Fitting the Thule OutWay Trunk Mount Bike Rack on a 2013 Chevy Volt

Question:

I tried ti fit the Th45jv and found that the bottom section could easily slide off the bumper since the bumper is not flat but small and angled. The weight of the bikes would be taken mainly by the top straps. The clips would not slide into the cracks of the hatch top and bottom. If the door was open it might but the fit seemed too tight. The top arm of the Thule rested on the window - that didn't seem right. I love the look of it and wished it would work. What is your experience with it fitting on the Volt? Looking forward to your response.

asked by: James K

Expert Reply:

The Thule OutWay # TH45JV is listed as a fit on the 2013 Chevy Volt from Thule so it can be mounted on the car. What you are describing as potential problems is the way that the rack should be mounted. When properly secured to the vehicle the top straps and the lower legs will bear the weight. The lower straps keep the lower legs from going anywhere.

Make sure that it is set to FitDial setting 8. The arms that hold the bikes should be as level as they can be. Having the top arm on the glass is alright. Most of the weight is on the bottom legs and top straps anyway.

I own the 3 bike version of this rack. The top legs set on the rear glass on my vehicle as well. I have used the rack many times without any issues.

Getting the top hooks in place can be tricky on some vehicles. You may have to let out extra slack and work the hook in at the corner then slide it over in position. Sometimes I have to do that on my car. Other times I can push them in in their normal position.

This is probably the best trunk mount bike rack available at this time. The hook issue you have run into is something you will find on any trunk mount rack. The difference is on the OutWay, there are only 2 to deal with instead of 6 like on other racks. Once you have learned the best way to do it on your vehicle it will be easy. It took me a few times on my car and now I can install it quickly and securely is about half the time when I first got it.

expert reply by: Michael H