Will the Thule Passage Fit a 2004 Suzuki Aerio SX and if Not What Are My Options

Question:

I need to know if you can put the straps over the top spoiler in a Suzuki Aerio sx 2004. I bought a thule from you long ago but change car, need to know if I can use it on my Suzuki Aerio thanks

asked by: Mafer

Expert Reply:

According to Thule, the Passage # TH910XT is not recommended because the top straps should not be mounted directly to glass or plastic trim covering glass. So the issue is not the spoiler on your 2004 Suzuki Aerio but the rear glass and hatch. It cannot support the weight of a carrier and bikes. For this same reason, none of the trunk mounted racks will work.

You could get the Curt hitch, # 11440. But the issue here is that it has a tongue weight capacity of only 100 pounds. So you are limited to 2 bike racks that fit a Class I, 1-1/4 inch receiver. In this case, many racks weigh 30 or 40 pounds so you are left with very little weight for your bikes. Also with this hitch, it is recommended that you use auxiliary stabilizing straps to support all non-trailer loads.

There is also the Kuat Beta, # B202-114. This rack weighs in at just under 13 pounds. You will be left with about 85 pounds of tongue weight capacity, or about 42 pounds per bike.

expert reply by: Michael H