Can the tailgate be lifted with bikes on the VW rack?

[Rob C]

I know this should be an obvious answer, but I thought I'd ask to be sure. Can the tailgate be lifted when there are a couple of bikes on the VW bike rack? (I suspect not) We need access to the rear of our wagon so I'm considering the options between the fixed bike rack or the Atera Strada tow bar mounted rack. I've also seen reference to uprated tailgate gas rams if the bike rack is fitted, which has raised my curiosity.

Thanks.

 

[Hotel California]

Yes it can , lots to read on lifting the tailgate with a loaded bikerack in several other treads , also about upgrading the struds (they are already stronger on a Cali than on the normal T6 )

Use "search" and a new world will open

 

[Rob C]

Ah yes, I should have known that. Thanks.

 

[Max-Felix]

We used to with three on but it's a right PITA.

 

[WelshGas]

I know this should be an obvious answer, but I thought I'd ask to be sure. Can the tailgate be lifted when there are a couple of bikes on the VW bike rack? (I suspect not) We need access to the rear of our wagon so I'm considering the options between the fixed bike rack or the Atera Strada tow bar mounted rack. I've also seen reference to uprated tailgate gas rams if the bike rack is fitted, which has raised my curiosity.

Thanks.

You can lift it, but it won't stay up. Uprated gas struts, the Californias are already uprated to cope with the rack. Any stronger and you will find it very difficult to close with no bikes or rack on and the force has been known to break the lower attachment of the gas strut, sending it through the rear light cluster.
Some use an adjustable pole to hold the door up when bikes are on.
Last point, be very careful opening the tailgate with bikes loaded and the roof up. Some users have damaged their roof with handlebars.

 

[aileron346]

Depends a bit on the bikes but absolutely it's possible. You have to watch handlebars on the roof especially if the pop up roof is up. Also you have to be super careful about to lower tailgate very gently with zero slam. With lighter (Sport) bikes the tailgate can stay up; with heavier bikes I would always go in the boot with an assistant holding the tailgate up and especially lowering gently.
But yes, very possible and for me the rack fixed on is so much easier than having to fit a towbar, store a rack and fit it on every time. I've had a few towbar racks over the years including the Atera Strada and nothing beats the VW tailgate rack.


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[Rob C]

Thanks for the advice from all. Sounds like we'd be fine as we only really need to open the tail a little bit to grab or stash a few items in the back. Currently have a tow-bar mounted Thule (from our car) and even on full tilt down we can barely open the tail gate, so no what a pain that can be. Plus I like the look of the VW rack!!!

 

[Rob C]

Obviously that should have read ". . . know what a pain that can be" !

Back of the class again!

 

[Looby]

I've read posts from people who have realised that the back door has dents, only when they have taken the bike rack off, due to lifting with bikes on. We try not to do it if avoidable, the gas can be turned off and on leaning over rear bench - a stretch but can be done. If the bench seat is slid fully forward It is possible to climb over and access storage boxes under the parcel shelf though it wouldn't be possible with 3 rows of seats fitted.

https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/slidepod-for-the-vw-california-beach.11358/page-6#post-121223

 

[aileron346]

Worth bearing the risk in mind if some have had dents; no dents in mine but our bikes are very light. I can't imagine the force on the open door from the loaded rack is much more than the force on it driving over speed humps etc. I wonder if the door has been let drop back into the closed position with the dented ones? Worth lowering gently and just nudging it closed when opening the tailgate in this non-orthodox way with the bikes on.


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[18hunts]

I have a dent on mine from doing this. No longer do it.

 

[warny15]

Go for an Altera Strada tilting row ball rack easy access to tailgate and no risk of damage to van !