Ways to Carry 4 Bikes on an Australian Version of the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan

Question:

Hi, I need a bike rack for my 2012 Volkswagon Tiguan. There is nothing there for an attachment at the moment so it seems like I need a hitch as well as the rack. Can you recommend the best and easiest parts I need please? It’s an Australian car. I would like 4 bikes. Thanks!

asked by: Susan

Expert Reply:

The best and easiest option for you to carry 4 bikes on your 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan would be with a trailer hitch and hitch mounted bike rack. Installing a trailer hitch on your vehicle will allow for a much wider variety of bike racks to be used in comparison to a roof or trunk mounted bike carrier. The hitch will also allow for you to easily attach a cargo carrier or tow a trailer if need be.

For a trailer hitch, I recommend taking a look at the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver part # e98906. This hitch should still work for you but since you have the Australian model and this hitch is designed for U.S.A models, you will need to take a peek under the rear bumper fascia to see if the pre-drilled holes are present on the vehicle's rear crossmember. If you look on the underside of the bumper there should be a grooved section with a cutout panel for a trailer hitch. Directly under this piece is where the pre-drilled holes will be located if present.

If the pre-drilled holes are present and you have successfully mounted the trailer hitch to the vehicle, then I recommend using the Thule Hitching Post Pro part # TH934XTR which is an excellent option.

expert reply by: Conner L