Trunk Mounted Bike Rack Options for a 2003 Volkswagen Beetle

Question

Question:

My daughter purchased a 2003 Volkswagen beetle. Will the trunk mount bike racks work? The strap will be on glass at the top, not metal. Is it safe?

asked by: Cathy

0

Expert Reply:

We have trunk-mounted bike racks which will work with a 2003 Beetle, so long as it is not a convertible. The straps should be positioned according to the manufacturer, which may have specific directions for this vehicle. For example, the Saris Bones # SA805BL requires the use of Hatch Huggers for Saris Trunk Mount Bike Racks # SA3035 to replace the top hooks when used with an '03 Beetle. The Yakima HangOut # Y02637 is in a similar boat, as it requires the use of Glass Hatch Hook Adapter for Yakima Mounted Bike Carrier # Y02612.

If you are looking for a new rack for your daughter, I recommend checking out the Thule Passage # TH910XT, which will not require an adapter and is the most popular trunk-mounted rack option for this vehicle. Also, please keep in mind when using a hanging rack like is common with trunk-mounted racks, it's possible you'll need a bike frame adapter bar, # 64005, if your bike is dual-suspension, has a step-through frame or you want to carry a small children's bike. The bar will give those bikes a horizontal mounting point so they can be carried by the rack.

I've added links to video reviews of these products for you to take a look at, as well as a link to our page with each of the trunk-mounted racks that fit a 2003 VW Beetle.

expert reply by: Kyle S

0

click to enlarge

Answer 1

Yakima does have several racks that they recommend for use on your CR-V, see link. The Yakima HangOut 3 Bike Rack, #Y02638, is a good rack to purchase for your CR-V.

view full answer...

Answer 2

Curt does require use of a stabilization strap for their Class I Hitches. Normally, you'd use a Stabilizing Strap like part #18050 but like many hatchback vehicles, you're running into a simple problem that is easy to fix. For this,…

view full answer...

Answer 3

You only need one per bike and it goes on the rear cradle. The Thule Replacement No Sway Cage for Thule Ridgeline and Revolver #753-3530 is the part that keeps your bikes from making contact with each other and your vehicle. The cradles hold your…

view full answer...

Answer 4

Yes the SilentACT Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock for Thule Bike Racks - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches part #SHP2083 will work well with the Thule Camber 4 Bike Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting - Steel part #TH9056. This…

view full answer...

Answer 5

We have a set of Thule frame cradles that we know fit a 1 inch diameter bike rack tube, but the current Yakima cradles are larger so they would not work. The Thule T3 cradle, #853-5829, fits on Thule bike racks with 1 inch diameter arms and would…

view full answer...

Answer 6

The Replacement Anti-Sway Cradle #1500056002 has a diameter of 1-1/4". This is specifically made for the Thule Helium Pro bike rack models #TH9042PRO and #TH9043PRO. If you can provide which model bike rack you have then I can find a solution…

view full answer...

Answer 7

I pulled from inventory a sample of this Thule replacement cradle, part #853-7887, and took a measurement of the interior diameter. Inside diameter is 1-inch and length is 2-5/8 inches. Please refer to the photo included. We also offer another Thule…

view full answer...

Answer 8

Yes, there is a no-sway cage that works with bike racks that use the Replacement T2 Cradle Body for Thule Bike Carriers #853-5829. The racks that use that cradle also use the Replacement No Sway Cage for Thule Ridgeline and Revolver #753-3530.…

view full answer...

Answer 9

The Thule Stay-Put Cradle #853-7887 is designed for the Parkway, Roadway, Hitching Post Pro and Passage bike carriers. It is a basic, entry-level cradle, whereas the Thule T3 #853-5829 replacement cradle has an extra level of cushion and has a more…

view full answer...

Answer 10

I have a hitch pin answer for you. If you are looking at the Thule Camber 4 #TH9056, even though the pinhole of this rack measures 1/2 inch in diameter, you will not be able to use your hitch pin that came from Acura. This is because the hitch pin…

view full answer...

Answer 11

I spoke with my contact at Thule and the cradles like in the picture you have provided are no longer available. However, the T3 cradles, #853-5829, and strap, #753-3535, will fit in place of the original cradles.

view full answer...