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A great solution for anyone looking for a sturdy steel bike rack that installs easily without the need for tools. Anti-sway cradles fold up, so they're out of the way while you're loading your bikes. Tilts with bikes unloaded.
Features:
Specs:
Note: The distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the face of the hitch must be 1-1/2" or greater to use this rack.
Dual Folding Arms with Anti-Sway Cradles
The Thule Apex XT has dual arms that provide excellent support for your bikes. They slope up to provide ground clearance for steep driveways and bumpy roads.
To fold the arms down, pull up the HitchSwitch lever at the top of the mast. This leaves a smaller footprint, so you can keep the rack on your vehicle to park in your garage. And when stored in this configuration, it doesn't take up as much space in your garage.
HideAway anti-sway cradles with rubber straps hold your bikes firmly in place. Each set of cradles has two straps that secure your bike along the top tube and one that secures the seat post or downtube. This multi-point contact helps keep your bikes from rocking back and forth, reducing bike-to-bike contact. The soft rubber cradles rotate around the rack's arms to accommodate bikes of different styles and shapes.
The cradles have grooves on the surface that prevent your brake and shifter cables from getting pinched.
Ratchet straps hold your bikes firmly in place on the cradles. You can remove the lower straps and fold the cradles up against the arms to make it easier to slide your bikes onto the rack.
Easy Tilting for Cargo Area Access
The rack tilts down without your bikes loaded. This means you won't have to remove the whole rack to access your cargo area for grocery runs and other errands.
To tilt the rack down, pull up the HitchSwitch lever at the base of the mast. When you're ready to go, lift the rack up until it snaps into place with an audible click.
The rack quickly installs in your hitch receiver, without the need for tools. Just slide the shank into your hitch and turn the knob until snug. Turning the knob deploys an anti-rattle wedge in the shank to help take play out of the hitch connection. It also sets the integrated SnugTite hitch pin into place, securing the rack to your receiver.
You can install the rack in a 1-1/4" hitch or in a 2" hitch. To use it in a 1-1/4" hitch, simply remove the adapter with the included Allen key.
The lock on the hand knob secures the rack to your vehicle. Once locked, the hand knob will spin freely so a would-be thief can't operate it.
The integrated cable lock threads around your bikes' frames and inserts into the lock at the end of the left arm. The cable stores inside the mast when not in use. The locks are keyed alike, so you only need to use 1 key. Additional One-Key System locks (sold separately) let you make all your Thule products keyed alike.
Available Adapter Bar
If you have a women's bike, kid's bike, or any other bike without a straight, horizontal top tube, you will need an adapter bar (sold separately) to properly mount your bike. The bar fits between the seat post and handlebar stem post of your bike to create a top tube so your bike hangs level on the rack.
Customer Satisfaction Score:
96% were satisfied with this product
4% of customers were not satisfied
Ratings & Reviews
Thule is one of the best brand I know for bike racks. It was simple to assemble and everything came as it should.
I just installed the Apex XT 4 bike rack and looking forward to using it soon in better weather with my son and the three grandkids (my son bought one at the same time so we can fit all of the bikes). Installation was easy once I checked out a video. I selected this bike rack from etailer.com after I looked at their videos evaluating many similar 4 bike racks.
This rack is so easy to install and use. I did it myself in about 20 minutes. Super stable and secure. This is the first hitch rack I've had and I don't know why I waited so long! We haven't used for more than 2 bikes yet. Trunk access is easy as well with the tilt feature.
I bought a Thule Apex XT 4 from etrailer recently. My decision to purchase from this company was based on the amount of information made available about the product, including extensive customer reviews, that ultimately made me comfortable that I was making the right purchasing decision (and it was, I am pleased with the product, it is exactly what I was looking for). This decision was reinforced by the number of positive mentions of etrailer's customer service and accessibility,which I think is important. Also appreciate the email notification of order status, and the product was delivered on the date promised. Would definitely recommend etrailer and will use again.
We have had our old Thule bike rack for over 15 years and although it was fine, it didn't collapse making it impossible to access the hatch without taking it off completely and it jutted out a good 20 inches from that back of our van. This rack is simple to install in the hitch, collapses down when not in use and also collapses down to get into the hatch-game changer! This is less bulky and lighter than our last rack too.
Attaching the rack to the hitch was extremely easy. Clip it in, add the lock core and tighten the hand knob until it’s snug in the receiver tube. My wife likes the levers to fold in the arms and for access to the lift gate. It’s definitely easier than a pin style system. You can tell it’s solid and great quality. Definitely measure youth bikes if you can’t afford room in the vehicle for travel. Some bikes are too small for the arms to go under the bikes top tube. Customer service was great and shipping was fast. Highly recommend etrailer.com and Thule products.
