Trunk Mounted Bike Rack Recommendations for a 2003 Chevy Malibu

Updated 10/12/2011 | Published 10/11/2011

Products Featured in This Question

SportRack Pursuit Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - Fixed Arms - Trunk Mount

(3)

$137.73

Thule OutWay Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Adjustable Arms

(15)

$449.95

Thule Passage Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Hanging Style

(967)

$179.95

Thule Bike Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes

(350)

$53.59

Question:

2 questions, actually. 1- is the weight limit really 132 lbs? 2- is there a problem fitting this on a 2003 malibu LS with a spoiler on the trunk? thank you

asked by: Joe S

Expert Reply:

The SportRack Trunk Mounted 3 Bike Carrier, # SR3152, is designed to fit as many vehicles as possible but there is not a list of vehicles that it does fit, so I cannot say that for sure it will fit or not. However, this bike rack is a lot like the Thule OutWay, # TH45JV, and the Thule Passage, # TH910XT; both of which will fit your 2003 Chevy Malibu. So while it is likely that it will fit, I cannot say that it is a definite fit.

The weight capacity for this rack is 105 lbs. You should note that the rack can handle this weight but that does not necessarily mean that your vehicle could handle this weight, especially if any of the straps will put any amount of weight on the spoiler of your vehicle.

Sportrack is Thule's economy brand. If you think about the racks listed above in terms of good, better, best, the Sportrack model is good, but the Thule Passage 2, # TH910XT, is better. The Sportrack is designed to carry up to 3 bikes while the Passage 2 is made to carry 2 bikes. I have included a link to the installation details along with a video review of this rack for reference. You may also need the Alternative Frame Bike Adapter Bar, # TH982XT, for bikes that do not have a top frame bar that is parallel to the ground. I have included a link to a video review of the adapter as well.