Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer
installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Rating: 
30 reviews
Code: TH9029
Retail:$279.95
Price:$251.95
Shipping Weight: 40 pounds
Shipping Special
This sleek, stylish hitch rack lets you carry bikes on dual arced arms that provide optimum bike spacing and let you mount bikes at different heights. The bike rack also has cushioned anti-sway cradles and a tilting mast for rear cargo area access.
Features:
Specs:
The sleek and stylish Thule Vertex has Hold Fast anti-sway cradles that grip your bike frame at three different points - twice along the top bar and once along a downward bar, such as a seat post. This third point of contact that is created with Thule's No-Sway Cage prevents not only sway, but also front-to-back movement and bike-to-bike contact. The cushioned cradles include reinforced rubber straps to secure the bikes in place. The cradles also include advanced grooves that accommodate bike cables.
The arching dual arms of the rack stagger the Hold Fast cradles so that the bikes hang at varying heights. This is just one of the ways that the Vertex prevents pedals and handlebars from hitting each other when you are loading your bikes and during transport. In addition to allowing different bike heights, the rack arms on the Vertex are longer, adding more space between the cradles than standard dual-arm racks to protect your bikes even better and to make it easier to get four bikes on the rack. The arching arms, just like standard dual-arm racks, give great bike support, and it's less likely that you will need a bike adapter bar. However, adapter bars might be needed for smaller, alternative and women's frame bikes.
The upright bar - or mast - of the rack is taller than standard hitch-mounted racks and is arced slightly to offer your bikes greater clearance from both the ground and the back of your vehicle. A built-in handle in the mast also makes it easy to transport the rack to and from your vehicle and to install it in your hitch receiver.
The Vertex includes ergonomic levers (HitchSwitches) that enable you to fold the rack in two places. The rack body tilts forward to allow easy access to your vehicle's rear cargo area, and the arms can be folded down for storage. Also, the handles audibly click to reassure you that the arms and mast are locked in place.
An easy-to-use adapter sleeve is included to convert the 1-1/4-inch shank for use with 2-inch hitches.
The Vertex comes with an anti-rattle device incorporated into the shank to reduce vibration and noise in the hitch for a smooth, quiet ride - simply tighten the hitch bolt with a wrench.
A Snug-Tite hitch lock (THSTL2; sold separately) is available for locking the rack to your hitch. And you can lock your bikes to the rack using Thule's locking cable with a One Key System core so it can be keyed to match your hitch lock.
Replaces TH914XT
Video of Thule Vertex 4 Bike Carrier for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer
installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Today we are going to review part number TH9029 from Thule. This is their Vertex 4 bicycle rack. A few quick notes about this bike rack. This bike rack will hold up to 4 bikes and is convertible between an 1-1/4 inch and 2 inch trailer hitch. The hitch switch allows the arms to fold when not in use and also tilts the carrier down for rear access of the vehicle. It does come with the hold fast cradles and the no sway cages standard. At the top of the bike rack the is a built in carry handle that makes it easy to transport the bike rack around. It also makes it easier to take it out of the vehicle and put it into the hitch. Lets go ahead and add the spacer to the stinger here, right now this is the 1-1/4 inch version. This is good for class 1 and class 2, 1-1/4 trailer hitches. However with the class 1 you are limited to just 2 bikes. Slide it over the top and we will install the bolt and the bike rack does come with included tools to do all this with.
Alright, lets go ahead and take our bike rack and install it into our hitch. After we install it into the hitch we will go ahead and line up our hitch pin hole and install our anti-rattle bolt. And the bike rack also comes with a tool to help tighten it down. With our bike rack installed we can go ahead and show off the hitch switch. Pull up on the lever and we tilt the bike rack out of the way. That will give us access to the rear of the vehicle. We will go ahead and pull the hitch switch on the top and unfold the arms. You can also see how the center post has an arch design to it to help give you a little more clearance between the bike rack and the vehicle. Also the arms have a little arch to them as well which gives you a little more clearance for loading bikes.
Next we will show you the hold fast cradles in a little more detail. You can see they have rows in them to allow room for the cables that are on your bikes. And it has a strap that can be used this direction or it can go in the opposite direction depending on how your bike is loaded up and how you need it. The cradles can be moved back and forth, and they can rotate a little bit as well. Each pair has a no sway cage, keeps the bikes from moving front to rear. Lets go ahead and load up a bike. What we are going to do is get our straps out of the way for the cradles and make sure the no sway cradle is toward the center. It makes it a little easier to load up the bike. Then we will slide the now sway cage down to the seat post.
Then we will go ahead and strap the bike to the cradle. In just these few steps our bike is loaded up and ready for transport. You can see how the bicycles cables fits nicely in the grooves in the cradle. One extra step to keep the bicycles stable on the bike rack, the bike rack also comes with a strap that you can wrap around all your bikes and to the center post of the bicycle rack. Alright, with the bikes loaded up lets take it out on the road and see how it performs. That will finish it for our review of part number TH9029 from Thule, the Vertex 4.
