Recommended Trunk-Mount Bike Carrier For 2013 Volkswagen Jetta That Reduces Risk Of Paint Damage
Question:
What bike rack works best for this car. Are there 2? Which one most likely is easier on the paint of the car. Thanks
asked by: Scitt P
Expert Reply:
The trunk-mount bike rack I recommend for both the Jetta and the Jetta SportWagen is the Thule GateWay, part # TH45JV. This bike rack uses just 2 rubber coated straps to secure the rack to the vehicle instead of the 6 straps typically found on trunk mount racks. Fewer contact points means less chance of damaging the car finish.
To make sure you keep the paint of your Jetta protected I recommend installing a trailer hitch like part # C11474, and then using a hitch mounted bike carrier. The # C11474 is a Class l trailer hitch and it has a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening.
The carrier I recommend is the Thule Camber 2 Bike Rack, part # TH9058. This bike rack has a weight capacity of 75 lbs for 2 bikes and has a tilting feature when empty that allows rear cargo area access. Since this attached to a trailer hitch, no damage occurs to the vehicle paint.
If you are planning on carrying bikes with alternative frames like kids bikes or women's bikes I recommend using an adapter bar like part # 64005. This attaches between the seat post and the handlebar stem and allows the bike to be carried more level in the carrier while providing additional ground clearance. I have attached a product review video for this adapter bar.
Products Referenced in This Question
Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Spare Tire Bike Racks
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Adapter Bar
- Frame
- 24-3/8 - 33-3/4 Inch Long
- Swagman
more information >
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class I
- 200 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Thule OutWay Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Adjustable Arms
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Standard
- 2 Bikes
- Non-Retractable
- Bike and Rack Lock
- Fits Most Factory Spoilers
- 2 Straps
- Adjustable Arms
- Hanging Rack
- Thule
more information >
Thule Camber Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Passage Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Hanging Style
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Anti-Sway
- 2 Bikes
- Non-Retractable
- Locks Not Included
- 6 Straps
- Adjustable Arms
- Hanging Rack
- Thule
more information >
Featured Help Information
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