Need a bike rack for a hatchback with a spoiler
#1
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Need a bike rack for a hatchback with a spoiler
My 2019 Corolla Hatchback is annoying small luggage wise and the Nigel Dean (olde worlde tourer) is tricky to get inside. Can anyone recommend a decent rack suitable for a medium sized hatchback with a small rear spoiler ?
#2
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when I first got a similar car, I bought a pre-owned Hollywood "Over-The-Top" bike trunk rack. worked fine. but then I needed to accommodate 4 bikes for family vacations & had U-haul install an inexpensive class II hitch (no wiring harness). now I use a big hitch rack for the 4 bikes & a smaller hitch rack for my 1 bike, or 2 if I go w Wifey
Last edited by rumrunn6; 05-02-19 at 09:39 AM.
#3
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I always put a hitch receiver on my cars for the bike rack.
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#4
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This. Much more secure, less change of the rack or bike damaging the car, and no chance of hitting your garage door when you forget the bike is on top.
Yes it's an expense, but many hitches are DIY if you have the willingness to do so. After a quick search, it looks like a simple bolt on. You can skip the wiring harness if you will use it strictly for a bike rack.
Yes it's an expense, but many hitches are DIY if you have the willingness to do so. After a quick search, it looks like a simple bolt on. You can skip the wiring harness if you will use it strictly for a bike rack.
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A Saris Bike Rack may work--I found a pic on it on a hatchback with a spoiler--appears the straps do put some downward pressure on the spoiler, so would be great if a local shop carried Saris (or you could find someone with one) so maybe you could try test-mounting. Link to pic(s): https://www.google.com/search?q=pict...hqI3ibM:&vet=1
#6
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Strap on racks have 6 hooks, fitting 2 by hinge , 2 on the sides 2 at the bottom..
if you go buy a rack like Saris At your friendly bike shop , they will help you put it on
note: the website fit help
if you go buy a rack like Saris At your friendly bike shop , they will help you put it on
note: the website fit help
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If you decide to try a Saris, I found this-looks like the one recommended for vehicles such as yours: https://www.saris.com/product/bones-ex-3
#8
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My wife has a 2005 Matrix (Corolla wagon) that is similar shaped as the 2019 Corolla hatchback, albeit the "spoiler" is smaller in size, and we use a Thule strap-on rack without any issues. Go to a bike shop and inquire. Thule and Yakima just may have something.
Just got back from the Thule site and the vehicle is too new for a recommended fit. I suspect Yakima is the same. Go to an LBS and fit one to the car for evaluation.
Second edit, just went back to the Thule site and put my wife's Matrix in and there is no fit either. Been using the Thule strap on rack since the car was new! My guess is the "spoiler" is the obstacle they are unwilling to take on.
Just got back from the Thule site and the vehicle is too new for a recommended fit. I suspect Yakima is the same. Go to an LBS and fit one to the car for evaluation.
Second edit, just went back to the Thule site and put my wife's Matrix in and there is no fit either. Been using the Thule strap on rack since the car was new! My guess is the "spoiler" is the obstacle they are unwilling to take on.
Last edited by TiHabanero; 05-03-19 at 06:10 PM.
#9
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Hitch racks are illegal in the province of Alberta if they block the license plate, unless you remount the plate to be visible. Check your local laws.
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My car is a Ford Fiesta ST and the hatch looks similar to yours. I use a Saris and it works really well.
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No need to remove a spoiler. My Saris fits my Fiesta ST perfectly.
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FWIW, it can also be mounted putting that top arm under the spoiler on the glass. But, in my case, that would impede the rear windshield wiper. Check to see how/if the Saris would fit on your car.