Trunk Mount Bike Rack for a 2013 Subaru Impreza 5-Door Hatchback with Rear Spoiler

Question:

Will the Gateway TH78VR fit on my 2013 Impreza Sport 5door, with a spoiler? The mounting tips say to route top clips under the spoiler, but I dont see how. And if it doesnt fit, which rear mount bike carrier will?

asked by: Leilani N

Expert Reply:

On some spoilers there is a gap between the bottom of the spoiler and the hatch or trunk. The space is often big enough for the strap part but not the hook part. So in the case of the Thule Gateway # TH78VR, you would have to run the straps through backwards by removing them from the rack, running the strap under the spoiler from the top down, putting the hook into place, then reconnecting the strap to the rack.

But I recommend avoiding all of that and going with a rack that is meant to work with vehicles that have spoilers. Take a look at the Hollywood Racks Over-the-Top rack # HRF2-3. This rack has an upper arm piece that allows the straps to go up and over the spoiler so no weight is put on it. I have linked a video showing how this style of rack works.

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 son's bike at all. I have linked a video showing how the adapter works.

expert reply by: Michael H