Thule Helium Pro 3 Bike Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting - Aluminum

Ask the Experts about this Thule Hitch Bike Racks

• Can 3 Bikes be Carried with the Thule Helium Pro 3 on a 2012-2013 Toyota Prius with 1-1/4 Receiver
  The 2-bike rule (which is true) has more to do with the class rating of the trailer hitch than the actually receiver size itself. Since the only 1-1/4" trailer hitches for your 2012-2013 Toyota Prius are rated as Class I then you can only carry 2 bikes with the Thule Helium Pro 3 Bike Rack # TH9043PRO. For the 2" receiver option the only trailer hitch available is the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receive # 306-X7178 which also features a design that hides the crossmember. I recommend...
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• Hitch Recommendation for 2017 Subaru Forester
  Overall I prefer to recommend 2 inch hitches whenever available as they have better capacities and also have more accessories made for them. I really like the Curt Hitch # CU64FR for your 2017 Subaru Forester as it has the 2 inch opening and also is mostly hidden which allows a cleaner look and better ground clearance. Then for trailer wiring the Tekonsha part # 118467 is the easiest to install and has most reliable converter box.
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• 3-Bike Rack Recommendation for 1-1/4 Receiver and Alternative-Frame Bikes
  I believe you are referring to hanging style bike racks for your application. I recommend going with a Thule hanging bike rack over the Yakima simply because Thule just revamped their whole bike rack line and all of the newer models have 7" of space between the cradles and the cradles are a lower profile while means loading and unloading your bikes will be much easier. The Thule bike racks have a lot in common and so there are just minor differences like locks, the hitch pin works easier,...
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• Difference Between Thule Helium Pro 2 and Helium Pro 3
  The Thule Helium Pro 3 Bike Rack part # TH9043PRO is the same as the Helium Pro 2 Bike Rack part # TH9042PRO except it weighs 1 lb more and holds 3 bikes. The Helium Pro 3 has all of the same great features like the tilt-away feature and integrated locks like the Helium Pro 2. You sure can use the Thule Helium Pro 3 Bike Rack part # TH9043PRO on the Class I hitch if you only load 2 bikes at a time because the extra bike would cause more leverage on the setup and possibly damage the hitch.
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• Lightweight Hitch Bike Rack that Can Carry 3 Bikes
  The Thule Helium Pro 3 part # TH9043PRO would be a solid choice for you situation as you can use it in both hitch sizes. When used in the Class I 1-1/4 inch hitch size you'd be limited to only carrying two bikes but when in the 2 inch hitch size you can carry the full 3 bike capacity. Class I hitches do not have the needed strength to handle the additional weight and leverage of a third bike carried that far away from the hitch. You'd easily have clearance too so there would be no damage...
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• Will Thule Helium Aero 3 Bike Carrier # TH9043 Fit A 2013 Subaru Outback Wagon With Factory Hitch
  Since you said you have a factory hitch on your 2013 Subaru Outback Wagon, there is a measurement you can take that will determine if you have the clearance for the Thule Helium Aero 3 Bike Carrier, part # TH9043PRO. The bike carrier does fit both 1-1/4 and 2 inch hitch receivers. You will need a tape measure and a straight edge like a yardstick or a dowel. Hold the dowel vertically against the rear of your vehicle making sure the end extends below the hitch pin hole of your hitch....
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• Can the Thule Helium Aero 3 be Used to Carry 3 Bikes in a Class I Trailer Hitch Receiver
  The straight-forward answer is no, you should never carry 3 bikes in a Class I hitch. Any trailer hitch manufacturer will confirm this. Even though it would seem like using a lighter bike rack like the Thule Helium Aero 3 # TH9043PRO would keep the total weight down, it is more about the leverage than the weight. If you have a Class I trailer hitch receiver that has a 200 lb weight capacity and you max it out with 2 bikes or 3 bikes the 3 bike configuration will not be safe because...
