GWM Haval Bike Rack Guide: Tow-Bar, Roof & Boot Options (2026)

Getting the bikes to the trailhead should be the easy part — but load them on the wrong carrier and you risk your bikes, your Haval's paintwork, and a fine for hiding your number plate. The good news: with the right method for your model, it's simple and safe.

This guide walks through the five realistic ways to carry bikes on a GWM Haval — Jolion, H6, H6 GT and H9 — the load limits that actually matter, and the Australian rules that keep you legal on the road.

Know Your Haval's Load Limits First

Before you fit any carrier, get clear on your Haval's limits. Its braked towing capacity, tow-bar download and roof load rating are engineering limits set for safety — exceed them and you risk suspension damage, frame stress or a failure on the highway. Each model is different, so start here.

Towing figures per CarsGuide; the unbraked limit is 750 kg for any vehicle. Always confirm your variant's figures.

Tow-bar Download and Roof Load

For a tow-bar rack, the number that matters is your tow bar's rated download (ball weight) — the maximum vertical load it can carry, listed on the tow bar or its compliance plate. On these SUVs that's typically well over the weight of a rack and a couple of bikes, but always check yours.

For roof systems, the key figure is the dynamic roof load, around 75 kg on most Havals — and that includes the crossbars, the carriers and the bikes. Overload the roof and you raise the centre of gravity, hurting handling and stability, especially in crosswinds.

Method 1: Tow-Bar Racks — the Aussie Standard

For most Haval owners here, a tow-bar rack is the go-to. Australian and New Zealand cars use a 50 mm tow ball, and racks either clamp straight onto the ball or slot into a hitch receiver bolted to the tow bar. They're stable, easy to load, and lighter on fuel than roof systems. First, make sure your Haval has a tow bar rated for the download you need.

Platform vs Hanging Racks

There are two main styles, and the choice matters for your bikes:

• Platform racks support the bikes by their wheels — no frame contact — giving the best stability and protection. They suit carbon frames, full-suspension mountain bikes and e-bikes, but are heavier and pricier.
• Hanging racks suspend bikes by the top tube. They're lighter, more compact and cheaper, but bikes can sway and rub, so choose one with anti-sway cradles.

A tilt-away or swing-away rack is worth the extra on an SUV like the Haval — it lets you open the tailgate and reach the boot without unloading the bikes. Whichever you pick, a carrier with anti-sway features protects both the bikes and your paint.

Method 2: Roof-Mounted Carriers

If your Haval already has factory roof rails — as on the H6 GT or H9 — a roof carrier keeps the tailgate and rear sensors completely clear, and needs no tow bar. The trade-off is aerodynamics: bikes up top noticeably increase drag and fuel use at highway speed, more so than a tow-bar rack, which matters on longer trips.

Height Clearance and Loading

Stay aware of your new total height. A Haval H6 is roughly 1.7 m tall; add crossbars, a carrier and an upright bike and you can easily need 2.5 m of clearance — enough to catch you out at car parks, drive-throughs and low branches.

There are two carrier types. Fork-mount systems need the front wheel removed, giving a lower, more stable setup; wheel-mount (upright) carriers keep both wheels on for faster loading but sit higher. Lifting a bike overhead onto a tall SUV is also the hardest part of this method — worth a thought if you load solo.

Method 3: Boot/Tailgate Strap Racks (Budget Option)

For occasional use or a tight budget, a strap-on rack that hooks over the tailgate is the cheapest way in, with no permanent hardware. The catch is weight: most are rated for only two or three light bikes, so heavy mountain bikes or e-bikes are a no-go and will damage both rack and car.

Protecting Paint, Sensors and Your Spoiler

Clean every contact point before fitting — trapped grit acts like sandpaper on your paint as the car vibrates. On a Jolion or H6 GT, route straps away from the rear spoiler, since the pressure can crack it, and make sure the rack doesn't cover your rear camera, parking sensors or number plate.

Method 4: Carrying Bikes Inside

The most secure, weatherproof option is simply inside the Haval — no theft risk, no road grime, and zero effect on fuel use. The H6's 60:40 split-folding rear seat lets you drop the larger section and fit one or two bikes with the front wheels off. The Jolion opens up a generous boot with the seats folded — room for two mountain bikes once you remove both wheels.

Protect the Interior

Grease, pedals and chainrings are hard on carpet and trim, so lay down a boot liner or a couple of moving blankets, and use frame pads so bikes don't scratch each other. You'll need to be comfortable with your quick-release or thru-axle wheels — but your bikes ride out of sight and fully protected from the weather.

Keep It Legal: Australian Road Rules

This is the step most people miss. In Australia, a bike rack must not obscure your number plate or rear lights — if it does, you're required to fit a supplementary number plate and a rear light board so your brake lights, indicators and plate stay visible. It's a common reason for a roadside fine, and it's easily avoided.

Also mind rear overhang: a rack and bikes that stick out a long way behind the car can breach load-projection rules and simply make the car harder to judge in traffic and car parks. When in doubt, check your state or territory road authority's rules on projecting loads before a big trip.

Fitting Safety and Regular Checks

The most common failure on any bolt-on rack is improperly torqued fasteners. Tighten the tow bar and rack hardware to the manufacturer's specification, then re-check after your first drive and periodically after that. Vibration is the enemy — a loose clamp can let the whole system shift or detach at speed.

For strap racks, the sun is the enemy: UV weakens the nylon over time, so inspect straps for fraying or fading before every use and replace them when they show wear. And watch for rub marks — if a rack is wearing paint off your bike or your Haval, add protective tape or padding before it does permanent damage.