Thule Wanderway vs VW T6 (Quasimodo) Bike Rack

[Ratinahat]

Has anyone directly been able to compare the Thule Wanderway (for 4 bikes) and the VW Quasimodo version? The factors that I‘m interested in comparing include:

-Ease of loading the bikes
-Security of the bikes once on the bike rack
-Security of the rack itself - how easy is it to remove the bike rack when the boot is closed.
-General Build Quality.
-Height of bikes once loaded

We did have the Kylie version for a while but never used it - I didn’t like the design too much. I realise its a popular topic, but I prefer the design of the Quasimodo.

I‘ve spent a good while trying to get the above information from Google searches, but am not confident in the answers so far.

One more question - how hard is it to lift the tailgate with 4 bikes loaded with 2 people - one to lift the tailgate, one to get the portapotti out of the boot? We have 2 children, and I‘m dreading them asking to go to the toilet en route! I would consider a tow bar mounted bike rack, but the increased vehicle length, cost of installing the tow bar and not being able to use the parking sensors/reversing camera don’t appeal to us.

 

[Kevthegas]

I may be shot down but I believe they are the same rack, just subtle design/colour differences.
Over the years I have had the Vw Kylie, Quasi on my last T6 Cali and now have the Thule on my current Cali.
I prefer the black elements on the Thule rack.

 

[calikev]

The vw rack is made by thule

 

[The Tall Luthier]

The bike rack is a good product. Secure enough, easy ish to load, four bikes will prevent you from lifting the boot because of the weight.

I also find that the bike rack drops the vehicles mpg from around 44 to 36. Cali’s measurements, not mine.

If I had my time again I would investigate a tow bar solution, easier access to the bikes, easier mounting, easier lifting of the tail gate when loading, easier removal of the rack perhaps.

 

[Cali Phillip]

The bike rack is a good product. Secure enough, easy ish to load, four bikes will prevent you from lifting the boot because of the weight.

I also find that the bike rack drops the vehicles mpg from around 44 to 36. Cali’s measurements, not mine.

If I had my time again I would investigate a tow bar solution, easier access to the bikes, easier mounting, easier lifting of the tail gate when loading, easier removal of the rack perhaps.

Agree on MPG drop and tailgate weight.
The tailgate option is cheaper as the tow bar options require the tow bar fitment and as we ( and friends) found some popular tow bar racks ( DL3) what slide out to allow access to the boot can be flimsy and difficult to remove from the tow bar.
Overall the tailgate is easier and a decorators telescopic pole works for 2 bikes anyway but its easy to remove the bikes or move the portapotte to behind the drivers seat ?

 

[SusiBus]

I presume the drop in mpg quoted is with the rack loaded with bikes. Does anyone know how a bike rack without bikes on it affects the mpg?

 

[yossarian]

I presume the drop in mpg quoted is with the rack loaded with bikes. Does anyone know how a bike rack without bikes on it affects the mpg?

On my van, without extensive logging and testing, an empty bike rack is worth about 4-5 mpg. I was quite surprised and the rack is now in my shed. Will fit as required.

 

[Beeechke1]

We used a tailgate rack for a number of years, maximum of two bikes. Loading I found a bit of a stretch, I'm 5' 8" Once on the rack bikes exceed the vehicle height which creates two issues: one car park height barriers and two once your camped up with roof up you can not fully open the tailgate. The latter we found a complete PITA over a number of trips (we tend to tour spending 1 to 3 nights in one place and don't always want to unload the bikes) We have now moved to a tow bar rack which is much easier to load, slides back to allow tailgate to be fully opened without unloading the bikes. If the rack electrics are disconnected from the van while locked the alarm is activated. We were also concerned about loosing use of the parking sensors but in reality this is not a problem, with them you still have to monitor the bikes and rack which are sticking out another meter beyond what your parking sensors are telling you depending on what your reversing up to and if your not loaded up to the gunnels you can still see the bikes in the rear mirror when on a tow bar.

 

[Cali Phillip]

On my van, without extensive logging and testing, an empty bike rack is worth about 4-5 mpg. I was quite surprised and the rack is now in my shed. Will fit as required.

Wow, I didn't notice that much obviously more loaded about 5mpg but will take it back off for the test as I was lazy and left it on....

 

[The Tall Luthier]

I presume the drop in mpg quoted is with the rack loaded with bikes. Does anyone know how a bike rack without bikes on it affects the mpg?

My experience is that the drop is significant as soon as the rack is fitted. The bike being on makes it a little bit worse.

 

[chockswahay]

Wow, the MPG drop is shocking! We had the VW rack on ours when we bought it (secondhand) for a few months before taking it off and selling it. I have looked backed on my MPG and it does seem that 4 to 5 drop is about right.

This is where (and I know this won’t help you, sorry) that I get a nice warm glow and smug feeling just dropping the two Brompton’s in the back……. no MPG or security issues there then

 

[Peter84]

Didn't notice such a big drop in mpg when I use a towbar bike carrier loaded with two road bikes. Maybe because they're not wider than the van so not drastically increasing drag as opposed to a tailgate carrier where the bikes stick out on top?

