Recommendation of Trunk Bike Rack To Fit a 2006 Mini Cooper 3 Door Hatchback

Question:

Will this rack fit onto my 2006 Mini Cooper? Its a 2-door coup w/ hatchback.

asked by: Brad

Expert Reply:

The Thule OutWay Platform-Style Bike Rack, part # TH65JV, you have referenced, will fit on your 2006 Mini Cooper, however, it is a heavy rack, about 94 lbs fully loaded, and can potentially damage your rear hatch if the bike rack is installed too tightly with a heavy load. Trunk mounted bike racks are not designed to damage your vehicle if they are installed correctly and used within capacity.

For a trunk mounted bike rack, I recommend using the Thule OutWay 2 Bike Rack, part # TH45JV. This bike rack is considerably lighter (13 lbs) and is one of our most popular trunk mounted bike racks. The OutWay # TH45JV bike rack is the easiest bike rack to install and remove. It uses 2 rubber coated straps instead of 6 straps to secure the rack to the vehicle for a fast and easy installation. It has a 2 bike capacity with a total weight capacity of 66 lbs.

To minimize the risk of damage from a trunk mounted bike carrier it is recommended to clean the pads of the bike rack and the bumper and trunk before installing the bike rack.

If you will be carrying any women's, children's, or alternative frame bikes, that do not have a top frame bar that goes straight across from handle bars to seat post, I recommend adding the Thule Bike Adapter Bar, part # TH982XT, to carry the bikes more level. I am including a video of this adapter also.