Trunk/Spare Tire Mount Bike Racks for a 2009 Dodge Caliber and 2005 Hummer H3

Question:

Will the Thule TH65JV fit on my 2009 Dodge Caliber SRT or 2005 Hummer3?

asked by: Evelyn M

Expert Reply:

First, the Thule OutWay platform rack # TH65JV is best suited for vehicles that have a metal bumper. This is because on plastic or fiberglass bumpers the weight of the rack and bikes can deform the bumper. With that said this rack will fit your 2009 Dodge Caliber but not the Hummer H3 because of the spare tire on the back.

For the Caliber a better option would be the Raceway 2 # TH45JV because it weighs less and is much less likely to cause any damage. It is a hanging style rack rather than the platform style. I own the 3 bike version of this rack and have not had any issues or damage.

For the Hummer you can use the Thule Spare Me 2, # TH963PRO. It mounts to the spare tire mounting bracket.

If you will be carrying any bikes that do not have a top frame bar that goes straight across (like a typical men's bike would) then I recommend using bike adapter bar # TH982XT. This will allow you to carry those bikes more level and will provide better ground clearance. I have to use these adapters and without them my wife's bike would be at a severe angle and I would not be able to load my sons bike at all.

I have included links to videos on the racks and the adapter to show how it works.