Replace Rightline Gear Rear Car Clips Step by Step

Quick answer

You can replace lost or missing Rear Car Clips and use your Rightline Gear carrier on vehicles without a roof rack by attaching the clips in the gap between the roof and the rear hatch door.

How to replace Rear Car Clips

1. 1. Remove the old or broken clip: Unthread the strap from the clip’s slot. If the clip is stuck, gently wiggle it free. Do not cut the strap; you will reuse it. Check that the strap webbing is not frayed before reusing it.
2. 2. Thread the replacement clip onto the strap: Feed the free end of the strap through the slot on the new Rear Car Clip. Pull enough strap through so the clip sits at the same position as the original. Make sure the coated side of the clip faces outward, away from the carrier bag.
3. 3. Position the clip in the roof-to-hatch gap: Open the rear hatch. Slide the clip into the gap between the roof and the hatch door, with the coated side against the vehicle. Close the hatch to pinch the clip in place. The clip should be snug but not forced. If the hatch won’t close fully, reposition the clip slightly lower.
4. 4. Tighten the strap and test the fit: Pull the strap tail to remove slack. The carrier should sit firmly against the vehicle. Tug gently on the carrier to confirm it does not shift. Retighten the strap after a short drive; the webbing may settle slightly.
5. 5. Repeat for the opposite side: Attach the second replacement clip on the other side of the carrier using the same method. The carrier must be evenly supported on both sides. If your carrier came without clips originally, check that both side straps have a clip before loading cargo.

Product facts

• Rightline Gear® Replacement Rear Car Clips: The Replacement Rear Car Clips allow use of the Car Back Carrier or Cargo Saddlebag on vehicles without a roof rack. They attach in the gap between the roof and rear hatch door, and the coating prevents damage to the vehicle. You can securely mount your carrier on almost any car, even if it has no roof rack, without worrying about scratches or dents.