Recommendation to Transport 3 Bikes on a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Question:

Planning on going on a few camping trips this summer, each will require driving a minimum of 8 - 10 hours in a 2008 Jetta TDI, will be needing to transport 3 bikes. Is a trunk bik rack sufficient, or is standard advise that a hitch installed bike rack is a good rule of thumb? Currently have a cheap trunk rack for just local transporting, so either way a new rack will be required. I appreciate your guidance.

asked by: Daniel R

Expert Reply:

The 2008 Volkswagen Jetta TDI will only have available a Class I hitch. A Class I hitch can only carry a maximum of two bikes. If you used a hitch bike rack you would be limited to only carrying two bikes.

To carry three bikes on your Jetta TDI I would recommend to use a three bike trunk rack like the Thule OutWay 3 Bike Rack, part # TH56BV. This trunk bike rack is one of our most popular trunk racks because of quick and easy installation of the rack to the vehicle. It has a carrying capacity of 3 bikes and a maximum weight capacity of 105 lbs.

If you are going to be carrying women's or children's bikes that do not have the horizontal bar at the top of the frame, you will want to use the Thule Bike Adapter Bar, part # TH982XT. It attaches to the center seat post and to the handlebar post and provides a horizontal bar, so the bike can ride level on the bike rack. I am including a video link on a review of the Thule adapter bar.

expert reply by: Jeff D