I just purchased a hitch and Thule bike rack. I was very pleased with etrailer.com. I had a question about the billing and they were very polite and helpful with my question. The video was exactly how the installation was going to be and made it very easy. Already told a coworker about the site and he ordered a hitch for him self. I will use this site again.
It is super easy to hook up the bike rack and putting on and removing the bikes is even easier. I love this rack!
Overall very pleased. The instructions on assembly are not particularly helpful, and it takes a while for the ties to loosen up. It handles 3 adult bikes with ease. Easy to put on the car and take off. The tilt makes it possible to leave the hitch on. Fits the hitch on my Tesla Model Y perfectly. Bikes are very secure, and the locking mechanism is a very useful feature. Would purchase again.
It is clearly very sturdy and cleverly built. As someone who hadn’t used one before, the manual illustrations (with no verbal instructions) were inadequate. Once I was shown what to do, it was obvious , but only in retrospect Luckily there’s a bike shop in the neighborhood to help. I was advised to put thick lubricant in the tow hitch box to keep it from corroding and to make it easier to get the rack in and out. I couldn’t find the slot for the strap that wraps around the vertical tube to keep the bike from swinging until shown where the bottom of the bike support swings out. Words would have helped
Always had a Thule bike rack and have always been very happy with their product. However, new Apex strap system is horrible. I gave the product a generous 3 stars because of excellent etrailer service and the Apex hitch connection system. Strap/bike securing is horrendous. We have two expensive road bikes that have after two weeks deep marks and paint wear from the straps. Trying to devise a way to remove the straps and outfit with older model rubber strapping system.
I think it’s great. I love the ease in which it sets up and can come off when not in use. I have the four bike rack but mostly use two and space them out nicely in the 1 and 3 bike positions. I haven’t had any issues with the new style straps. They work well. To make the rack more perfect, the only improvement I would make would be to reduce the play at the joint where the rack folds back to allow access to the trunk or tailgate. I’m very pleased and glad I spent a little extra to get a top quality rack.
It’s great for 3 bikes. There is no way I can get 4 bikes on it, even with adapters.
The rack otherwise is stable, secure and easy to use. A little awkward to store since the hitch arm does not bend, so it stays in a constant L shape when stored.
I will likely end up with a platform hitch rack eventually. They just stick out so far and are large to store when not in use.
I bought the Thule Apex XT Bike Rack Hitch Bike Rack in July 2020. Because of the pandemic, it was delivers in November. In the spring of this year, I started using it. It is FABULOUS!! It slides in easily to my Acura hitch. And it comes out easily. The bikes fit on without a hassle AND they come off without a hassle. The know to tighten amd loosen at the bottom works smoothly. I am very satisfied with my purchase.
Works great for our needs. I've only used for two bicycles so far. It seems like it would be a pretty tight fit so I can only imagine how bad it would be with the Yakima Fulltilt which is essential their equivalent, which has arms several inches shorter. I was going to go with the Yakima equivalent but the etrailer Q&A team gave me a great advice to get this one. I am completely satisfied with this rack all around.
Daniel S.
10/6/2020
Still working perfectly. Looks nicer and sturdier than most other carriers I see on the roads around us. No regrets here. I only had a 1.25 hitch so this met my need well and will be able to follow me to a larger 2x2inch hitch size in the future.
Just used the rack for the first time for a 1,500 mike trip. Overall the rack worked great and is easy to use. The bikes stayed very secure. I have the four bike rack and have only carried three bikes but it seems that it would be very difficult to have four full size bikes. Maybe three full size bikes and one small child bike.
Etrailer has great prices and great customer service. I had a problem with a strap while we were on our trip and they responded immediately and got me a replacement strap.
Thanks Tiffany for being so helpful! It is rare to find a company that provides excellent customer service.
Todd K.
8/7/2020
I like the bike rack but three normal size bikes is all we can fit on there. I guess if there was one small bike for a child I could squeeze the fourth one on. Overall the rack is easy to use and works very good
Did lots of research before buying and it seems to have paid off. Great bike rack - easy to assemble and to get on /off the hitch (~ 5 min) or to swing out of the way to open the trunk while the rack is on. Quite easy to strap the bikes on / take off (< 5 min). Bikes are held Very securely on the racks with the extra security of a lock as well. I bought cross bars for step through bikes and additional straps to hold the front wheels (prevent swinging back and forth). The 4 stars is only because the distance between the mounts is really tight for 4 bikes. Fortunately my regular use is for 2 or 3 bikes and it works perfectly. Order through etrailer was a breeze - while it was not in stock, I was kept informed about the dates and it was delivered earlier than indicated. And I got a great deal (haven't seen prices close to this anywhere).
Katrina B.
