transporting bikes
 

i have a suv with no rack at all,can i transport them from PA to north caroliner just on top of the car with only a blanket and straps.

Can you--yes. Should you--probably not. BTW, where's North CarolinER?
Jon

Yes you can. You could strap them to the hood if you prefer.

If that was my only choice for transporting them I'd ship them. I'd look at borrowing a strap on rack or used on Craigslist.

I'd do it. Just try to wiggle them once strapped. If they don't move, you're golden. If they move, tighten the straps or readjust.

What's wrong with inside?

What type of bike? Walmart beach cruiser or carbon fiber time trial?

I would "knock it down", back it in a box and then strap it to the roof.

Securing the bikes by tying them down to your roof is possible, especially if you have a luggage rack, but I wouldn't feel comfortable doing it for 8-10 hours on wide-open Interstates. Heck, I get a little nervous driving my Christmas tree across town on my roof.

If you do it, I'd strongly suggest you use more than just blankets to protect the bikes and your roof. Packing them in boxes and putting the boxes up top would probably be better for the bikes and the roof.

If your SUV has a trailer hitch, you can probably find an inexpensive rack that'll fit it. They pop up on my local Craigslist all the time. Or here's one at Walmart for $49.99 with free shipping.

It is not just CarolinER but "north caroliner just on top of the car with only a blanket and straps". I think that is somewhere near Charlotte. ;)


OP buy a bike rack for your SUV.

+1. Isn't cargo space one of the big reasons people buy the things?

No, it would not be good for the bikes or the car. Get a roof rack, Yakima or Thule, and do it securely and safely. If you have a trailer hitch on your SUV, there are some nice hitch racks.

Even if it were the only time I would be transporting them I would still get a rack of some type, if I didn't have room inside for them. Especially if you are taking more than one bike and/or your SUV doesn't have a luggage rack (I would be hesitant to use my own for bikes). You could probably find a cheap rack on Craigslist or just buy an inexpensive one. You can sell it afterwards if you wont need it again.