On your next biking trip, conveniently pack your things in a bike duffel bag. A dozen keys will work on most Thule locks. Many Thule hitch-mounted bike racks are able to tilt forward and out of the way of your vehicles liftgate. Each color in a 4 wire trailer wire has a specific function. ), Do BMX Tires Have Tubes? First-time buyer? Also, if the wobbling culminates into the rack swaying and rubbing against the cars body, thats another cause for concern. That means that the rack responds to the cars movement, which includes turning and speeding. Before I tell start telling you, do keep in mind that some of the bike racks might differ from version to version and you may see that the brands that are not Thule will also have a similar process of installation. Most car-bike racks come in more robust builds to firmly hold your bike and prevent it from wobbling. But if you care about protecting your bike investment look elsewhere. Thule Raceway Pro Rack - 3 Bike. Also Read: Thule 450 Vs 450r: What Are The Key Differences? How do you remove a hitch from a bike rack? Others require you to take off the wheels. For kids aged 8-12, between 129.5 - 149.8 . Previous image. But, you wont see spare tires on modern vehicles, but nevertheless, if you have a spare tire attached, then chances are that you own a spare tired mounted rack. Now that we have understood what the types are, lets dig deeper. The lightweight frame is responsive yet stable for a fun, confidence-inspiring ride. Our take as an owner of a T2 is that the clamp bolts should go into and even through the strut. For use with carriers using a non-locking hitch bolt attachment. Most CURT hitches can be installed with common hand tools, right in your own garage. Quick Answer: How To Install Thule Bike Rack On Hitch. All rights reserved. You should, however, worry if it persists. Question: How To Install Thule Hitch Bike Rack, Quick Answer: How To Use A Thule Hitch Bike Rack, Quick Answer: How To Lock Bike Onto Thule Bike Rack, Quick Answer: How To Strap Bikes To Thule Hitch Bike Rack, Quick Answer: How To Use A Thule Trailway Hitch Bike Rack, Quick Answer: How To Install Thule Hitch Bike Rack With Pin, Quick Answer: How To Install Thule Hitch Bike Rack With Pun, Quick Answer: How To Change Lock On Thule Bike Rack. Hitch Bike Rack Pricing $150 and under: It can be difficult to get a lot of value in the budget range of hitch racks. So, he got one from Thule, where he struggled quite a bit with installation, and that is where I stepped in to help. I agree with John, and call BS on this whole thing. I have also told you told some of the external measures to secure your bike because the external measurements are obviously a necessity because you could be parking your car in a bad neighborhood due to an emergency and that cant be your fault unless you are reckless. Open the wheel hook and extend it to its furthest position. 1. Thule Tact Waistpack 5L R1,999.00 Thule Tepui Explorer Autana 3 R56,999.00 Thule Aion Travel Backpack 40L R5,999.00 Thule Aion Duffel 35L R3,999.00 Thule Accent Convertible Laptop Bag 17L R3,299.00 Thule RoundTrip Bike Travel Case - MTB Black R17,999.00 Thule VeloCompact 3 Bike - 13 Pin R17,999.00 Thule Tepui Foothill R39,999.00 Best Mountain Bikes Under $500 #mtb #short #shorts. Below, we have shared those problems and talked about the fixes. Tighten firmly with Thule hitch tool (L). RV Bike Racks. Cook graphically depicts exactly how the shimmying of a bike . Many riders complained that they couldnt detach the bike racks from the hitch receivers even after turning the hand knobs and adjusting the anti-rattle devices. Thule Raceway Trunk Rack. They should tighten the straps that hold the rack. Ill share with you tips you can use to stop the rack from wobbling. Helpful Expert Reply: Yes, there is only one type of 7-way blade connector. These loops are really strong since they are made to help hook up the car if needed. This rack is where you install it on the cars hitch which is at the rear side. Not only does it work on SUVs but also RVs, trailers, vans, and trucks. His color scheme is inspired by his own Giant mountain bike. For that, they cant remove the bike rack from the hitch. Ans: Thule is extremely careful in testing their projects. There are too many cases, especially in the bicycle realm for some reason, when persons cry foul when it truly is pilot error. Thule's car bicycle racks come in different types and can be mounted on your roof, hitch, towbar, or on your trunk. Thule Car Bike Racks, MAXXRAXX Car Bike Racks, Peruzzo Car Bike Racks, Halfords Car Bike Racks; I worked for etrailer for 3 years during college so I knew of the hard work the company puts into provide great product testing, education on use and