Trunk Mount Bike Rack for a 2013 Toyota Venza with Rear Spoiler

Question:

we have a 2013 Toyota venza and have 2 bikes to haul. The car has a spoiler, and rear hatch opens automatically with a push button. Do you have a recommendation for a bike rack for this vehicle? Would prefer a lock mechanism for the bikes.

asked by: Doug B

Expert Reply:

For a trunk mount bike rack that locks and holds 2 bikes that limits the options to the ThuleOutWay, # TH45JV. It is actually my number one choice for a rack and comes with locks for both the rack and the bikes.

I have actually tested the rack on a 2011 Venza. It works but it does but some stress on that spoiler. If that is a concern I recommend the Hollywood Racks Over-the-Top rack, # HRF2. This rack has an additional upper arm piece that moves the strap up and over the spoiler so no weight is on it. But this rack does not have a locking feature. You would want to use a cable lock such as # e98891 to lock the bikes to the rack.

I have included a link to a video review of this rack for you. With any trunk mount rack you will not want to open the rear hatch with the rack in place. This can damage the vehicle and the rack.

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 # 64005. 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 linked a video showing how the adapter works.

expert reply by: Michael H