Saris Bike Rack

I have a hitch bike rack with plastic straps. What can I apply to them to prevent/slow down cracking?

Just wanting to maintain their strength and make them last longer. Thanks.

Public Comments

1. The cracking comes from age, sun exposure, and the stretching and restretching of the material. Unfortunately, theres little you can do to actually stop this. However, I'm sure they are easily replaceable? Just use some bungee cords, they'll last longer and probably work better.
2. Yeah, they'll eventually turn into potato chips. Once they self destruct buy new ones or use bungee cords.
3. The best thing you can do to make the straps last as long as possible is to take off the rack when you are not actually transporting bikes. Minimize exposure to the sun. My hitch rack is secured into the receiver by a 19mm bolt. I keep a ratchet with a 19mm deep socket in the trunk of the car so that I won't have an excuse not to take off the rack because the proper tool isn't handy. HTH