Bike carrier Thule Wanderway or similar, possible to open tailgate??

[J.P]

I have a 2018 VW Multivan that I’ll be traveling with this summer. I’m bringing my bike and want a transport solution that doesn’t require me to remove the bikes every time I want to pop up the rooftop tent or open the tailgate. That’s why I’ve been looking into the Thule WanderWay.

However, the manufacturer doesn’t recommend having the bike mounted when opening the tailgate—but is it actually possible?

Can you have one or two MTBs mounted and still open the tailgate? I understand that the gas struts might need to be replaced, but apart from that, is it physically possible?

If anyone has experience with this, hit me with your best tips! What should I consider, which gas struts do I need, etc., etc.?

Thule’s customer service refused to answer the question since they "haven’t tested it" and therefore "can’t guarantee anything"...

 

[JOG]

It’s possible but not advised. The struts would need upgrading to 1200 nm anyway just to safely hold up the tailgate with an empty bike rack. It is possible to get higher rates struts. However, the real strain point is the hinges which is why bikes should be removed.

My pop top works quite happily when the tailgate is loaded with bikes.

 

[Bav]

If you have a tow-bar, I'd recommend an Altera Strada DL3 - allows access to the tailgate with bikes loaded and, obviously, doesn't foul the pop-top.

 

[drinfinity]

I can open my poptop with MTB on a VW tailgate bike carrier. I have opened it with lightweight road bike on, but wouldn’t do it with MTB. The weight would be high, and if I have them on the rail close to the van the handlebars would crash into the roof with the tailgate open.

 

[J.P]

Thanks for the feedback! I'll go with the Wanderway and stronger struts, since I want the towbar free for trailers.

 

[drinfinity]

Thanks for the feedback! I'll go with the Wanderway and stronger struts, since I want the towbar free for trailers.

I’ve just re-read my post and realised I missed out some crucial words, so it didn’t make sense!
I can open the pop-top with bikes on the tailgate.
I cannot open the tailgate with MTB on due to the weight and the handlebars crashing into the roof.
I can open tailgate with one road bike on, but I wouldn’t do it routinely.