any suggestions for a rear mounted bike rack

[workinghard]

how can a get a real mounted bike rack installed? most trailer hitch companies that i contacted indicate that there is no approved manufactured hitches and that the unibody frame greatly limits creative solutions. Any thoughts?

[spockcat]

VW makes a trailer hitch for the Phaeton and sells it in Europe. Perhaps you could import one and use this in combination with a European bike rack. If you email me I could send you a pdf of the parts list.

Check page 5 of this link: http://www.volkswagen-zubehoer...n.htm


Modified by spockcat at 5:56 PM 4-10-2005

[PanEuropean]

Thanks, Jim, for providing that link to the accessories catalog. I see that there is a hitch listed in the lower right corner of that page (3D0 092 155). Sometimes the European part numbers are valid in North America, even though the product is not advertised, so it might be worth checking with a local dealer.

There are some potential problems, though: The size of the ball used in Europe is different (smaller) than the ball size used in North America. Also, from the look of that hitch, it appears that the hook assembly (ball) would need to be removed, and some custom work done to attach a bike rack.

Sadly, the purpose-specific bike rack shown on the left hand side of that same page can't be used with our North American Phaetons, because they do not have the roof attach points needed to install the basic rack brackets.

I got a feeling you might be out of luck on this one, Lee. But - welcome to our forum anyway - hope we can come up with a better answer for you on your next question!

Michael

[jmdpjd1]

Jim,

Isn't there someone on the Touareg forum who is associated with u-haul? Maybe worth a try. I remember this disscussion from several months back for custom hitches on the Touareg. I just can't recall who.

[PC Dave]

Quote, originally posted by jmdpjd1 »

Jim, Isn't there someone on the Touareg forum who is associated with u-haul? Maybe worth a try. I remember this disscussion from several months back for custom hitches on the Touareg. I just can't recall who.

He was also trying to develop a hitch for Phaetons, and was looking for someone to volunteer a car for development:

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1833926

[spockcat]

Michael,

The poster already contacted me and I sent him the file. My thought was that he could get hold of the crossmember portion of the hitch and have someone weld on a 2" or the smaller 1" receiver to use for a hitch mounted bike rack. The key is to get hold of the frame portion, which is an individual part (3D0 803 881 B)

Quote, originally posted by jmdpjd1 »

Jim, Isn't there someone on the Touareg forum who is associated with u-haul? Maybe worth a try. I remember this disscussion from several months back for custom hitches on the Touareg. I just can't recall who.

The Touareg owner from Phoenix went by the name stuhaul.

[PanEuropean]

Quote, originally posted by spockcat »

...My thought was that he could get hold of the crossmember portion of the hitch and have someone weld on a 2" or the smaller 1" receiver to use for a hitch mounted bike rack...

That sounds like a very good strategy. I hope he can get that specific part. My experience has been that if VW has assigned an individual number to a part, then there is usually a pretty good chance that the part can be ordered on its own. Now, whether that part is offered in North America or not - that's another question...

Michael

PS: Just a note to W12 owners: Our cars are not approved for trailer towing, probably because of engineering issues associated with frame strength - but, I can't see too much of a problem with using the hitch to hold a bike rack, as long as you don't put a Harley on the bike rack.

[PanEuropean]

Thanks very much to Jim for providing the attached PDF file, which shows an exploded view of the Phaeton trailer hitch, and lists the part numbers for all the individual components involved in the hitch.

Michael

[trekguy]

As an avid cyclist, before I make a car purchase I make sure I can get my bike IN the car. That mostly requires a fold down rear seat (like most cars, but not the Phaeton). So, I carefully took measurements, and with the front wheel removed, and my car cover spread across the immense back seat area, my carbon fiber road bike fits nicely in the rear compartment of the big VW. It is actually easier to get it in through the wide rear doors than to hoist it sideways into the trunk of a car with a folded rear seat. If I had a muddy, dirty mountain bike, this solution, of course, would not be practical.

[DANBURY VW-PASSAT]

do not do it

[PanEuropean]

Related topic: Phaeton Trailer Hitch Installation