What Are Best Bike Carrier Options for 2009 Nissan Rogue Without a Rear Spoiler

Question:

Hi guys. Looking for some advice on the best rack for a 2009 Nissan rogue without a spoiler. I cant do a roof rack parking garage. I dont have a hitch set-up but could install one if the hitch mounted racks are that much better. I really only need to transport 1 bike a couple miles at a time. Im looking at the Thule OutWay bike carrier. Can I access my trunk with that thing installed? Any advice/recommendations would be greatly appreciated! Thanks,

asked by: Derek H

Helpful Expert Reply:

If access to the rear hatch on your 2009 Nissan Rogue is a must-have, then you will be best served by a hitch-mount bike carrier that can tilt out of the way for access to the rear door. If you have potential need to ever tow a trailer or to use other hitch-mount accessories like a cargo basket then the investment in a hitch receiver may be better for the long-term.

If the hitch receiver option appeals to you the link provided will show you all three Class III 2-inch hitch receivers available for your Rogue. All of these install without welding or drilling and include the required mounting hardware. Each is rated for a substantial 350-lb tongue weight, which is more than enough to support any hitch-mount carrier you like and the weight of up to several bikes. I have also included an article concerning hitch-mount carriers that may be helpful.

With a hitch in place you have the option to use both hanging- and platform-style carriers such as the Thule Doubletrack Pro XT, part # TH92BJ. I have linked to all hitch-mount 2-bike carriers, both the hanging- and platform-style. I have also included a link to two examples of fixed cargo carriers although many more such products are available.

Trunk-mount carriers prevent access to the rear hatch and also prevent use of the rear wiper. Also, generally speaking trunk-mount carriers tend to put some stress on the trunk/hatch and rear bumper cover, which is not the case with hitch-mount types that load the carrier weight burden onto the vehicle frame. However, if you are transporting only one bike of typical 25-35-lb weight and only for short distances then a trunk-mount carrier can work well. Please note that 2 bikes is the smallest capacity offered.

In the trunk-mount option, I will suggest using a lightweight carrier to minimize the stresses on the vehicle hatch and bumper cover. The Thule OutWay, part # TH45JV, is an advanced design featuring the patented Fit-Dial system, locks for both the carrier and your bike, and a simple 2-cable attachment system. I have linked an installation video for this item. This and all other compatible 2-bike carriers are shown on the provided link. Other carriers may include fewer features but also may offer lighter weight. For example, the cost-effective Thule Passage 2, part # TH910XT, does not include locks and uses nylon straps (rather than steel cables) for mounting, but weighs only 12 lbs. This carrier can be secured to the vehicle with an accessory item such as the Thule Security Strap # TH533 and your bike can be secured to the carrier with a cable lock such as # 8122D from Master.