Fit of Thule TH88VR Gateway Pro Trunk Mount Bike Rack on 2013 Honda Fit

Question:

Your information claims that the TH88VR is suitable for the Honda Fit 2013 LX car. However a local dealer says that I cannot use this on my car as the clips/straps that mount on the hatch could break or weaken the spoiler which could result in it slipping down and the rack collapsing. Your information does specify that this bike rack does not work on the Honda Fit Sport but that it works on the Honda Fit LX. Can you clarify. Thanks

asked by: Chantal L

Expert Reply:

Thule confirms that their Gateway # TH88VR trunk mounted bike rack is compatible with a 2013 Honda Fit, as long as it's not the Sport model. This is because the majority of the weight of the rack and bikes will be carried by the foot of the carrier which sits atop the vehicle bumper, so the spoiler area will bear very little weight.

This being said, I'll typically recommend folks go with a hitch mounted solution versus a trunk/hatch mount if the option is available. A hitch mounted rack would be more secure, will be easier to install/remove and since it isn't in direct contact with the painted surface of the vehicle there will be no chance of the vehicle being damaged as long as the rack is used according to instructions.

If you decide to look into the hitch mounted solution, I'd recommend the Curt Class I hitch, part # C11064 along with an inexpensive 2 bike rack like the # C18085 from Curt. This option would be a bit more expensive than a trunk mounted rack, but I believe you'd be happier in the long run going this route. The hitch could also be used for an attachment point for other hitch mounted accessories such as a cargo carrier like part # C18110 which might come in handy in the future.

I've linked to an install video for the hitch and a demonstration video for the Curt bike rack.