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• Recommended Thule 3 Bike Rack Compatible With Class 1 Hitch On 2008 Honda Accord
  The Thule Helium Aero Pro 3-Bike Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting - Aluminum # TH9043PRO is the only Thule 3 bike carrier that is rated as compatible with Class I trailer hitch receivers, however the manufacturer will limit the rack to two bikes on a Class I trailer hitch. This is a really nice bike rack with the built in anti-rattle as well as the one-key system to secure the rack to your receiver and the cable lock to secure your bike to the rack itself. I recommend using...
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• Recommended 1-1/4" To Use with Thule Helium 3-Bike Rack on a 2013 Ford Fusion Energi
  You are correct that the Draw-Tite will give you more clearance. When we installed the Draw-Tite # 24897 and the Curt # C12091 on a 2013 Ford Fusion we found that the Draw-Tite has about 1-3/4" more clearance which will help make loading the Thule Helium Pro 3 Bike Rack # TH9043PRO easier. When it comes to the fascia it looks like Draw-Tite says to trim the fascia wile Curt just says to return it to the customer. Trimming isn't too hard especially if you have tin snips. Just compare...
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• Can You Carry More Than 2 Bikes Using a Class I Trailer Hitch
  Yes, that note is accurate. A Class I trailer hitch receiver is limited to only 2 bikes regardless of the amount of weight it's carrying. This is due to the exaggerated force caused by the additional leverage from the bikes being further away from the vehicle. A Class II hitch, which is also 1-1/4 inches, is designed to withstand the added stress but a Class I hitch is not. So when using a bike rack like the Thule Helium Pro, part # TH9043PRO, you're limited to only two bikes in a...
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• Which Hitch Receiver Size is Better 1-1/4 inch or 2 Inch
  Sorry to hear about your car accident and your hitch and bike rack being damaged. As far as installing a new hitch, the first thought that comes to mind is, because of the accident, are all the necessary attachment points for a trailer hitch on the frame intact. I recommend asking the shop that is repairing the vehicle if, after it is repaired, would it be safe to install a new trailer hitch. If the vehicle is given the green light for a new trailer hitch, I recommend a 2 inch receiver....
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• How to Carry 3 Bikes on a 2016 Mini Clubman
  Bike rack # TH9043PRO mounts in a trailer hitch receiver. That means you need to have a trailer hitch, like the Curt # C11524, installed on your 2016 Mini Clubman. However, this trailer hitch is a Class I hitch and Class I trailer hitches are limited to 2 bikes maximum. The issue is not the weight but how far that weight is from the trailer hitch. Three or more bikes puts weight too far from the receiver and it can damage the hitch and vehicle. You can carry 2 bikes using the above mentioned...
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• Recommended Class III Hitch for Using Thule Helium Aero TH9043 Bike Rack on 2018 Honda CR-V
  Although it is indeed fairly light (at 20-lbs) the Thule Helium Pro 3-Bike Rack # TH9043PRO will be more stable in a hitch that allows more of the rack's shank to fit inside the receiver tube than the 1-inch on your hitch. There are some factory-installed hitches that have very shallow placement of the hitch pin hole and this means not much of the rack's shank will be supported by the hitch. Thule is always careful to avoid any conditions that could present any kind of potential hazard...
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• What is the Difference Between the Thule Helium Pro Vs Helium Aero 3 Bike Rack
  The Thule Helium Pro 3 # TH9043PRO is the newer version of the Thule Helium series of bike racks and was the replacement for the Helium Aero 3 rack a few years back. The biggest difference between the Helium Pro and the Aero is that the Pro uses a much more durable and reliable ratchet strap as opposed to the rubber strap on the Aero, which can stretch and break quite easily. Additionally the cradles come with a foam-rubber padding that will help protect the finish on the bike much better...
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• Using Thule Frame Adapter Like Part # TH982XT on Step-Through Frame Bike
  The frame adapter, like the Thule # TH982XT can be attached in the way you describe, as long as there is enough clearance for the for the hook on the end of the bar to attach securely. I would make sure that the lowest portion of the bike tire is no lower than the bottom of the trailer hitch receiver. It would work well with the Thule Helium Pro 3 Bike Rack you'd looked at, part # TH9043PRO. If you click the provided link, you can see how the adapter bar works.
