Thule Hitching Post Pro Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches

The good: I like the way the bikes are held in and the ability to add the upright adapters to the bike frame holders. The straps are quality too. For a jeep with a spare tire, this is the perfect length to clear it. This rack is 5 stars from the bike holders to the base of it.

The bad: the 2"receiver adapter and bolt are insufficient. I wish they made this in a solid 2" hitch. The entire setup is held into the receiver by a very short bolt. It only goes about half way into the receiver tube. So your hitch is only "secured" on one side. A hitch pin or bolt should go through the receiver tube completely imo so it can be secured on the other end with a retaining clip or nut. Because this only goes in the one side, the entire weight of the rack plus bikes are held tight to one side of the receiver by the undersized bolt and washer. A few bumps down the road and that bolt loosens. Now instead of distibuting the weight of the rack and bikes on the receiver and post, it's completely up to the bolt to keep you from losing the rack. The bolt threads get damaged too. I took this down a dirt road and nearly lost everything.

I had to buy my own bolt with hd fender washers and lock washers to correct this. Thule should've provided this from the start. The current short bolt design where only one side of the receiver secures the rack is unacceptable. This rack is 1 star at best for the connection to the receiver.1385140

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I recommend using an anti rattle device like part # RM-061 to help steady the bike rack in the hitch receiver.

-- Jenny N - 09/16/2022

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Hitch pin broke before I got it. Looks like a poor design for the locking pin, they might want to consider a different design. I got a 3/8 shear pin from Home Depot to replace and it works great. Bike rack is great!1592543

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Not what I hoped for. Didn't realize until afterwards that only the Thule locking hitch pin fits, as I ordered the eTrailer one, which is too large of a diameter. My bigger frustration is that I can only fit one adult bike and two kids, when I need two adults and two kids... The picture shows it's maxed out with three bikes. No way I could squeeze them tighter to fit a fourth bike.1382051

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Thanks for the photo, this lets me know you need the Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-12 - 30 - 35 lbs # 64005
Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs
$35.00. This will let you mount the bike proper and you will be able to get all four on there!

-- David B - 10/03/2022

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by: Z in PA08/01/2023

This bike rack is excellent. Our only issues with it are that 1) it is just enough of a hinderance to have to manage the pin to raise and lower it that we often don't use our hatch/trunk when this is on the car - loaded or not, and 2) it isn't great for odd bike frames. It's solid as a rock, though, hitting a highway bump at 70 mph with 3 bikes on the back and it is 100% reliable. Strap 'em in.1636700

While I do not have a ready made solution for the 1st part I do have one for the second. When you have an alternate frame type of bike, it is a good idea to check out a bike adapter for it like part # HRBA-PRO
Hollywood Racks Bike Frame Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes
$34.99. Or if that one will not suit your needs we have more to choose from that you can see in the link below.

-- Jenny N - 08/03/2023

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accessories and parts - spare tire bike racks adapter bar

Fast shipment!

Instructions were clear and easy to assemble with all parts included.1638483

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Great product!! Real sturdy and not going anywhere. Just wish the Thule lock came with the rack instead of paying an additional $[XX] for it. In order for the tire and tailgate to clear the rack on a jeep you will need a hitch extender/ drop. I used one with a 4in drop and it works perfect.1352735

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I love this bike rack so much! Using the thule bike adapter it works really great. I have no idea how you could ever get 4 bikes to fit as I can only get 3 with my bike and two kids bikes, but I still love it so much. I also love that there is no wobble. It feels very strong and secure.1307542

