Thule VeloCompact Bike Carrier - Does it tilt far enough

[Billy]

I have been offered the above at a great price and was just wondering if it tilts far enough to open the tailgate please?

 

[amitaio]

Hey Billy, have you ever managed to figure out if the Thule Velocompact tilts far enough?

 

[WelshGas]

Hey Billy, have you ever managed to figure out if the Thule Velocompact tilts far enough?

I'm afraid @Billy was last seen on the Forum in 2022..

 

[RedWhiteMonkey]

I am pretty sure that you cannot adjust the tilt angle on the VeloCompact, which means it won't tilt far enough for the Cali. The VeloSpace has two possible tilt angles, the second of which does allow the rack to tilt enough.

Here is our VeloSpace XT 3 (with the additional 4th carrying rack added) tilted over.

 

[amitaio]

Thanks @WelshGas for pushing up the post.

And Thank you @RedWhiteMonkey for the comment and photo - this is great!

The current version of the compact seems to tilt, hence why I'm asking.

Thule VeloCompact 13-pin | Thule | United Kingdom

Thule VeloCompact 13-pin - Compact and lightweight bike rack for everyday use.

www.thule.com

I'm not married to getting any specific tow-bar bike rack, just trying to understand what options are available for 4 bikes, and ideally be cheap, light and easier to store when not in use.

@WelshGas I can see you are using Atera, and I've seen 3 models online that support 4 bikes, any pointers on their differences?
- Evo 3
- Sport 3
- DL 3

Also, does it matter which tow-bar I get to ensure there is enough gap to open the tailgate, VW original or others?

Many thanks!
Amitai

 

[WelshGas]

Thanks @WelshGas for pushing up the post.

And Thank you @RedWhiteMonkey for the comment and photo - this is great!

The current version of the compact seems to tilt, hence why I'm asking.

Thule VeloCompact 13-pin | Thule | United Kingdom

Thule VeloCompact 13-pin - Compact and lightweight bike rack for everyday use.

www.thule.com

I'm not married to getting any specific tow-bar bike rack, just trying to understand what options are available for 4 bikes, and ideally be cheap, light and easier to store when not in use.

@WelshGas I can see you are using Atera, and I've seen 3 models online that support 4 bikes, any pointers on their differences?
- Evo 3
- Sport 3
- DL 3

Also, does it matter which tow-bar I get to ensure there is enough gap to open the tailgate, VW original or others?

Many thanks!
Amitai

My Altera rack is 10 yrs old so I can't really comment on more modern alternatives. As far as towbar are concerned I have a factory fitted Westfalia removable. Rack fits fine. I would suggest the Westfalia with the proper VW wiring. The towbar would need coding to the vehicle so that rear parking sensors and vehicle rear fog light are disabled when the rack is fitted. PFJones can supply and fit in UK.

 

[Goldi]

I am pretty sure that you cannot adjust the tilt angle on the VeloCompact, which means it won't tilt far enough for the Cali. The VeloSpace has two possible tilt angles, the second of which does allow the rack to tilt enough.

Here is our VeloSpace XT 3 (with the additional 4th carrying rack added) tilted over.

View attachment 129190

I have the Atera Genia pro which works perfectly with my T6 Ocean/Westfalia tow-bar. Did you have to make any alterations to your Thule Velospace rack to allow clearance for opening the rear door?

 

[RedWhiteMonkey]

I have the Atera Genia pro which works perfectly with my T6 Ocean/Westfalia tower. Did you have to make any alterations to your Thule Velospace rack to allow clearance for opening the rear door?

The VeloSpace has two settings for two different opening angles, 50 and 70 degrees. It comes with set at 50 degrees but it is a simple adjustment to change to 79 degrees, which is enough for the rear door to open.

 

[RedWhiteMonkey]

edit. 70 not 79 degrees, typo.