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

Click to Enlarge

Jenny N.

9/16/2022

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

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

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Alena

8/11/2019

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.

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

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Dave

9/12/2018

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

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

Click to Enlarge

by: Kristen 05/04/2024

So easy to use! I love how I can quickly fold it down to access the back of my vehicle.1779156

by: Margaret W.07/31/2016

This product has stood up very, very well. It is difficult to get four bikes on any rack but we have managed to do it a few times with wiggling here and there. I should note these are all adult-sized bikes, too, not little kid bikes. We have driven from SE Michigan to Madeline Island in Wisconsin and back with this hitch and had no problems whatsoever. That was a 12-hour trip each way. We also drove across the state of MI to the Muskegon area recently with all four bikes on the rack. Before any big trip, we check to make sure nothing is loose. So far, it has worked out really well for us. The best way to get them on is to kind of tilt them and wobble them back and forth, slowly rotating the frames back onto the rack.

We are very happy with the product. It's true we cannot open the back of our RAV4 with the rack up but we've discovered it's not such a big deal to lower part of the rack (with built-in pin) if we really need to access the back of the car. We do take the rack off during winter as there doesn't seem much point in having it on during that season. 277860

Click to Enlarge

I have this bike rack already and bought another as a gift. It is a simple design, solid construction, does not vibrate when driving loaded or unloaded. I like the heavy duty rubber straps and receiving cradles for holding the bike frames snug. etrailer.com has a great website w/ instructional videos and reviews on their products, which are helpful when deciding on making a purchase.1727397

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

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

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

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

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

Click to Enlarge

David B.

10/3/2022

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

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

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

by: Amy 02/08/2024

very easy rack to use. fits our 2010 Rav-4. etrailer.com had demonstration videos on their website that were very helpful to determine if the rack would fit our vehicle. delivered very quickly, we would order from them again!1723869

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

Click to Enlarge

Matthew

6/18/2019

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.

Fast shipment!

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

Click to Enlarge

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

Click to Enlarge

by: Daniel05/19/2022

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

Click to Enlarge

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

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Kristin

11/25/2014

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!

Rachael H.

11/26/2014

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 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.

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

Jenny N.

8/3/2023

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. Or if that one will not suit your needs we have more to choose from that you can see in the link below.

Helpful Links

dept-pg-accessories_and_parts-sf-spare_tire_bike_racks-pt-adapter_bar.aspx

All good on my end. Package arrived in good shape and communication from etrailer was great.1757833

by: Claude 03/09/2023

Excellent product, easy to set up, bikes load with minimal effort, would highly recommend1533254

Claude

3/10/2024

Excellent product, easy to use, capacity is perfect for my needs

by: John S.08/09/2017

It's a pretty strong ,heavy-duty bike rack. A little awkward sliding bikes over the support mounts, but I like it. I feel confident the bikes are secured. 418097

Click to Enlarge

John S.

8/10/2018

Love it. I would buy it again. Today I would give it a 5 star rating.

by: Farouk04/20/2018

The bike rack is perfect for what I need. It was really easy to assemble and has the functionality I need - being able to tilt and still access my trunk, for example. I've used it regularly over the last year and I haven't had a single problem with it. I'd highly recommend this product for anyone looking for something easy to assemble, durable, and functional. 498674

Click to Enlarge

Farouk

4/20/2019

Still loving the bike rack!

by: Sara O.06/12/2017

I purchased the Thule 4 bicycle hitching post pro and I am completely satisfied. The rack mounts to the receiver easily with one simple bolt. I purchased the Thule STL2 locking hitch pin for extra security when traveling. I use this rack often and have never had an issue. There is plenty of clearance from the rear of the vehicle. I drive a 2016 Subaru Outback and it folds down easily without the bikes on for quick access to the rear of the vehicle. 392408

Click to Enlarge

by: Kristen H06/29/2020

We could not be more happy with the product and the entire purchase experience. We received the product in a timely manner. There was an issue with one of the connector which I reached out to the company about and it was replaced immediately Manufactured defect not distributor issue). We have had nothing but great luck with this bike rack. We use it frequently on the back of our C class RV for 3-4 bikes and it has remain sturdy. We have had several in the past that have not been nearly as stable or easy to load and unload. I would highly recommend this Thule bike rack 824925

Click to Enlarge

This is my first bike rack purchase ever and I am very pleased with my choice. I was contemplating between Thule or Yakima, I decided to go with this Thule because it holds 4 bikes and the value and price was just hard to beat. The quality and build of this rack is very nice. After installing it onto the hitch and inserting the anti-rattle bolt, this piece of hardware is going nowhere. It feels very durable and sturdy. Driving with the rack on without any bikes mounted, I did not even notice or feel that there was a rack mounted behind my vehicle. Very low noise and pleasant to drive with. With the bikes mounted on the rack, it holds each bike very tightly with its straps. Still, a pretty quiet ride with the bikes on. Not much of a rattle but you do notice and hear it slightly especially for rear passengers. As the driver, I barely noticed anything until I looked into my rear view mirror. I highly recommend this bike rack, it's easy to install and worth the price. It feels like a quality rack that can last for many years.367745

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge