Install bell bicycle carrier

Place the rack on the trunk of the car. Stretch the two upper straps forward. Hook the two metal clamps inside the front lip of the trunk. Pull the loose end of the straps, snugging them to the trunk -- but not too tight. Adjust the straps and rack as needed to pitch the support arms upward -- about 15 degrees or slightly less. Locate two straps hanging from the left side of the rack, one marked "lower" and one marked "side. Hook the side strap to the side of the trunk on the left.

Repeat hooking an identical pair of straps on the right side the same way. Tug the loose ends of all four straps to tighten them securely. Pull the two straps on the top of the trunk tight. Double-check all straps for tightness to ensure it's ready for bikes. Examine the receiver on the vehicle to determine it's size -- the most common is 2-inch.

Insert the provided adapter from the hitch kit as needed to fit the receiver. Hold the rack upright. Align the square post at the bottom of the rack with the square hole in the receiver.

Slide the hitch forward, inserting the square post far enough into the receiver so that two holes in the sides of the receiver align with a hole on the post of the hitch. Place a lock washer on the large bolt provided in the hitch kit, followed by a flat washer, also provided in the kit. Thread the bolt and washers through the hole with your fingers, to secure the hitch to the receiver. Hook the straps into the hinge of your trunk and then pull the adjuster to tighten the straps.

Locate the four remaining straps. Two are marked "lower" and two are marked "side. Repeat this process for the right section of your trunk, securing the corresponding straps. Once in position, pull the adjuster to tighten the straps so that they are securely attached. Check that all of the straps are tight.

Then, you're ready to mount your bike. Unfasten the Velcro straps at the top of the rack, lift your bike up and rest it on the bike rack. Secure the Velcro straps around the frame of your bike.

After mounting the bike, double check that the straps are still secure. The added weight of the bike may slightly loosen the straps. If you're going on a long trip, it's a good idea to check the straps each time you stop for gas. Janet Renee is a clinical dietitian with a special interest in weight management, sports dietetics, medical nutrition therapy and diet trends. She earned her Master of Science in nutrition from the University of Chicago and has contributed to health and wellness magazines, including Prevention, Self, Shape and Cooking Light.