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I bought this bike rack back in April but wanted to make sure I used it to give the best review. First I want to say I did a lot of research on bike racks and found this one to be the best one to fit my needs. The best price I found was on etrailer.com, at the time it was When I called the customer service to place my order, I spoke to Dan. He was very pleasant on the phone and took the time and listened to what I needed and understood my concerns. I ordered the bike rack and also ordered the Thule Snug Tite Hitch Lock and Anti-Rattle Device and the Thule Cable Lock w/ One Key System Lock. Dan suggested I also get the Thule Bike Adapter Bar, which I never even thought of getting. Delivery was in about two business days, which was really fast and at the time of order they were running a special free delivery over $99. When I went to put it together I noticed I was missing the flat cap screw M6 x 16mm, part number #853-5787-02. I emailed Dan and within 24 hours received an email that the part was sent out and also in the email their was a link to track the order. After I received the part I did notice that the flat cap screw was actually in the 2 inch adaptor sleeve. The instructions were very easy to read, and it took me about 20 minutes to put together. I did have an issue when I positioned the stinger into the cradle, with the 8mm locking nut, it was not staying tight and when I took it off I noticed the threads inside were gone, so I ended up going out to Lowes and buying a new one and its holds perfectly fine. I also had a question about that part because it is not a locking part and was worried someone would try to steal the rack. I contacted etrailer.com to find if they make a locking device for this and they said no but I can contact Thule to double check, I'm still waiting for an answer back from Thule. The weather finally broke and we installed the rack onto my hitch, tightened it and it doesn't rattle. When I finally used the rack and put my bike on, it did sway a little but at 50 mph I was very happy with it. The trailer comes out just enough away from my car that I do not have to fold completely out and I can open my trunk with no issues. I am very happy with my purchase and had a great customer experience with Dan. Would highly recommend ordering from them to anyone.529819

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After a year of use, I still love it! Easy to store during the winter in my closet and still easy to install when summer comes. Quality of the product is great, and recommend buying to anyone.

Alena - 08/11/2019

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Mounted on a DrawTite Class III hitch for a 2008 Outback. Assembly was VERY easy, and it seems pretty sturdy overall. I feel a little iffy on the sleeve that converts/fits it to a 2" hitch from a materials perspective - I wasn't expecting it to be plastic/nylon (not 100% sure what it is exactly so correct me if I'm wrong!) but I imagine it'll probably be fine. The small plastic bars that mount the anti-sway cages also seem like they could be subject to wear from the twisting motion to install them, so that's something I'll have to watch out for. Concerns aside, the test drives I did on suburban streets and a few miles of ~75 MPH interstate seemed to go pretty well with two 30-lb bikes on it. I will say that my wife's Salsa Marrakesh has a slightly compact enough geometry that it was a little bit of a challenge getting the top tube over the cradles, so I'd imagine anything smaller than that is going to be difficult to put on there as well, but my Cross Check fit on it just fine.523278

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Successfully made it on a 800 mile trip with no loss of bikes this spring. Did get some small paint rub on the frame of one of the bikes where the anti-sway cage is located, but I probably could have done a better job of protecting it. Easy to take off and put on when needed. Overall, very satisfied with it.

Matthew - 06/18/2019

56801

I'm very happy with this rack. I bought it strictly on the brand recognition and reputation of Thule. It's very sturdy and well built. It easily installs in my class III receiver and the anti-rattle bolt snugs it in very well. This rack is perfect for my frequency of riding (4-5 times per month). I also take out after each use. If you are a higher frequency rider or plan to leave the rack mounted for the entire season, I recommend a higher end rack. My only complaint (like many others) is the additional $50 fee to purchase a locking bolt for this rack. I still highly recommend this rack for my level of riding!431731

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One year later, Im still loving this rack!!!! Ive used it nearly every week during riding season and its holding out well! Very pleased !!!!

Dave - 09/12/2018

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by: Daniel05/19/2022

The bike rack is great! etrailer had great customer service too!1299946

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by: Scott 06/27/2023

I love this bike rack! We've taken a couple of very long trips with it and I'm very happy with it. I love the fact that I can still access things in the back of my minivan while all my bikes are loaded. The installation is simple. Getting bikes loaded is really easy and quick. I was worried about the stress on the hitch tongue but three trips have put that concern to the side.1609864

The tack itself is sturdy but the connector bolt for the hitch - which connects the whole structure to the car hitch is short. For a 2inch hitch connection the bolt has to be at least 2inch plus ( to account for the nut etc.. but the connector bolt is only 40mm - good for using it without the hitch adapter only. Be prepared to shell some money for the bolt - the connector bolt should be at least 70mm..1642543

Just used this for the first time and I'm happy to report a total success! I installed it in 10 minutes and loaded up all 4 of our bikes very easily (2 adult and 2 kid). Prior to purchase, I read a review stating that you could not fit 4 bikes on the rack--as you can see from my photo that is totally false-- all 4 fit well. I definitely suggest the tilting version because otherwise you probably won't be able to open your hatch to load. On the road, it was stable, no bouncing and quiet-- no rattling. Highly recommend this model! And thanks to Wayne H at etrailer for the great and kind help!143111

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Thank you for posting pictures. I read the same comment about having trouble fitting 4 bikes, but those four bikes were all adult bikes which hardly compare to your two childrens bikes that are quite small. It would be good for the company to be more specific about what size bikes will fit if they say you can fit 4 bikes on a rack. I will have an adult bike and two kids bikes as well, but for older kids with bigger bikes. My sons being almost as big as mine, but your picture helped put that into perspective. My husband doesnt have a bike right now, but wanted the capability of the rack I purchase of holding 4 bikes if he decided to get one.Thanks for your picture!

