I am new to the forum and have just ordered a 2021 Macan GTS, with integrated hitch mount. This is my first Porsche, and am pretty excited.
Coming from a full size SUV, so finding that the space is a bit on the smaller side, so looking for an option to add storage to the car for longer family trips - specifically to be able to carry 2-3 sets of golf clubs.
I've come across the Thule product below and was wondering if anyone has used it or something similar, and if there are any pros/cons to attaching this occasionally to the Macan.
Thule Arcos - Thule Arcos gives you plenty of loading space at the rear of your car, keeping the roof free to reduce wind resistance or to carry other loads. The design of Thule Arcos is modern and streamlined, with an aerodynamic wing shape that makes it feel like a natural extension of the...
If it fits to a 2" trailer hitch mount, and weighs less than 440 lbs full, I can't see how this would be a problem other than would the rear hatch hit it when opening....unless it swings out of the way or something.
Although, if you want the lights to work, you will have to order/install a trailer plug harness mount since Porsche does not supple one with the trailer hitch.
2018 Macan was ordered with a trailer hitch but wasn't delivered with the electric coupler plug. Went to dealer & they were kind enough to give me one & I thought this is an easy task, I'll install it. Well, I can't figure out "how to remove the electric harness" from the (temp) plate that is...
I actually considered this option but ultimately decided on going with the Thule Motion XT L roof box for skis/poles, duffel bags and miscellaneous things and a hitch mount for bikes. I'm short so I don't like the idea of loading and loading bikes on the roof. I did a write up on the bars and box I used here - Thule Review
I don't know if you have the factory roof rails or not but there are cross bar options for cars without rails. The roof box is good for long items like skis or snowboards, they might fit in this hitch box but probably won't pack efficiently. As with any hitch mounted accessory you'll lose the backup camera and parking sensors but you won't have the drag/wind resistance of the roof top box.
So consider what you are carrying and the best form factor and whether or not loading/unloading on the roof and the drag is a big deal. This box is only 13 cubic feet, and the large box I have is 16 cubic feet and fits many odd sized items (folding baby crib, hiking packs, toddler seats, to name a few) and there are members with the XL box that has 18 cubic feet
I have 2 different Thule bike racks, a 4 bike and a 2 bike. The 2 bike is the "tilt down". It is very heavy and one of the most robust hitch mounted devices I've ever seen. It tips out of the way to allow easy operation of the tailgate and I go back and forth between FL and NY with complete confidence. It appears the Transporter Combi employees the same mounting arrangement. Based on my experience I'd have total comfort in ordering and using it right up the the 150# limit.
CAVEAT: The hitch is REALLY heavy duty. It's heavy to lift, to mount and to tilt. I can do it without much problem but my wife would never be able to mount the hitch. She can tilt and use with some effort . . . but, make no mistake, this is the real deal in terms of HEAVY duty.
P.S. - I almost forgot . . . I am obliged to chastise you for starting a new thread and not searching first.
Has anyone had any experience using a hitch mount cargo carrier as opposed to the roof mounted carriers? I have roof rails and OEM tow hitch (but no cross bars) and am trying to decide what would be the best option. Seems like most people here use the rooftop boxes. I am considering this...
Responding to all at once, thanks everyone for their feedback so far
Yes, I searched, could only find one other thread that mentioned this Thule box and there wasn't much content in the thread
Didn't get the roof rails, don't want to be hoisting stuff onto the roof, plus i prefer the look of the vehicle without the rails.
Will be getting a separate bike rack as my existing 3" Thule bike rack won't work on this (it's 2")
Will use this Thule box primarily for 2 sets of golf clubs - box itself weighs 55lbs, add another 100'ish for the clubs, sounds like the weight won't be an issue. Oh, and it tilts down for ease of access to the rear
Great tip on the wiring harness, hadn't thought of that, will definitely have to source one. Thanks for that
I have no personal experience with any of this -- just reporting here, before my memory fades -- but there was a post just the other day in which @atwnsw recommended a zero-contact wiring module: DIY Hitch Install Questions
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