Trunk Mount Bike Carrier for a 2012 Acura TL

Question:

I need a trunk mounted bike rack for my 2012 Acura TL. I will only be using the rack a few times week and Im not sure if I should get the th65JV platform or the th45JV. Any suggestions?

asked by: Terry

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Thule platform version of the OutWay # TH65JV , is technically a fit for your 2012 Acura TL. However, I do not recommend this carrier for your TL because it is a heavy rack, made even heavier when loaded, and it has proven to dent softer fascia like what is on your TL.

I would definitely go with the regular OutWay, # TH45JV. It is going to be lighter so the chance of damage to the vehicle is much, much lower. I own the 3 bike version of this rack and have never head a problem with any dents or scratches on either vehicle I used it on. It is the easiest carrier to install and remove and comes with locks for both the rack and the bikes.

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