How to Carry 3 Bikes on a 2018 Chevy Cruze Hatchback

Question:

Hello, I am looking at finding a bike rack for a 2018 Chevy Cruze Hatchback. I am curious what ones you would recommend that would properly fit this model. I was thinking of a trunk mounted one but need one for the hatch. I was also hoping to get a mount for 3 bikes as well as still be able to get into the hatch if I need to without taking the bikes off.

asked by: Jonathon G

Expert Reply:

The best way to carry 3 bikes on your 2018 Chevy Cruze Hatchback and keep access to your rear hatch without removing the bikes or bike rack is to either use a hitch mount bike rack for 2 bikes and a roof mount rack for the 3rd or to carry all three bikes on the roof. These 2 options will require more of an investment than a trunk mount bike rack, but they are your best and safest options.

Unfortunately, there are no trunk mount bike racks that will fit the hatchback models at this time likely due to the possible deformation or damage to the rear spoiler, but also the struts and hinges of a rear hatch are not strong enough to support the weight of a trunk mount bike rack and bikes when open. In fact, trunk bike rack manufacturers do not recommend opening the rear hatch at all with just the bike rack attached. There have been many cases of people being injured because the rear hatch fell on them.

If you are interested in the hitch and roof option, you will want to start with the Draw-Tite Class I Trailer Hitch, # 24951, and the bike rack I recommend is the Kuat Transfer 2 Bike Rack, # KU74FR, because it will fit a Class I trailer hitch and tilt away from the vehicle with the bikes loaded giving you access to your rear hatch.

There are only Class I trailer hitches available for the Chevy Cruze and Class I trailer hitches are limited to carrying a maximum of 2 bikes. The leverage form the weight of a 3 bike is too much for the hitch and vehicle frame to handle. To carry your third, you will want to consider a roof mount option like the SeaSucker Talon Roof Bike Rack, # 298-BT1004.

If you want to look into the roof only option, the best value option is the Rhino-Rack roof rack system which consists of the Vortex Aero Crossbars, # RRVA126B-2, the 2500 Series Legs, # RRRLKVA, and the Custom DK Fit Kit, # DK489. This will give you a set of crossbars to attach a roof mounted bike rack like the Rhino-Rack MountainTrail Bike Rack, # RBC035, which would be my recommendation. I also attached a link to all of our roof mounted bike racks for you to check out.

A more economical way of accomplishing this is the SeaSucker Bomber Roof Rack for 3 Bikes, # 298-BB3008.

I've attached review videos and links to each of these products for you to check out.