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• Comparing the Original Thule Helium Bike Rack to the Thule Helium Aero Bike Rack
  The original Thule Helium was made of ultra-lightweight aluminum, featured sliding anti-sway T3 cradles with rubber straps. The cradle arms were spaced 12 inches apart (outside to outside). The rack could fold and tilt. It also featured an integrated cable lock and knob for anti-rattle. It fit Class I, II, and III hitches (Class I hitches limited to 2 bikes). The new Helium # TH9043PRO is a complete design change. The upright bar or mast of the rack is no longer a rounded shape. It is...
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• Recommended 3 Bike Hitch Mounted Hanging Rack For 2017 Subaru Forester With 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
  The bike rack I recommend for your 2017 Subaru Forester with a 1-1/4 inch trailer hitch receiver is the Thule Helium Aero Pro 3-Bike Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting - Aluminum # TH9043PRO. This is a light weight carrier at only 23 lbs but is can carry 3 bikes at 35 lbs each. It has quick-release levers that let you fold down the arms and tilt the rack forward to access your Forester's cargo area. It has One-Key System that secures the rack to the vehicle and the bikes to the rack...
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• Compatibility of Thule Helium 3 Bike Rack # TH9043PRO with Class I Receiver on 2007 Honda Civic
  According to our friends at Thule, the Helium Aero # TH9043PRO three bike rack will indeed fit in a Class I receiver. The stinger or shank is short enough so that the hitch pin holes will align before the end of the shank hits the stop punched into the receiver that prevents Class II accessories from being used. Due to the limited tongue weight capacity of a Class I receiver, you will unfortunately be limited to carrying two bikes. Carrying three bikes will place too much weight too...
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• Secure Bicycle Mounting on Thule Helium Aluminum 3 Bike Carrier
  I would recommend the Thule Bike Adapter Bar, part # TH982XT, to use on both the womens and childs bikes. The adapter attaches to the bikes seat post and handlebar post creating a horizontal bar that would attach securely to the bike rack. By mounting the womens bike without the adapter, not only does it mount at an odd angle and make it difficult to mount other bikes, but one of the tires will hang lower and closer to the ground. This could be hazardous on rough terrain as the tire could...
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• Bike Rack For 2021 Toyota Venza Factory Activity Mount
  I recommend the Thule Helium Pro 3 Bike Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting - Aluminum Part # TH9043PRO. With its lightweight aluminum construction, the installation is easy, and it will allow you to free up some weight for your activity mount on the 2021 Toyota Venza. The bike racks weight is 20 pounds, so that allows you to use up to 30 pounds per bike in order for the activity mount to not exceed its limit. Hanging style racks like the Thule Helium Pro are great for alloy, mountain,...
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• What Does It Mean When A Hitch Accessory Says Good For Class II 1-1/4 Inch Only
  A 1-1/4 inch size hitch comes in two different classes, Class I and Class II. The class rating is the weight capacity of that hitch. The difference is a Class I hitch has a towing capacity of 2,000 lbs. and a tongue weight capacity of 200 lbs. and a Class II hitch has a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. and a tongue weight capacity of 350 lbs. The tongue weight capacity is what is used when using a hitch accessory on a trailer hitch. You would think that any hitch accessory with an 1-1/4...
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• Recommended Fat Bike Beach Cruiser Bike Rack For 2009 BMW X3
  The Thule Apex 4 Bike Rack # TH9025XT and the Thule Helium Aero 3-Bike Rack # TH9043PRO are similar in many respects. They differ in the number of bikes they carry and the materials with which they are made. The Apex is steel and weighs about 44 lbs where the Helium is Aluminum and weighs about 23 lbs. These are both nice bike racks but they will limit you to 35 lbs per bike which is where your fat tire beach cruiser have issue as those bikes are normally heavier than that. If this...