-- comment by: Kristin - 11/25/2014

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Thanks for your comment Kristin. I have included a video link for you to view below where we demonstrated loading 4 adult bikes on a similar hitch mounted 4 bike rack. A few of helpful hints when you get to that point are: make sure that you load the bikes in an alternating fashion, adjust the pedals as needed, and use an adapter bar if needed. The Thule # TH982XT
Thule Bike Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes
$49.95 adapter bar is best used when loading women's, children's, or alternative frame bikes, it allows the bike to be carried a level position.

-- Rachael H - 11/26/2014

I'm not using this for its intended purpose, but for carrying a ladder for my business. Since we travel with a fifth wheel and I'm a mobile RV tech I needed a better place for the ladder instead of across the bed of our Ram 3500 dually. The bike rack looks like it will work well when we're not hitched up and we'll stow the ladder in the basement when we travel. We'll see how it works out long term.1605632

by: Bruce 07/20/2023

This rack has been excellent. We transported three bicycles from MA to MN and then to Ontario on a Toyota Prius. The rack served us well.1627665

by: Jose 07/18/2023

Superb. Since we got it, our family has been on several biking trips. It's easy to install/uninstall. It accommodates for bikes with relative ease, but three go on easier than four. Yet we do have to fat tire bikes and two mountain bikes which take up space.1626440

Ordered the Draw-Tite 24763 for my 2015 Honda Civic Sedan, and was very satisfied at the speed and detail of not only the correspondence and email between etrailer.com but also the shipping speed and condition of packaging. I received this in six days from start to finish of order. I did not spring for faster shipping and was satisfied with this type of time frame considering the size and weight of packaging. I also got the Thule Hitching Post TH934XTR four bike rack and THSTL2 hitch lock anti-rattle device. I had planned ahead by watching all of the great videos on etrailer and printed out some instructions from the site. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised with their attention to detail that this was unnecessary as they included a copy of the same instructions I printed in the box. The install went exactly like the instructions/videos said it would and if I hadn't been interested in getting the beauty plastic underbody piece back on I could have been done in fifteen minutes with a lift and another set of hands. All in all a very easy kit to install, and thanks to etrailer for the speed, quality, and including all the necessary hardware and instructions. 5/5 would definitely do business with again and recommend.269805

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The company processed our order the next business day and we have our bike rack delivered to our house 2 days later. They are very efficient and we are very happy with the product!1642661

Pretty banged up when receiving it . Also the nut for connecting the rack to the hitch doesn’t go through the entire thing it stops half way, is that the correct piece ? I’ve only ever had racks where the entire nut went through the hitch . Also this rack is p small not sure how someone would fit four bikes on this1526297

I am sorry that it arrived banged up. Customer Service will be in touch with you. For this bike rack the anti rattle bolt does not go through to the other side. You have have the correct bolt for you. We recommend alternating how the bikes are hung on the rack. With one facing one way and one facing the other way.

-- Jenny N - 02/27/2023

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It was super easy to install...maybe 10 minutes! Especially good for our 2018 Subaru Outback that has the smaller style hitch. Love it!1194102

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by: John Rodriguez Jr06/20/2020

This is an excellent bike rack. I love its design and how you can fold the bike rack down if needed to open your hatch. I highly recommend this bike rack.818315

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by: Vickie07/17/2023

Rack works well. My mountain bike has a little fatter frame then most, so it is a little difficult with my bike, frame doesn't fit well in molded holds. Other then that, all good.1625098

Time will tell how good it is, but overall I am impressed. The instructions could have been better. I wasn't sure which side of the straps should face up, but my conclusion was that it didn't matter. Also, I don't recall good instructions about how to connect the anti-sway peices,.1572799

This Thule bike rack was straightforward to assemble and appears to be sturdy and of good quality.1581139