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Replacement parts available for this product
Average Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (30 Customer Reviews)
by: Robert S.05/03/2013
Is this review helpful?
The product is terrific and easy to set up.78852
by: Barry05/18/2013
Is this review helpful?
Great product, very high quality, rock solid bike rack. Installed easily and with the optional Snug-Tite locking accessory I also purchased, the rack is secured to my hitch and locked in place to deter theft. E-Trailer Customer Service also deserves excellent rating - helping me when shipment was misdeliverd by the shipper, but found and delivered next day with their help. Could not buy a better product or deal with better people. 80855
by: John C.05/15/2013
Is this review helpful?
Simple. 1. order, 2. receive order, 3. install, 4. load bikes, 5. drive to destination. The Thule was recommended for my specific car and it was a great recommendation. Couldn't be happier.80334
by: Al05/04/2013
Is this review helpful?
Our second hitch mounted rack from Thule. Doesn't that say it all?78948
by: Will G.03/29/2013
Is this review helpful?
The Thule Vertex 4 rack fits my 2012 Jeep Wrangler perfectly. I specifically ordered it from etrailer because they saved me from buying the wrong product for my Jeep. A lot of sites give the dimensions of the racks but do not explain if the product will fit your specific vehicle. The Jeep Wrangler is unlike other SUVs because of the spare tire mount and swing away tail gate. Many of the fold down styles of bike racks won't clear the Jeeps spare tire. Luckily, etrailer pointed that issue out as well as demo-ing this rack on a Wrangler. The video showed that the tailgate opened enough with the rack folded down to access gear in the back of the vehicle. I mounted it on my Jeep and it worked exactly like the etrailer video. I am very happy with the sturdiness of the Vertex rack as well as the ease of use of the press and fold levers. I highly recommend this rack for Jeep Wrangler owners. 73290
by: Patricia03/25/2013
Is this review helpful?
Well constructed and easy to handle. 72386
by: Joey03/23/2013
Is this review helpful?
Product arrived quickly and was easy to assemble. The rack is a little on the heavy side and my 8 year old's bike will not fit, but my 12 year old's bike fits fine. Seems very sturdy and durable, wish the stinger would collapse completely for storage. Overall, good value for the money, etrailer's videos and pictures make shopping much easier.72068
by: Arthurs03/18/2013
Is this review helpful?
Timely dellivery, easy installation, Product was everything advertised. Great value.71406
by: Josh03/12/2013
Is this review helpful?
Shipped fast, everything's in good shape, good price. etrailer is #1 in service and in my heart!70353
by: Murray03/12/2013
Is this review helpful?
Very sturdy and well-made. Parts mesh and provide a positive and audible click when engaged properly. Minuses = There should be an integrated 'hole' to slide a cable lock through in order to secure the bikes to the hitch. Also, when storing the hitch in the garage, it would be nice if the 'stinger' also folded back up to the mast to take-up less space.70119
by: Roland T03/08/2013
Is this review helpful?
Product arrived in good condition. Shipped product fast and was able to track it online. Will recommend to shop on this store. 69637
by: Glenn02/05/2013
Is this review helpful?
Product is exactly as expected, but that was only possible due to all the helpful information and video's I found on etrailer's site. I knew nothing about trailer hitches, towing, or bike racks. The site was extremely helpful with my decision regarding parts and accessories. It also made the installation go a lot smoother.65007
by: Julio Ortiz12/03/2012
Is this review helpful?
Product arrived with some scratches may be due cardboard, price above average, easy to set up, swing is a good feature. Overall good.60492
by: Gabe G10/23/2012
Is this review helpful?
Great rack! Very happy with this purchase. 57994
by: Shirky08/02/2012
Is this review helpful?
Just installed the Thule Vertex 4 last night and it works perfectly on my Jeep Wrangler. The mounting position is just right with my spare tire mounted on the gate. Easy installation, and had it out on a test ride this morning, absolutely no noise from the carrier. Bikes mount easily and secure. Fold down feature is a plus for opening the gate, even though you can't open it all the way. It opens just over half way which gives you enough room to load the back section. Highly recommend this for Jeep owners. This is a quality carrier and way better than the spare tire mounted carriers that are available for Jeeps. great product and fit. 50264
by: Ven07/24/2012
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Excellent Service and Excellent Product 49223
by: Mike D.07/24/2012
Is this review helpful?
