Can Rear Hatch of 2016 Kia Soul Be Opened with Trunk Mounted Bike In Place

Question:

I have a 2016 Kia Soul and want to know if I can still open the hatch back while the rack in mounted. I want to be able to take my bike to and from work but I dont want to have to take the rack off to open the back. Thank you.

asked by: Coreena T

Expert Reply:

Thule (as well as the other trunk mount bike rack carrier manufacturers) specifically states that the rear vehicle hatch should NOT be opened with a trunk mount bike rack like the Thule # TH88VR Gateway in place. The rear struts that hold up the lift gate aren't rated for much more than the weight of the hatch and can weaken over time which could cause the hatch to unexpectedly close while someone's standing in the way, possibly causing severe injury. Additionally, opening and closing the hatch with the rack in place can damage the vehicle and cause the straps to loosen.

You'd be best served installing a receiver hitch like the Curt # C11419 and a fairly inexpensive rack like the Swagman Trailhead, part # S63360. I've linked to an installation video for the hitch I recommended plus to a product demonstration video for the Trailhead bike rack.

expert reply by: Mike L