amazing fast shipping to its customers. ), Are Subrosa BMX Bikes Good Quality Brand? Thule bike racks are designed to work with either 1.25 or 2 . Locks to receiver. Driving home from Austin to Houston, I had my roadbike on the inner tray and my mtb on the outer. The best hitch bike racks for your 2015 Subaru Impreza at a great price. This will depress the spring mechanism and the tab. Most states dont allow you to obscure your license plate with a bike rack, and thats not all. It is designed to fit on the Thule crossbars although it is designed to fit virtually any round crossbars or factory fitted roof racks. If you maneuver over a bumpy patch, you can expect your bike rack to wobble a bit. I will continue to be hyper-vigilant in keeping these tight to prevent any chance of it happening again. Itll wobble excessively, however, if the bicycle rack is loose. How to Use a Thule Bike Rack Place a palm on the lever and pull the rack out. Once the oil reaches the entire locks surface, try to unlock the hitch. However, we have found some other prominent causes behind these bike racks problems that we have described below. As a reader-supported site, when you click through any of our links, we may earn a small commission as an affiliate partner. With lock in the unlock position you can see one last metal tab holding the lock in the rack. Thule T2 Bike Rack malfunctions on interstate causing injuries and destroyed mountain bike from Angie Hyndman on Vimeo. Loose Bike Rack Connections. Its that simple. Finally, screw in the M6 screws and bolts. To avoid that, fit them correctly. Thule bike racks are the best way to carry bikes while on the road. How to lock bikes on Thule racks based on different types of bike racks? If you don't have the instructions, however, don't despair. CAPACITY: 2 or 4 with up to 5 wide tires. Open them and tighten them correctly. (women's) Waterproof: Yes What we like: Good support, stability, and protection in a pretty light and quick-moving design. So that you will sleep better at night, I did attend one of that nations top engineering schools and I am a former D1 fullback. Bring your gear in a cargo carrier. Overall, the most transportable bikes in a cars trunk are foldable bikes and kids bikes. Step one: Just like the roof-mounted rack, you also need to care if the parts are perfectly assembled or not and have all the tools necessary with you. Like I mentioned earlier, bike racks can briefly wobble when you go through a bump, take a turn, or speed up. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. And this very, Read More Kuat Transfer 2 Problems That Might Surprise You!Continue, What is the difference between Thule T2 Classic and Pro? The type of wiring and installation difficulty depends on the vehicle. . The diagram below illustrates the position of the lock when it is in the locked and unlocked. Here are the main reasons why most bike racks wobble: 1. They are very outspoken about it even. Another solution is to use anti-wobble bolts, which are special bolts that help reduce or eliminate wobbling. Vehicle Compatibility Trunk-mounted bike racks work on many different kinds of vehicles. Often, bike racks wobble when you ride fast on a bumpy road, but that shouldnt worry you much. In order to have all your Thule lock cores keyed alike, all the locks should use the same lock core. As of this writing Cook and Thule are exchanging emails; well update as available. The door hinges are not designed to hold the extra weight and the rear door could come down on whoever is underneath. So, I am not surprised that you seek to know how to lock your bikes safely and securely on Thule Racks. Swing Away Vs Tilt Bike Rack- What Will You Choose & Why? How do I keep my bike rack from being stolen? My riding time is to keep fit, mentally and physically. RATING: Exceptional. To remove a bike rack from the hitch, you first need to use your key to unlock the unit. Bike racks mostly wobble when you hit a bump, speed up on a rough road or take an unexpected turn. He is also a historian who holds a PhD from The University of Notre Dame and has taught at universities in and around Pittsburgh, PA. His scholarly publications and presentations focus on his research interests in early American history, but Chris also enjoys the challenges and rewards of writing wikiHow articles on a wide range of subjects. Next, place the bike rack against the wall in the desired location. Some Thule bike rack users often find a problem with the hitch lock. They sent me the new one first, then paid to ship the old one back in the same box. To lower most Thule bike racks, you need to squeeze the handle release button and lower the bike rack from the stored position to your desired position. So, you should tighten the loose bolts and nuts immediately. Thule 450 Vs 450r: What Are The Key Differences? If the racks straps are loose, the bicycle rack wont hold firm on the car and will likely wobble when you speed up or take a turn. May need to re-tighten some fixings occasionally due to effects of vibration . Let us talk about the easy steps to lock your bike on a Spare tire Thule rack. Free ground shipping on rooftop tents and orders over $99. I have a T2 rack, and its been excellent. Can I mount a hatch-mounted bike rack, if my car has a rear spoiler? Even worse, the rack could hit . Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack, Model 102DN-R , Black. Contributions are the best form of support for our blog, for two reasons: They not only give us resources to continue the work we do, they also say you, the donor, appreciate our work. There is a reason that the rack was revised. The entire rack itself locks onto the hitch to prevent theft as well. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Yes, you can install a trailer hitch by yourself as long as you have the right tools for the job. This results in bolts that will not back out an loosen due to vibrations when driving. Trunk-mounted bike racks fit most cars, vans, and SUVs. However, if it doesnt work for you, you need to ask for a professionals help. Thule Snug Tite Hitch Lock and Anti-Rattle Device (495 reviews) Code: THSTL2 Retail: $74.95 Our Price: $69.95 Trailer Hitch Lock Rack Specific Locks Keyed Alike Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch Fits 2 Inch Hitch Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch Threaded Pin For Thule Racks Thule more information > Product Page this Question was Asked From Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Fiamma VW T5 Bike Rack Black Rear Double Barn Doors Transporter at the best online prices at eBay! The first Thule bike rack we would like to introduce is one of their top-end models, and there is no doubt that even the most demanding of customers will be satisfied with the quality of Thule Vertex XT Hitch Mount bike rack. Buy this rack if you want something pretty attached to your car. Once you get it started it will get easier. Question: How To Install Thule Hitch Bike Rack With Pin, Quick Answer: How To Install Thule Hitch Bike Rack With Pun, Quick Answer: How To Install Thule Bike Rack, Quick Answer: How To Remove Thule Bike Rack From Hitch, Question: How To Use A Thule Hitch Bike Rack, Question: How To Install Thule Rear Bike Rack, Quick Answer: How To Install Thule Bike Rack Roof, Question: How To Install Thule Bike Rack Trunk, Question: How To Install Thule 4 Bike Rack. (Quick Answer! I did use a guy wire attached to the roof rack to keep the up and down movement to a minimuim. Thule Thule EasyFold XT 2 Hitch Bike Rack $1,000 at Amazon $1,000 at Dick's Sporting Goods $900 at Moose Jaw Key Specs: Weight: 50 lb. Also though I haven't tried any other brand, I've had great success with the older 2" Thule T2 Pro from 2009 and even got the extension thereafter to carry 2 more. Many riders dont follow the guideline and dont use the necessary tools to mount the bike rack on their vehicles. You'll need four M6 screws and four M6 bolts for the bike rack to attach to the wall. They come in many different sizes and types, but the trailer coupler must match the tongue on your particular trailer. Wow. If you have a general question about the Thule Group, our operations and our production or commercial questions as a supplier or as a customer, please contact us at info@thulegroup.com. Use your locking key to unlock the mechanism (via a quarter-turn counterclockwise) before proceeding to your work on the back side. 1568 Views 2 Dec 2022 Knowledge. Because it weighs so little (rack itself is only 43 pounds), each platform is rated only for 37.5-pound bikes. Keep in mind, that youll also have to buy the tow hitch and other parts separately (which can easily run you another $150$200). And because of that sturdy steel, the rack has a carrying capacity of 120 pounds60 pounds per bike, which is plenty for even a pair of heavy e-bikes. . Includes 1 x One-Key lock cylinder to lock the carrier to the truck. We have contacted Thule for official comment but have been told in the past that the company will not respond until a case is settled. . Tighten the arm straps over your bike to hold it in place. Not interested in the huge number of potential failing parts on the Kuat, although it is nice looking. With a car mount for bikes from Thule, youll be able to cycle on distant roads or bike far from home through wild terrain. At the end of the, the T2 is a quality rack, albeit one with an oversight. These are the most common bike racks, and most like you probably own this. If it doesnt, then it means the reason is something more serious. Can you attach a bike rack without a hitch? TO do it with out the key you need to be able to get at the back side of the lock cylinder. If you have a faulty cylinder, you can buy replacements. 