Trunk Mount Bike Carrier for a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta SportsWagen  

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Helpful Expert Reply:

Technically the Thule OutWay Platform, # TH65JV, will fit your 2014 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen. However, I do not recommend this rack for your vehicle. It is best suited for vehicles that have a metal bumper. This is because the rack is heavy, about 45 pounds. When loaded with bikes, let's say 30 pounds per bike, it would 105 pounds total pushing down on the soft bumper of your V-dub. This can cause deformation in the vehicle's bumper. There isn't a 3-bike version available in this style.

What I recommend is the much lighter OutWay # TH56BV for 3 bikes. It is going to weigh approximately 13 pounds and has a capacity of 99 pounds. If loaded with 3 bikes you still have the potential for dimples in the fascia but with just 2 bikes it would be much lighter, about 32 pounds less using the same bike weights in the example above.

I own the original version of this bike rack and it is by far the best trunk mount rack I have used and super easy to install and remove. I highly recommend the Raceway series of bike racks for these reasons and because of the locking features. I have linked a video that shows the features of the Pro generation of the Raceways.

If you will be carrying any bikes that do not have a top frame bar that goes straight across (like a typical men's bike would) then I recommend using bike adapter bar # 64005. This will allow you to carry those bikes more level and will provide better ground clearance. I have to use these adapters and without them my wife's bike would be at a severe angle and I would not be able to load my son's bike at all. I have linked a video showing how the adapter works.

expert reply by: Michael H

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