Options for Increasing Ground Clearance of Bike Rack Carried on 2013 VW Jetta SportWagen

Updated 07/31/2014 | Published 07/30/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Multipurpose Ball Mount with 2" Receiver for Bike Racks and Cargo Carriers - 7,500 lbs

(236)

$73.69

Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs

(835)

$48.99

Thule Passage Trunk Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - Hanging Style

(967)

$179.95

Thule Passage 3 Bike Carrier - Trunk Mount

(967)

$199.95

Question:

I have a 1.25inch hitch on a 2013 Volkswaggon Jetta wagon. We have a bike rack with a 1.25inch shaft. There isnt enough ground clearance when driving over slopes and bumps for the bike rack when loaded. Need to raise the bike rack mount about 6. What would be the appropriate riser for this application. Thank you

asked by: Don S

Expert Reply:

Your best bet is going to be a bike rack that has an angled shank for greater ground clearance, like the Swagman Trailhead, part # S63360. The angled shank will provide 3 inches of increased ground clearance.

We do not have any risers or adapters that would be compatible with the hitch on your vehicle that would raise a bike rack up by 6 inches, nor do we offer a rack that has a shank that's angled to that degree.

A trunk mounted bike rack might be a good solution for you. Thule offers the Passage, part # TH910XT for a 2 bike or # TH911XT for a 3 bike model. A trunk mount bike rack would typically sit higher up on the rear of the vehicle, offering more ground clearance than a hitch bike rack would.

If you'll be transporting women's bikes or bikes with sharply-angled top tubes, you might also consider a frame adapter bar like part # 64005. The bar spans the distance between the handlebar gooseneck and the seat post, which provides a secondary attachment point for the bike rack. This allows the bike to be carried level, which maximizes ground clearance.

expert reply by: Mike L