Thule T2 Bike Rack Recommendation for a 2009 Jetta SportWagen Carrying Electric Bikes

Question:

I am looking for a bike rack to transport 2 electric bikes - each weigh about 50 lbs. The car is a 2009 Jetta Sportswagon. I would prefer a trunk rack but worry about the weight on the trunk and window. Car does not have a hitch and has a moonroof. Because of the weight of the bikes and the moonroof, I dont think a roof rack is a good option. Thanks

asked by: Peter P

Helpful Expert Reply:

I have a solution for you, but there is not a trunk mounted bike rack option that I would recommend for you due to the weight of the electric bikes. Most likely your vehicle would become damaged due to the weight of the bikes.

You will need to go with a hitch mounted bike rack as it is the only option available that can handle the weight of your bikes. First you will need a hitch, for that I would recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch # C11474. This hitch has a tongue weight capacity of 200 lbs.

The only platform rack I could find that has a 100 lb capacity that would carry your electric bikes would be the Thule T2 Pro XTR Platform-Style 2 Bike Carrier # TH23JV. This is an excellent rack that has enough weight capacity, check out the review video I attached for this product for you to check out.

The tongue weight rating of the hitch I recommended is 200 lbs, the combined weight of your bikes is 100 lbs and then the # TH23JV weight 51 lbs so based on that you still have 49 lbs of capacity not used. Which means this setup should work well for you.

expert reply by: Jameson C