Fit of Thule TH88VR Gateway Pro Trunk Mount Bike Rack on 2013 Honda Fit
Question:
Your information claims that the TH88VR is suitable for the Honda Fit 2013 LX car. However a local dealer says that I cannot use this on my car as the clips/straps that mount on the hatch could break or weaken the spoiler which could result in it slipping down and the rack collapsing. Your information does specify that this bike rack does not work on the Honda Fit Sport but that it works on the Honda Fit LX. Can you clarify. Thanks
asked by: Chantal L
Expert Reply:
Thule confirms that their Gateway # TH88VR trunk mounted bike rack is compatible with a 2013 Honda Fit, as long as it's not the Sport model. This is because the majority of the weight of the rack and bikes will be carried by the foot of the carrier which sits atop the vehicle bumper, so the spoiler area will bear very little weight.
This being said, I'll typically recommend folks go with a hitch mounted solution versus a trunk/hatch mount if the option is available. A hitch mounted rack would be more secure, will be easier to install/remove and since it isn't in direct contact with the painted surface of the vehicle there will be no chance of the vehicle being damaged as long as the rack is used according to instructions.
If you decide to look into the hitch mounted solution, I'd recommend the Curt Class I hitch, part # C11064 along with an inexpensive 2 bike rack like the # C18085 from Curt. This option would be a bit more expensive than a trunk mounted rack, but I believe you'd be happier in the long run going this route. The hitch could also be used for an attachment point for other hitch mounted accessories such as a cargo carrier like part # C18110 which might come in handy in the future.
I've linked to an install video for the hitch and a demonstration video for the Curt bike rack.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class I
- 200 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Curt 2 Bike Platform Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- CURT
more information >
19x47 Curt Cargo Carrier for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Steel - 300 lbs
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Flat Carrier
- Fixed Carrier
- 20 Inch Wide
- Standard Duty
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 48 Inch Long
- Class I
- Class II
- Class III
- Class IV
- Steel
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Gateway Pro 2 Bike Rack - Trunk Mount - Adjustable Arms
- Trunk Bike Racks
- Frame Mount - Anti-Sway
- 2 Bikes
- Non-Retractable
- Lock Rack
- Fits Most Factory Spoilers
- 6 Straps
- Adjustable Arms
- Hanging Rack
- Thule
more information >
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