Trunk and Roof Mount Bike Racks and Roof Rack for a 2003 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon

Question:

Can this rack carry 4 bikes on a Class 1 hitch Curt #11083 on a 2003 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon? I didnt see any limitations in the description, unlike other racks on this site. Thanks!

asked by: Christy

Expert Reply:

Both trailer hitch manufacturers and bike rack manufacturers agree that you can only carry 2 bikes maximum on a Class I trailer hitch. The issue isn't the weight of the bikes, it is how far that weight is from the trailer hitch receiver. The more weight placed further away from the receiver, the more leverage it produces and it can damage the hitch and the vehicle.

To carry more than 2 bikes you would need to also use a roof rack. What I recommend is to carry 3 bikes using a trunk mount carrier such as the Thule Passage # TH911XT. Then you could add a roof rack if your 2003 VW Jetta Wagon doesn't already have crossbars that run side to side.

Then to carry the one bike on the roof you can use # TH598004 which holds the bike at the frame so you do not have to take the front wheel off.

expert reply by: Michael H