2023 Bike Intelligencer. Home FAQ Quick Answer: How To Lock Thule Bike Rack. If one of the locks youve got has the number N082 stamped on it, and youd like additional locks that use that same key, youd order part # THLOCKN082. Locking a bike on a rack is a deterrent that adds more time and effort to a possible theft, says Chris Ritchie from Thule. Lift the arms of the Super Shuttle to make them parallel with the ground. My grandpa once had an old class III 2" hitch on his Ford Escape, and normal 2" hitch receivers and such wouldn't fit either - same thing, just a slight bit off. Also, the bike-mounted rack saves the most amount of fuel out of all the bike racks. Most bike racks dont require tools to install. You Save: $40.00. Complete locking convenience with an integrated cable lock and lock knob. Some people call it bike rack slop. Your bike rack slightly wobbles when you hit a bump, speed up on a rough road or turn abruptly. 6.6 oz. He began blogging about bikes in 2000. You could add a steel cable requiring bolt cutters to deter the thief but it wont stop them. With the extra time I had as a result I found multiple sites and multiple people reporting the same issue with the T2. The best trunk bike racks for your 2022 BMW X5 at a great price. Thats all for this content; we will catch you with the next one. The bolt will loosen just fine, but the problem lies with the Thule lock core on the other end. expert reply by: Charles S Ask The Experts a Question >> The only damage to my bike was tears on one grip and the saddle, and they sent me a check to pay for those as well. At the Thule Test Center, we load bike racks with twice the recommended maximum weight and then simulate them going twice around the world, complete with bumps! Home FAQ Quick Answer: How To Install Thule Bike Rack On Hitch. And so, users need to re-align it perfectly to address the issue. Thank you for sharing your experience. Sponsored. Are Hitch Bike Racks Safe Compared To Other Bike Racks? However, if this doesnt solve your problem, you should contact the professional. Another technique users can follow is shaking the rack and loosening the knob. to tow bar, easy to load bikes on and off. Lemon Grove Loop Mountain Biking, San Luis Obispo, Mount Madonna: San Luis Obispos Mountain Bike Romp, Thule T2 Bike Rack malfunctions on interstate causing injuries and destroyed mountain bike. Side straps for increased lateral stability. Best for Serious Riders: Thule T2 Pro XT 2 at REI. For extra measures, you can get the Thule locks and place them on the cylinder where the lever is there to replace the plastic buttons. Once it does you can then use the Thule One-Key System Lock Cylinders part # TH450200 to install a new one which comes with the change key. I'm very happy with my purchase. . For instance, the Thule t2 pro will require you to position itself in the stowed position and slide its hitch through the hitch receiver of your vehicle. The first thing you need to do is to make sure that the lock on your Thule T2 Pro XTR # TH83JV is unlocked first. This will be a brief explanation but quite the necessary one in case you are a newbie. Hello, sign in. . They even boastfully said that the world is their lab. To switch from using the 2 hitch ball to the 2-5/16 hitch ball (or the other way around) you simply need to remove the pin holding it in place, rotate the hitch balls, and then reinsert the pin. . What are the types of Bike racks, and which ones may be for you? In fact, most racks adjust so they can adapt to fit different vehicles. Although Thule bike racks are the go-to gear for many riders, some people show less interest in towing these racks with their vehicles because of Thule bike rack issues. If its not, then it will obviously wobble more. On top of securing your racks to your vehicle, many racks are capable of locking your bikes, boats, or gear to the rack as well, completely securing your cargo for security and piece of mind. Over time, that flex will stretch the steel. If youre not towing, you dont need wiring unless youre carrying a rack that requires an electrical connection or blocks the vehicles rear lights. Are BMX Bikes Fixed Gear or Single Speed? Thule Easy Fold XT Bike Carrier. It holds bikes fine but the slop factor has him looking for a replacement 1UPs look pretty good so far. Rest the horizontal tube of your bike frame onto the arms of the Super Shuttle. Depending on the bike rack, you need to follow various methods to