Trunk-Mount Bike Carrier Recommendation for 2012 Fiat 500 POP

Question:

Can you recommend a bicycle rack for my 2012 Fiat 500 Pop? Will a trunk mount type work without scratching the paint etc? Thank you.

asked by: Vickie K

Expert Reply:

Your 2012 Fiat 500 with the Pop trim package can be equipped with a range of different trunk-mount 2-bike carriers but it can also be fitted with a hitch receiver to allow use of a hitch-mount bike rack. The benefits of a hitch-mount bike rack are three-fold; this rack type distributes the weight load of the bikes and carrier to the vehicle frame rather than to its sheet metal components, a hitch receiver can also be used for other accessory items such as cargo carriers, and hitch racks do not prevent trunk access like trunk-mount types.

The Thule OutWay 2 trunk-mount carrier, part # TH45JV, that you referenced will fit your Fiat 500 with the Pop trim package. The rack uses rubber pads and specially-coated high-strength steel cables to mount to your 500 and to protect your paint. Locks are included. Please note that Thule does not recommend using any of their 3-bike carriers on your trunk due to the weight load imposed by the carrier and three bikes, which could deform the trunk lid or bumper cover.

There are also other 2-bike carriers that will work with the Pop trim package, such as the Hollywood Racks # HRE3. Videos for this rack is provided.

If you want to consider a hitch and hitch-mount rack you could select Curt # C11347 (if you have the Abarth model) or the Curt # C11363 if its a non-Abarth version. An installation video for this hitch is included. These are both light-duty Class I hitches with a 1-1/4-inch receiver opening and they are limited to use with 2-bike carriers.

Compatible Class I hitch-mount 2-bike hanging style carriers can be seen on the link provided. You can use the filters at the left margin to narrow the product results to those carriers with the features you prefer, such as folding or tilting capability, racks made of aluminum or steel and racks that hold bikes by the frame or by the wheels. The two linked articles provide plenty of useful information that may help you determine your preferences.