How to Measure to Determine if a Bike Rack Will Clear the Bumper on a 2007 Toyota Corolla

Question:

To determine which bike rack will fit my 2007 Toyota Corolla, how do I measure the bumper clearance ? And is there a video I can watch, please ? Since this is my 1st bike rack purchase is there anything else I should be aware of besides the clearance ? And the adapter arm for a womens bike, since I own a 2012 Specialized Dolce Elite compact bike ? I look forward to your reply

asked by: Erin M

Expert Reply:

Measuring for clearance for a bike rack is easy. All you have to do is measure from the center of the hitch pin hole straight back to the distance required to clear the rear bumper. I have included a link to an FAQ article that will help.

If the distance that you come up with is less than 4-1/2 inches then the Thule Aero # TH9042PRO will fit with no problem. That is the distance from the center of the bike rack hitch pin hole to the nearest part of the rack that could be a fit issue (the anti-rattle knob). I have included a picture showing some of the other important measurements for you.

Since you will be carrying a bike that does not have a top frame tube that goes straight across (like a typical mens bike does) I recommend using adapter bar # TH982XT. This will allow you to carry those bikes more level. I use adapters similar to this and without them my wifes bike would be at a severe angle and I would not be able to load my sons bike at all. I have included a video link showing how the adapter works.

expert reply by: Michael H