Bike rack? T7 Multivan California

[mrpraline2]

I have the Uebler i21 Z 90° (18110). This was proposed as the correct one by my dealer. Make sure you order the 90 degree version. I haven't tried opening the boot with a bike on the first stand.

Also this company seems to make a rack for the boot lid, but apparently there are some caveats for mounting it on the california.

 

[eoinmorton]

My new Thule Epos 3 arrived today and I can confirm it is NOT possible to open the rear door when it is fitted to my T7.

Does it catch at the tow bar mount or at the bike? Do you reckon repositioning the wire by drilling a new hole would solve it? Obviously warranty would be gone.

 

[Adam8374]

I have a Thule velospace xt and TMK racks. Tmk is better and when only one bike, the door can be opened.

See Post in thread 'truly securing bikes + a lightweight modular bike rack recommendation' https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/thread...ar-bike-rack-recommendation.61727/post-776570

 

[clithar]

Does anyone know if the Thule outpace is suitable for a T7 california and, if so, does it allow full tailgate access?

 

[Californication69]

I’ve just hacked off 20mm of my end stops of my Thule easyfold XT 3 (934) and can confirm it now folds 90° and the boot opens nicely.
View attachment IMG_1471.jpeg

 

[stoobthealien]

My Atera Strada DL4 is all good so far!

 

[waspsl]

XT3

Confirmed, I have Velospace XT3 and with the wire adjusted to the greater tilt works fine.
Had to swap from the Easyfold which could not get to work no matter what I tried, short of cutting bits off

 

[russmcp]

I removed the bungs from my Thule easyfold and it now folds down far enough and the tailgate can open.

 

[Shoggy]

I have attached Atera forzo M to our T7 California and taken on a trip . Was able to attach single handed as a middle aged 5ft3 woman . It folds with easy access for the tailgate . Would recommend .

Yes I’ve got the Forza M too, and it’s perfect. Just remember to put the securing cables on the next slot so it can pivot down fully to miss the rear door

 

[Californiacation]

 

[stoobthealien]

Your video was great and convinced me to buy the Atera (although I manage to get the bikes on a little more quickly!)

 

[Twoey]

Just thought I would update this thread with some pics of the Atera Forza M fitment for anyone looking into carriers. We bought one having seen the posts above from @Bubble21 and @Shoggy

Preference for the Forza was because it is foldable (we have limited storage space) and was a bit lighter than some. Not as light as the Uebler i21 but they were about an extra £150 and couldn't justify that.

So folded up it looks like this

You drop it onto the towball but don't clamp it up yet and then unfold it to something that looks like this.

Pushing down the bar under the number plate holder allows the whole unit to pivot down

At this setting the tailgate just catches on the catches that release the upright, you could squeeze these in to let it pass but actually you don't have too (see next text block)

The Atera has an adjustable restraint strap that allows you to alter the degree of tilt from about 75deg to 90deg. All you do is undo the retaining nut on the strap and move it from position 1 below to position 2!


The rack will then drop down further and the tailgate will clear no problems.

Next step, loading bikes. Pics below show it with 1 bike loaded and then the rack folded flat. Clearance isn't an issue.


Can't add any more pictures so will continue the post in part 2

Two'ey

 

[Twoey]

Then added the second bike and tipped it. With the 2nd bike in the rear most slot the bike rests on its handlebar end but still give enough clearance for the tailgate to open.


So overall everything works as intended. Still to use it in anger but it seems pretty decent. The test was with two Specialized Turbo Tero eMTB's so quite large bikes and they fitted fine. There isn't a lot of space between frames but they are not banging each other as currently set up. i will probably tweek the setup as I use it more.

I had a Thule Easyfold XT on the Buzz but that had a Fix4Bike towbar so isn't compatible with the Cali hence had too buy a new rack. Why VW can have F4Bike on 1 model an not another is beyond me

I would say this feels pretty much the same as the Thule, seems well built although the Thule feels a little more sturdy and easier to use. I am struggling a bit with getting the support arm straps to release and if they are more than 5 or so clicks in the lock won't lock it seems but this could be user error or just newness.
The Thule is notably cheaper though especially if you buy from Volvo! Although it won't apparantly clear the tailgate without modification whereas this fits out of the box.

Anyway, hope thats helpful to anyone looking at these.

Cheers,

Two'ey

 

[Bubble21]

Glad you are pleased with your bike rack
We struggled a bit with support arm straps initially
To get them in you need to angle them at the curve they will go inside in direction of the whole they come out of
We found once in a couple of notches use the black ratchet to pull through
Also found to release unlock and raise the black ratchet lock but then pull the grey button up and should be able to pull out
This is the opposite direction to the ratchets on the cross rails where you push grey button down . It’s taken us a few goes to get this hope it helps .

 

[decibel]

Just to confirm that the Thule VeloSpace xt allows tailgate opening also in the T7