What a challenge!

[MichelleMc]

I have a T5 California with a tailgate and can't find any bike rack, that tilts far enough back to open my tailgate 100%. I have a new removable towbar and ebike.

I tried the Thule Easyfold XT (friends used one), Atera GENIO PRO Advanced bike carrier (2 bikes) and a Thule 944 Easyfold 3 2-bike AcuTight. The Atera I received this weekend (and will need to return it). Lifting the lever is impossible for me (I asked my towbar fitter to have a go, he needed his full strength to manage it), unless I loosen it, then the rack moves a bit (slight wobble) on the towball.

I actually don't know if one exists? Any guidance appreciated.

 

[homerorchid]

I have the Thule Easyfold XT,, I just put a little weight on the rack, eg foot, while I open the tailgate, I don't find it a problem, hope this helps

 

[Perfectos]

I have a T5 California with a tailgate and can't find any bike rack, that tilts far enough back to open my tailgate 100%. I have a new removable towbar and ebike.

I tried the Thule Easyfold XT (friends used one), Atera GENIO PRO Advanced bike carrier (2 bikes) and a Thule 944 Easyfold 3 2-bike AcuTight. The Atera I received this weekend (and will need to return it). Lifting the lever is impossible for me (I asked my towbar fitter to have a go, he needed his full strength to manage it), unless I loosen it, then the rack moves a bit (slight wobble) on the towball.

I actually don't know if one exists? Any guidance appreciated.

Is the tow Ball new ?

The atera is extremely stiff to lock onto the tow ball when the ball is covered in paint , removing the paint from the ball makes it easy to fit

If you manipulate the rack from side to side whilst it is fitted to the tow ball (albeit not fully clamped on ) the bike rack will remove / mark the paint where it grips the ball, you can then use Sand paper etc to remove the paint where required

 

[MichelleMc]

Hi yes it is a new Towbar, I haven’t put anything on it yet. Do you think this Towbar will then allow me to open 100% my tailgate when the rack is tilted?

 

[Kevin5658]

I have the atera have two e-bikes and tailgate opens with both bikes on.

 

[Viktorgeorge]

I have a T5 California with a tailgate and can't find any bike rack, that tilts far enough back to open my tailgate 100%. I have a new removable towbar and ebike.

I tried the Thule Easyfold XT (friends used one), Atera GENIO PRO Advanced bike carrier (2 bikes) and a Thule 944 Easyfold 3 2-bike AcuTight. The Atera I received this weekend (and will need to return it). Lifting the lever is impossible for me (I asked my towbar fitter to have a go, he needed his full strength to manage it), unless I loosen it, then the rack moves a bit (slight wobble) on the towball.

I actually don't know if one exists? Any guidance appreciated.

Things could be different on the newer T6.1, but here is my post on that:

Post in thread 'Thule EasyFold XT 2-Bike Towbar Mounted Bike Rack'
https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/thread...ke-towbar-mounted-bike-rack.53471/post-696552

 

[Perfectos]

Hi yes it is a new Towbar, I haven’t put anything on it yet. Do you think this Towbar will then allow me to open 100% my tailgate when the rack is tilted?

I have the Atera Strada, works perfectly.

It is possible to mount It slightly inclined up or down which can add / detract to the clearance of the tailgate.

Similarly make sure the frame is pulled away / fully down from the van when retracting it for access. When new everything can be a bit stiff. (Just check the retraction motion hits the stops fully)

Depending on the size of handle bars (if they overhang the front of the bike rack) you may need to slacken to top screw and turn through 90 degrees