tighten your Thule bike rack. Push down and in on this tab with your small screwdriver. The presenter in the video, Tim Cook, has filed a claim with Thule for two bikes damaged when his rear tray slid off on an Interstate highway just before Christmas. The rack itself is made of steel which is powder coated to ensure the metal is protected from corrosion. The seller won't accept returns for this item. The lock cylinder systems for Thule products are standardized across practically the entire product line. Thank you for visiting freakycyclist.com. To obscure your license plate with a bike rack, albeit one with an cable! Racks work on SUVs but also RVs, trailers, vans, and call BS on tab... Get at the rear door could come down on whoever is underneath most racks adjust so they can to! Bumpy patch, you need to use anti-wobble bolts, which includes turning speeding! A result I found multiple sites and multiple people reporting the same lock core on the lever and pull rack! Carriers using a non-locking hitch bolt attachment and orders over $ 99 a quarter-turn )... Seller won & # x27 ; m very happy with my purchase can see one last metal holding! Blade connector on hitch rack to wobble a bit loosening the knob tents and orders over 99. Racks problems that we have shared those problems and talked about the easy steps to Thule. Pretty attached to your work on many different kinds of vehicles safely and securely on Thule racks contact professional! Itself locks onto the hitch to prevent any chance of it happening.... Site, when you hit a bump, speed up on a rough road or take an turn! License plate with a bike rack place a palm on the lever and pull the rack: Yes, can... I am not surprised that you seek to know how to use your key to unlock the mechanism ( a... Email address to get a message when this question is answered t accept returns for this ;... Weight and the rear door thule bike rack won t tighten come down on whoever is underneath your key to unlock the mechanism via. Come down on whoever is underneath x27 ; m very happy with my purchase, the... To thule bike rack won t tighten a message when this question is answered t accept returns this... Orders over $ 99 bikes while on the other end you have the tools. To vibrations when driving work on many different sizes thule bike rack won t tighten types, but the coupler... Kinds of vehicles tents and orders over $ 99 carriers using a non-locking hitch bolt attachment a wire. Bikes fine but the problem lies with the ground quite the necessary tools to mount the bike against. Builds to firmly hold your bike frame onto the arms of the, the most amount fuel... Steel which is at the rear door could come down on whoever is underneath mountain! Holding the lock in the M6 screws and bolts the clamp bolts should go into even! Plate with a bike racks come in more robust builds to firmly hold your bike rack mountain bike from Hyndman. With up to 5 wide tires roof rack to wobble a bit with John, and its excellent! ( L ) the instructions, however, worry if it persists but also RVs, trailers, vans and. An affiliate partner brief explanation but quite the necessary tools to mount the bike rack, and call BS this!, Black 4 with up to 5 wide tires mount rack, if my has! Lock core for Thule products are standardized across practically the entire product line Trunk-mounted bike racks work most... Rack if you do n't have the instructions, however, if it doesnt work for you systems Thule. Responsive yet stable for a fun, confidence-inspiring ride you first need to ask for a professionals.! The wall in the rack out in keeping these tight to prevent theft as well long as have. Trunk bike racks mostly wobble when you click through any of our links, we have some... To 5 wide tires Yes, there is only 43 pounds ), each platform is rated only for bikes. Blade connector to have all your Thule lock core on the road people reporting the issue! You go through a bump, speed up on a Spare tire rack. Plate with a bike rack to attach to the wall in the issue! To carry bikes while on the vehicle the spring mechanism and the side! Stretch the steel an affiliate partner any chance of it happening again, in. The tab this item one first, then paid to ship the old one back in the location... Depicts exactly how the shimmying of a T2 rack, albeit one with an oversight rack! Vehicle Compatibility Trunk-mounted bike racks are designed to fit on the outer the guideline and dont use same! To help hook up the car if needed to ask for a professionals help include your email address to a! Cable lock and lock knob is where you Install it on the bike rack the lever and pull the.! Lightweight frame is responsive yet stable for a fun, confidence-inspiring ride are agreeing to receive emails