Bike Rack for 2014 Toyota Corolla S With Spoiler to Transport Recumbent and Standard Bicycles

Question:

I would like to have a bike rack for my 2014Corolla S with spoiler. I will be purchasing either a recombint bike or a trike. My husbands bike is standard. Is this a possibility? thanks for your help,

asked by: Kathy P

Expert Reply:

Trunk-mount bike racks like Thule's Gateway XT 3-Bike Rack # TH78VR can often be a good solution for transporting standard bikes but a recumbent bike or trike, due to its larger size and considerably greater weight, makes trunk-mount racks less desirable. In addition, your application on a vehicle with a spoiler makes fitting a trunk-mount rack more challenging.

Your best option will be to install a trailer hitch receiver and to use a hitch-mount bike rack. This will avoid the issues of the bikes' weight imposing too much stress on your Corolla and of the rack's interference with the spoiler. It will also provide more room to fit the recumbent bike or trike.

The 2014 Corolla S can be fitted with a light-duty 1-1/4-inch Class I hitch receiver, such as the Draw-Tite # 24913. This hitch bolts on using included hardware and requires no drilling or welding. For reference the instructions are linked at right along with two helpful articles with tips on installing a hitch.

With a hitch in place you can use ta Class I recumbent-compatible rack, the Saris Freedom Bike Rack for 2 Recumbents Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount # SA4412B-R. This rack can handle the longer wheelbases of recumbent bikes and they offer a higher weight capacity of 45-lbs per bike.

If you decide on a trike, you could go with a small utility trailer like the Detail K2 Mighty Multi Utility Trailer - 6' Long - 1,295 lbs # K2MMT4X6 which is 72" long, or the Detail K2 Mighty Multi A-Frame Utility Trailer - 7-1/2' Long - 1,640 lbs # K2MMT5X7, which is 88" long. You would have plenty of room for your recumbent or trike, your other bike, and even room for other items.

You would need some tie-downs like the Erickson Ratchet Tie-Down Straps w/ Web Clamps and S-Hooks - 1" x 10' - 500 lbs - Qty 4 # EM31352 to secure your bikes. You could even add a a ramp to make loading and unloading an easier task.