lithium grease can also be used. After applying the lubricant, allow it time to penetrate. Then, place a drop or two of the same lubricant on each side of the key and insert it into the lock. You may need to insert and remove the key several times to loosen the pins.
If the lock cylinders freeze due to cold weather, commercial lock de-icers are typically effective in freeing them.
BuzzRack advises against using an adapter to modify the size of a tow hitch to fit BuzzRack bike rack specifications. These adapters can alter the fit of a hitch-mounted bike rack or shift the weight distribution, potentially causing damage during transit.
You need to check the fit list to verify if your car can receive a trunk rack. If your vehicle is not in the fit list but has a spoiler, then do not use a trunk rack.
First, check if your tow ball is an ISO 50mm. If it is, ensure the tow ball is clean and free of grease.
If you’re using our economical tow ball attachment, start by tightening the locking knob on top of the conical shape while slightly lifting the front part of the platform. This helps position all parts correctly and prevents the platform from tilting downward. After that, tighten the side M12 bolt to secure everything.
Next, ensure that the silver clamps inside the conical shape of the steel foot are fully seated within the cone, with the bottom of the clamps flush with the bottom of the cone.
A common issue occurs when the rack is removed without sufficiently loosening the M12 side bolt before untightening the top locking knob. In this case, the steel cone may remain deformed rather than returning to its original shape, preventing the silver clamps from properly seating inside the cone. This can result in inadequate force to prevent side-to-side movement of the platform.
If this happens, loosen the side M12 bolt as much as possible without touching the top locking knob, then apply up-and-down force to the platform to try to reopen the conical part slightly. The solution is effective when the silver clamps sit correctly inside the cone again. Finally, retighten the top locking knob and the side M12 bolt to secure the system.
For our premium tow ball attachment system, press down the large lever while slightly lifting the front part of the platform. This ensures all parts are properly aligned and prevents the platform from tilting downward. If the platform moves from side to side, reopen the lever and adjust the tension by turning the small red knob.
When a hitch rack wobbles, it is often due to the hitch bolt not being tight enough or the rack not being properly installed. Gently lift the rack to relieve some of the weight from the receiver bar, ensuring that the hitch bolt threads in completely.
Warranties & After-sales
All current BuzzRack lock systems are marked with an “K###” code on the face of the lock cylinder. This has been the locking system for over 15 years. If the BuzzRack system does not have that numbering system on either the key or lock, please contact our customer service, we will try to help you. And make sure you really have a Buzz Rack product!
Do not hesitate to contact us, we can help identify your rack and check the availability of the necessary parts.
Each of our racks features a silver sticker that identifies the model.
How to Safely Operate Your Rack
. Before each use:
- Wipe down the trunk rack foams.
- Avoid letting the trunk rack foams come into contact with the ground.
- Inspect the straps for signs of wear.
- Check the bike cradles and wheel supports.
- Ensure all bolts are tight.
- Inspect ratchet straps and buckles for proper function.
Every 3 months:
- Clean with water and mild soap.
- Lubricate locks if applicable (use a wet, oil-based lubricant; avoid using WD-40).
- Grease the hitch bolt threads.
- Inspect the paint for scratches.
We advise against using bike covers during transportation, as they can create drag and potentially cause damage to or loss of the bike(s) and/or rack.
We take great care to ensure that anything in contact with your car or bikes is soft and made from materials specifically designed to avoid marking or scratching painted surfaces. With that in mind, always ensure that all mounting surfaces are clean and free of debris or grit before installation and use.
For trunk racks, make sure both the rack’s feet and the vehicle’s mounting surface are clean.
Regularly tighten the straps during your journey, and replace any mounting strap at the first sign of wear.
For platform-style racks, ensure that the ratchet straps are tight and that the clamps are secure, except when holding a carbon bike. In that case, we recommend securing the carbon frame with the safety strap. Tighten and lock any unused clamps to prevent them from coming loose due to road vibrations.
Check that the lights are functioning properly, and always use the provided safety strap.
Before taking your bike on the road, remove all loose parts such as child seats, baskets, locks, lights, pumps, etc. Additionally, check the tire pressure before installing your bike on a tray rack.
Fitting a rear bicycle carrier will alter your vehicle’s handling characteristics, particularly its sensitivity to crosswinds, cornering stability, and braking. This effect is more pronounced when the bike rack is loaded with one or more bicycles. Adjust your driving techniques accordingly, including reducing speed—especially on turns—and allowing for longer braking distances.
The overall length of the vehicle increases with the bike carrier attached, and the bikes may also add to the vehicle’s width and height. Exercise caution when reversing or maneuvering into garages or onto ferries.
This bike rack is not suited for off-road use or for speeds exceeding 75 mph (120 km/h). Additionally, it is advisable to drive slowly over speed bumps, with a maximum speed of 5 to 10 mph.