Availability of 2 Bike Rack for a 2003 Volkswagen Turbo Beetle

Updated 07/26/2011 | Published 07/24/2011

Question:

I have a Turbo Beetle. It has a retractable stock spoiler that is on the trunk at the very top where it hinges. Ive already disabled it so it no longer goes up at all. However, my concern is that no bike rack will fit my hatchback. The sheer length and steepness of my trunk door is the concern. There is no edge on my trunk for leverage. Would this type of rack work?

asked by: Carissa O

Expert Reply:

The Thule and Yakima trunk bike racks are listed for a 2003 Volkswagen Beetle Hardtop, but not for the Turbo model. Because of the spoiler on the Turbo being located at the top edge of your trunk where the top hooks would attach, and it is retractable, is why it is not listed for your Turbo model.

Even with your spoiler disabled it is not recommended to use a trunk bike rack on a Volkswagen Turbo Beetle. The spoiler would not be able to handle the loads of the bike rack.

If you have a Beetle GLX Turbo I would recommend to install a hitch like the Draw-Tite Class I 1-1/4 Inch Hitch, part # 24679, and use a hitch bike rack like the Thule Camber Bike Rack, part # TH9058. I am including a link to a video review on the Thule hitch bike rack.

If you have the Beetle Turbo S I would not have a hitch available to fit because of the lower ground effects package. The only way to haul 2 bikes on a Turbo S model would be to use a roof rack bike rack. If you have the Turbo S and would like to pursue the roof rack setup let me know and I would be happy to help you get all of the correct parts you will need.

expert reply by: Jeff D