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• Comparing Thule Helium Aero 3 and Kuat Alpha Trailer Hitch Mount Bike Racks for a 2014 Mazda CX-5
  Hands down my favorite bike racks are the Thule Helium Aero series such as # TH9043PRO. Basically, the rack has a great set of features. It has the integrated cable lock, cradles with road-dampening technology, built-in anti rattle and locks, and it weighs only 19-1/2 pounds. The Kuat Alpha, A102-Black, for 2 inch hitches or A102-BLACK-114, for 1-1/4 inch hitches are no longer made but when they were they were excellent racks and weighed just over 14 pounds. If you wanted a rack that...
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• Carrying 3 Bikes on a 2015 Volkswagen GTI
  The Thule Helium Aero bike carrier # TH9043PRO does fit Class I trailer hitches like what would be on your 2015 Volkswagen GTI (# C11412) but you would be limited to 2 bikes. Trailer hitch and bike carrier manufacturers agree that Class I hitches can carry no more than 2 bikes. This is because the distance from a third and subsequent bikes puts too much leverage on the hitch and vehicle and could damage both. So you could use the 3-bike model but would be limited to 2 bikes. If you...
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• How Easy is it to Load 3 Bikes on the Thule Helium Aero Trailer hitch Mount Bike Rack
  What you have heard is true. The more bikes, the harder it is to load them. But it is not so hard that it would be frustrating at all. Plus you can adjust the cradles on most racks to change the amount of space between bikes. Since you want to load one adult bike and 2 kids bikes it should not be much of a problem at all. I have a rack very similar to the Thule Helium, # TH9043PRO, the Raceway, # TH9002PRO, and I load 2 adult bikes and one kid bike on it all the time with little to no...
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• Does Thule Helium PRO 3-Bike Rack TH9043 Use a Bolt for a Hitch Pin
  The Thule Helium PRO, part # TH9043PRO uses an auto pin system to lock into the hitch receiver. You'll just slide the shank of the rack into the hitch receiver, and the locking pin will automatically slide into place. Then tighten the knob to take up any slack between the shank and the receiver. Use the key to lock the knob, and you're done. Easy as can be. If you'll be transporting women's bikes or bikes with sharply-angled top tubes, you might also consider a frame adapter bar like...
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• Wall Mount for Storing Thule Helium Pro 3 Bike Rack
  We have a wall mounted bike rack storage rack with the Swagman X Mount Bike Carrier # S80940 that would work great with the Thule Helium Pro 3 # TH9043PRO.
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• Which 3-Bike Carrier Will Clear The Spare Tire On My 2021 Jeep Wrangler Saharah?
  In order to determine if a bike rack will clear the spare tire on your 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sahara, you will need to measure from the center of the hitch pin hole to the rear-most part of your spare tire. If this distance happens to be less than 8" then the Thule Helium Pro 3 Bike Rack # TH9043PRO will clear it. More than likely, your measurement will be over 8" in which case you can probably use the SportRack Pathway Deluxe 3 Bike Rack # SR2703. The closest part of this carrier is 12-1/4"...
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• Will Handlebars of Bikes Interfere with Fit on the Thule Helium Pro 3-Bike Rack
  The Thule Helium Pro 3-Bike Rack # TH9043PRO actually has cradles spaced far enough apart that you won't have a problem fitting your cycling bikes. By using the Softride Soft Hook-and-Loop Tie Down # SR18679 you can help keep your front tires more stable while heading down the road but it will not eliminate all of the bike-to-bike contact. If your concern is that bike-to-bike contact then you will want to go with a platform bike rack instead. A great option that is similar in price is...
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• Trailer Hitch Mount Bike Rack that Allows the Rear Hatch to Open on a 2016 Chevy Traverse
  Most bike racks that tilt down are not rated to do so with the bikes loaded. You would have to unload the bikes from the Thule Helium # TH9043PRO to be able to tilt it down and even then some times it isn't enough to open the hatch on some vehicles. The tilting racks that generally allow you to keep bikes loaded are the platform style that hold the wheels tight to the carrier. What I recommend is the Saris Glide EX, # SA774, which is similar to the Helium but it tilts out instead of...
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