5/31/2022
When it comes to the bikes fitting tightly, we recommend making sure that the bikes are alternating on the rack, to try and squeeze a bit more room between clamps. for example, one of them having the handle bars facing the drivers side, then the bike next to that one facing the passenger side, and so on.
Received order promptly. However, the product looks a bit "old". It appears the manufacture date is Nov 2021, which may not be super surprising for such a product. It is just that the item looks a bit banged up, with some of the labels and the Thule logo a bit smeared from either age or shipping shifting.
Forbearer
12/17/2024
Its been a year. The Thule 4-bikes Hitch Bike Rack has been working out very well for me. With a well-installed hitch thank you, Pittsburgh Truck & Tow, this rack has proven to be very sturdy. First off, it was pretty straightforward to assemble and install following Thules instructions. Once assembled, it is a tad heavy, but removal and mounting of the hitch itself is a breeze. Mounting the bikes onto the rack is also not bad. We only use 3 of 4 racks so far, and it does get a bit challenging fitting the third bike on while decluttering the handle bars with the previous. I will also admit to not loving the pastic slip-straps that hold the bikes down, as I dont know how long theyll last, but so far theyve held up. Another note for those driving a modern vehicle with safety features and a rear-view camera. The hitch will interfere with radar that guards reversing, so that feature needs to be disabled. The hitch will very likely occlude a rear-view camera mounted near the license plate area, so you will need to rely on good-old-regular rear-view mirror instead. Overall, this is a great, safe, and convenient product for carrying a small familys bike on roadtrips our longest with bike being 3 hours.
It’s a perfect fit and super easy to put the bike rack on for the 2021 Crosstrek.
Ordered on Thursday and received on Saturday and was kept informed of status of order all along until was delivered. Great customer service, received bike carrier in good condition with no issues. Real sturdy built it feels solid and doesn’t move when driving down the road. Well worth the investment on a quality bike carrier. Purchased for use on a 2024 Subaru Outback and it fits perfectly.
I am so excited about this rack. It was easy for me to get into the hitch (and I am 5’ 1”) and all set up. Just beware you are paying attention when you put the straps in. There are 4 shorter straps for wrapping around the center near the bike seat. I put one in the wrong strap insert and have yet to be able to get it back out (may just have to cut it out and order a replacement).
So far I have gotten my bike (road bike with mountain bike style handlebars) on with my two kids bikes. Looks to be good room to hey mybhusbands in there when the time comes
I live that it has an integrated lock system to secure the bikes while you aren’t with the car.
We are happy riders now!
Used twice so far and works great. Direction booklet is pictures only...figure it out. Etrailers videos are quite helpful. The keyed locks are a little difficult to insert key into but may try a little graphite to make it easier.
Very satisfied with this rack and the service from etrailer.com. I ordered in May 21, 2020 and it took some time to arrive due to the high demand for bikes and everything related to bikes during Covid 19 pandemic. As soon as etrailer found out the item was delayed from the manufacturer they let me know and even offer if I wanted to change my order. The excellent culture of customer service was evident on the responses I got from Ricky, Nicole, Amy, Carol and Victoria. They were all very understanding and patience in explaining the order delay. I decided to wait and it was worth it.
I looked online for racks and found this model with a good rating. When I arrived at etrailers I was impressed with the detailed information they provided. They happen to have a video for the CR-V 2018 which it is what I have. Also they have the best price.
I have use the rack for a couple of trips and I am very satisfied with it. I currently mount 3 mountain bikes on it, and they stay solid during the bumps and swings.
I strongly recommend etrailer.
Thank you.
David
6/28/2021
I have used this product for a year now. The rack is solid. Easy to put on and off. All my travels in different terrains showed it holds well I am very happy with the purchase and the service etrailer.com provided Thank you
Solid performer from Thule. The easy installation for on/off vehicle is easy. Sturdy, heavy duty. The socket connection is designed as to prevent socket bounce which was a concern by other bike carrier mfgs where the socket and carrier connection is sloppy. I have used this on 3 road trips with all 4 bikes mounted with no need for concern. It has a safety/security cable to lock all bicycles on the bike carrier. Comes with security cable lock and lock for socket securement. No need to purchase additional locks. Provided with a handle to tip the carrier out of the way to open trunk.
Bmw X.
9/30/2021
It is just wonderful and highly recommended, quite stable while driving, easy to use for onoff removal.
We had to replace this when we got rear ended last month. It's wasn't just a bike rack, it was an extra layer of protection for our son sitting in the back seat. So grateful we had it and replaced it ASAP! Highly recommend!
Mike L.
7/2/2026
Wow, we hope you're all okay!!
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Gregory
3/4/2023
Fantastic. The bike rack is easy to put in and take off and securing bikes to the rack is super easy.