Will Rear Wiper on Jetta SportWagen Interfere with Thule OutWay 3 Bike Carrier
Question:
Dear Sirs: Will the rear windshield wiper blade jam up on the bike rack if accidentlly turned on? Thanks
asked by: Jim W
Expert Reply:
The Thule installation notes for the OutWay 3 Bike Carrier, part # TH56BV, on the 2009-2010 VW Jetta Sportwagen indicate that the rear wiper cannot be used with this bike carrier installed. The upper mounting arm will rest on the rear hatch glass when this item is installed. Please see the attached photo showing how the carrier mounts on a hatchback type vehicle.
Since this rack mounts securely to your vehicle with its steel cables it is likely that if turned on accidentally the rear wiper blade motion would be stopped by the carrier. I cannot be sure whether the wiper mechanism would suffer any permanent damage from this, but certainly its range of motion would be limited by the carrier. You can usually just pull the fuse for the rear wiper to prevent accidentally turning it on when the rack is installed.
An alternative is to use a hitch-mounted bike carrier on your Jetta SportWagen. This would allow full use of your rear wiper. A roof rack-mounted bike carrier is also an option but would require lifting your bikes to the roof of the vehicle. If you would like to consider either or both of these options please advise the model year of your Jetta SportWagen and I will be glad to make appropriate recommendations.
I have included for your review several articles concerning the different types of bike carriers which may help you evaluate all of your options.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule OutWay Trunk Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - Adjustable Arms
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Standard
- 3 Bikes
- Non-Retractable
- Bike and Rack Lock
- Fits Most Factory Spoilers
- 2 Straps
- Adjustable Arms
- Hanging Rack
- Thule
more information >
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