This is an unbelievably sturdy product. The curved top bar makes it easier to get multiple bikes mounted on the rack. I have a 2012 Honda CRV and it works perfectly on the car, holding the bikes just below the rearview mirror view but with LOTS of clearance above the ground. The bike rack obstructs the view from the rearview camera somewhat, but actually not as much as I expected. The straps on the rack are a bit difficult to attach, but manageable. We have mounted 3 adult bikes (2 Trek hybrids, one an older "racing" bike) without difficulty. I haven't tried 4 bikes yet. That would probably be a bit of a jigsaw puzzle, but I'm sure it will work. The only problem we've had with this rack is with my wife's Trek hybrid (15" men's frame). The angle on the front triangle is tight enough that it is difficult to get it over the stability strap that attaches to the seat supports (facing the opposite direction as the one her bike attaches to.) The fix is simply to mount her bike on the outmost position on the bike rack so that we don't have to squeeze it past the other straps. This problem is minor enough that I am not decreasing my rating of the product. I would add that in addition, the product shipped quickly and correctly from etrailer.com, at no extra charge. It's been a pleasure doing business on this site.49143
by: Kathy & Alex07/17/2012
Is this review helpful?
We purchased this product after looking at other less expensive carriers because of reviews and aesthetics. I like the way it looks, solid & sturdy. After installation and transporting our bikes, I have to admit that this is one sturdy, solid rack and easy to handle bicycle carrier. It is easy to fold down and tilt providing access the back hatch of the VW Tiguan. The carrier is absolutely great in finctionality, looks and construction. Pictures are attached.48267
by: Nick D.07/16/2012
Is this review helpful?
I am very satisfied with the Thule rack. I spent several days researching the various hanging racks... reading all the etrailer reviews. The Thule Vertex did not disappoint. I'm glad I spent the extra money, because the rack outperforms every other rack I've ever used. It is extremely sturdy, and made of quality parts. Didn't rattle or sway the entire time the bikes were on the rack for the 20 mile drive. The straps and cradles are also of a higher quality, and are very secure without damaging the bikes. The new straps can be a little difficult to use, but leave them in the sun for a few minutes and they soften up nicely. My only complaint is that I think it will be a little more challenging to actually get 4 adult bicycles on the rack. The rack itself is also a little heavier, but the sturdiness of the rack more than make up for the weight. I feel totally confident having our mountain bikes on the Thule rack. I suggest purchasing the anti-rattle hitch lock. This ensures no one is going to walk off with your rack while you are out riding. Product came in 3 business days. Excellent shipping and customer service from etrailer. I will definitely use them again in the future. Wish all online companies were this pleasurable to deal with.48075
by: Geo07/13/2012
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Just got it and put it on the truck, have not been anywhere yet. Nice looking bike rack, well built.47852
by: Ed P07/03/2012
Is this review helpful?
The package came when promised. I assembled it easily last night. I have a RAV 4 with a tire on the rear door and the rack clears the tire and easily drops down to provide access through the rear door. I look forward to using it in the near future!46633
by: Barbara R.06/19/2012
Is this review helpful?
We love the Thule 4 bike Vertex carrier. It holds the bikes great, no longer falling off like the old cheap carrier we had. My husband had no trouble putting the carrier in the hitch on our RAV4. It came quickly too!44864
by: PBaccam06/19/2012
Is this review helpful?
Excellent bike rack! Easy to use. Convenient to fold down so my Town and Country lift gate can open and close. Holds bikes like an ugly man holds a gorgeous model girlfriend - tight, stable and secure. Super fast shipping from etrailer and great service. Overall excellent experience.44756
by: Daren L.06/18/2012
Is this review helpful?
Purchased this product on Wednesday and received it on Friday. Set up and installation was extremely easy. We use it on our 2012 Dodge Durango. Right now we are only using this rack for two bikes, but plan on using it at its full capacity in the future. Bikes are easy to install and and do not sway whatsoever. Very sturdy product!44663
by: Gary H.06/10/2012
Is this review helpful?
Great product. No rattles when installed. Assembly instructions not the best. watching the videos on etrailer helped to answer any questions I had. The anti sway cage works well43550
by: Jim N04/30/2012
Is this review helpful?
This product installs easily. It is sturdy and easily holds 3 bikes (it is a 4-rack but so far I have used it for only 3 bikes); I don't foresee any difficulties in having it hold 4 bikes. The fold down feature of the arms holding the bikes and the fold down feature of the mast for accessing the back of my van are very convenient features and easy to use.38854
by: Rick M.03/25/2012
Is this review helpful?
I'm a returning customer, so obviously I've had good prior experiences. eTrailer was easy to order from, kept me well informed about the status and progress of my order, delivered it in a timely manner, and the delivered product was in perfect condition. I highly recommend eTrailor, and would readily purchase from them again.35053
by: Orlan03/23/2012
Is this review helpful?
Great looking product and very sturdy. Will recommend to anyone to purchase it.34919
by: Eric L.02/21/2012
Is this review helpful?
Super bike rack for the whole family. EZ setup and fabulous service from trailer.com32171
by: Y rod04/05/2012
Is this review helpful?
Ordered the product on wednesday and received monday. The shipping was the regular but they upgraded it for free. Product as described. Excellent service36251
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