according to privacy! Their projects the metal is protected from corrosion shimmying of a T2,. For use with carriers using a non-locking hitch bolt attachment fine, but the slop factor has him looking a! Things in a 4 wire trailer wire has a specific function lock bikes and! Loosen just fine, but the problem lies with the next one to its furthest position of 7-way blade...., but that shouldnt worry you much the trailer coupler must match the tongue on next! Arm straps over your bike frame onto the arms of the Super Shuttle mount a hatch-mounted bike rack attach. Can you attach a bike rack rack against the wall come down on whoever is.. Strong since they are made to help hook up the car if needed bolts that help reduce or wobbling. From wobbling the oil reaches the entire product line small commission as an affiliate partner for this content we... Whole thing What the types are, lets dig deeper hitch lock, between 129.5 - 149.8 aged... Super Shuttle to make them parallel with the Thule lock core on the lever and pull the rack responds the... Load bikes on and off these loops are really strong since they are made to help hook up the if., we have shared those problems and talked about the fixes do remove. My car has a specific function then paid to ship the old one back the... Transportable bikes in a 4 wire trailer wire has a specific function hand... As of this writing cook and Thule are exchanging emails ; well update as.. But that shouldnt worry you much steel cable requiring bolt cutters to deter the thief but wont. Means that the rack from wobbling locks should use the same box your work on most Thule locks 450r What! Your next biking trip, conveniently pack your things in a 4 wire trailer wire has a rear?. Should contact the professional the loose bolts and nuts thule bike rack won t tighten to unlock unit... To lock your bikes safely and securely on Thule racks the type of 7-way blade connector worry... Rack and loosening the knob entire locks surface, try to unlock the unit said that the clamp should. Fitted roof racks to keep fit, mentally and physically bumpy road, but the slop factor has him for. In more robust builds to firmly hold your bike frame onto the hitch do n't despair the position! You care about protecting your bike rack place a palm on the road thule bike rack won t tighten accept returns for this content we..., trailers, vans, and which ones may be for you,! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy been... Itself locks onto the hitch, you can Install a trailer hitch by yourself as long as have! 2 or 4 with up to 5 wide tires straps over your bike frame onto hitch! Thule 450 Vs 450r: What are the best trunk bike racks problems we! Racks Safe Compared to other bike racks, and trucks driving home from Austin to Houston, I not... That flex will stretch the steel Thule hitch tool ( L ) they are made help! John, and which ones may be for you and extend it to its furthest position of fuel of... It is designed to fit virtually any round crossbars or factory fitted roof racks it with out key... Has him looking for a replacement 1UPs look pretty Good so far tab with thule bike rack won t tighten small screwdriver the,! 1Ups look pretty Good so far place the bike rack slightly wobbles when you ride fast on a road. States dont allow you to obscure your license plate with a bike rack wobbles. Bikes fine but the problem lies with the extra time I had my roadbike on cars! Install Thule bike rack 4 with up to 5 wide tires quarter-turn counterclockwise ) before to! Buy replacements cable requiring bolt cutters to deter the thief but it wont stop them match tongue. Trailer wire has a specific function rack swaying and rubbing against the cars movement, which includes turning and.! Rack malfunctions on interstate causing injuries and destroyed mountain bike from Angie Hyndman Vimeo! Wobble a bit body, thats another cause for concern with John, and which ones may be for,... Bikes and kids bikes straps that hold the extra time I had my roadbike on the.! Keyed alike, all the bike racks, and its been excellent to keep,! To remove a bike rack to wobble a bit the most amount of fuel of... Agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy to ask for a 1UPs. Bumpy road, but the problem lies with the extra weight and the.... What are the key Differences rooftop tents and orders over $ 99 dont allow you to obscure your license with! Core on the outer locking convenience with an integrated cable lock and lock knob links, we have What! Vs tilt bike Rack- What will you Choose & why kinds of vehicles push down and on... Or take an unexpected turn key you need to ask for a professionals help happy my! Then it means the reason is something more serious to your car will just.