 

[Ratinahat]

The 4-5mpg of the unloaded tailgate carrier is a lot higher than I expected - it almost makes it worth getting the towbar carrier and removing it when not required. Thanks for all your replies. I just need to decide if I can stomach the cost of the tow bar fitting

 

[YummyJaffaCake]

Both racks same shape and dimensions. Wanderway has black frame that is mounted to tailgate and the ratchet straps for wheels have a lever to aid compression. Wanderway works out slightly more expensive when you opt for 4 bike version. Both carry 60kgs max and realistically only carry 2 downhill or ebikes due to width of these bikes compared to basic family/halford/road bikes. Can lift tailgate with bikes on if your careful but struts wont slow the lowering and handlebars may dent roof if poptop up.

 

[chockswahay]

Has anyone directly been able to compare the Thule Wanderway (for 4 bikes) and the VW Quasimodo version? The factors that I‘m interested in comparing include:

-Ease of loading the bikes
-Security of the bikes once on the bike rack
-Security of the rack itself - how easy is it to remove the bike rack when the boot is closed.
-General Build Quality.
-Height of bikes once loaded

We did have the Kylie version for a while but never used it - I didn’t like the design too much. I realise its a popular topic, but I prefer the design of the Quasimodo.

I‘ve spent a good while trying to get the above information from Google searches, but am not confident in the answers so far.

One more question - how hard is it to lift the tailgate with 4 bikes loaded with 2 people - one to lift the tailgate, one to get the portapotti out of the boot? We have 2 children, and I‘m dreading them asking to go to the toilet en route! I would consider a tow bar mounted bike rack, but the increased vehicle length, cost of installing the tow bar and not being able to use the parking sensors/reversing camera don’t appeal to us.

Just re reading your original post……. With 2 kids and 4 bikes it will always be a compromise of some sort. I would say that before we sold our VW rack we did reach the conclusion that loading our 2 trail bikes was a real pain in the a*se, the tailgate could not be lifted without massive effort and risk, they blocked the rear view, security was down to padlock quality and they would always get dirty on the back.

Our plan therefore was to sell the rack, buy a tow hook mounted rack that drops down out of the way when need to open tailgate. Were ready to pull the trigger then realised we don’t use out big bikes enough so settled for putting our old and trusty Bromptons in the boot.

I agree the cost of a hook is a bit cheeky, but in the long term I reckon tow bar mount is easier and more convenient to use.

 

[keith morris]

Has anyone directly been able to compare the Thule Wanderway (for 4 bikes) and the VW Quasimodo version? The factors that I‘m interested in comparing include:

-Ease of loading the bikes
-Security of the bikes once on the bike rack
-Security of the rack itself - how easy is it to remove the bike rack when the boot is closed.
-General Build Quality.
-Height of bikes once loaded

We did have the Kylie version for a while but never used it - I didn’t like the design too much. I realise its a popular topic, but I prefer the design of the Quasimodo.

I‘ve spent a good while trying to get the above information from Google searches, but am not confident in the answers so far.

One more question - how hard is it to lift the tailgate with 4 bikes loaded with 2 people - one to lift the tailgate, one to get the portapotti out of the boot? We have 2 children, and I‘m dreading them asking to go to the toilet en route! I would consider a tow bar mounted bike rack, but the increased vehicle length, cost of installing the tow bar and not being able to use the parking sensors/reversing camera don’t appeal to us.

We have a VW one and annoyingly the thread on the grips is prone to rust and jams, put WD40 copper grease etc but as it’s exposed to the elements still becomes a problem over winter, with hindsight I would opt for a tow bar mounted as you can still access the boot with bikes on the rack

 

[chris151151]

I presume the drop in mpg quoted is with the rack loaded with bikes. Does anyone know how a bike rack without bikes on it affects the mpg?

Very little. My rack is on permanently.

 

[aclowes]

I have a towbar mounted rack and can open the rear door with the bikes on. I'm convinced, but never conclusively tested, that the MPG improves with the bikes on? Do they reduce the drag?

 

[andyinluton]

Very little. My rack is on permanently.

Not trying to be funny, but if your rack is always on, how do you know if it’s making any difference?
Our van was more economical when running in. Just wondering if putting the rack on is what made it worse.not just giving it a bit more welly.

 

[chris151151]

Not trying to be funny, but if your rack is always on, how do you know if it’s making any difference?
Our van was more economical when running in. Just wondering if putting the rack on is what made it worse.not just giving it a bit more welly.

Compared with pre rack days!

 

[Scottish Scrutineer]

The 4-5mpg of the unloaded tailgate carrier is a lot higher than I expected - it almost makes it worth getting the towbar carrier and removing it when not required. Thanks for all your replies. I just need to decide if I can stomach the cost of the tow bar fitting

I must say that with my T5.1 I've noticed the fuel consumption is better since I removed the (Fiamma) rack. About to get a T6 Shuttle and researching bike rack options. Maybe I will go with a BikeStow inside.

 

[Peter84]

The bike rack creates more drag so obviously it will have an impact on fuel consumption. No doubt about that.