Bike Rack Recommendation for a 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo

Question:

I have a 2002 VW Beetle Turbo and Im trying to find a bike rack to fit my car. Yes the rear spoiler goes up once you hit 45 miles and drops back down below 25. So I tried to have a rental place install a hitch but because of the turbo they were unable to install. I was told the Thule Raceway 2 would work but now Im hearing a different store. PLEASE help

asked by: Lori

Expert Reply:

If your 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle turbo is not an S model then you can install a trailer hitch, # 24679. There are currently no hitch options for the Turbo S models, only the regular Turbo models. You could then use a bike rack that is compatible with a Class I trailer hitch. I recommend the Swagman Trailhead, # S63360. It can fold down, it has anti-sway cradles, and the rise in the shank provides more ground clearance.

I do not recommend a trunk mount rack because of the spoiler. In most cases on this vehicle, a rack upper arm will have to go basically right where that spoiler is or near it enough to where when it retractions it could make contact with the rack and damage the spoiler.

expert reply by: Michael H