How Far Does the Thule EasyFold XT Stick Out From the Back of My Vehicle?

Updated 07/19/2019 | Published 07/16/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

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Access Ramp for Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack

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Kuat NV 2.0 Base Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Matte Black

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Thule T2 Pro XTR Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount

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Fat Bike Straps for Thule EasyFold XT and Epos Bike Racks - Qty 2

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Question:

I see that the trays fold up to make it smaller. But your measurements seem to indicate that it sticks out at least 26inch from the back of the vehicle when it is in its most compressed form. True? My Thule XT classic folds up and does not extend the length of the vehicle and rack unduly. I really like everything about the foldable XT, but am concerned about how far it sticks out when attached to the vehicle, but not in use. Thanks for any insights you can share.

asked by: Walter B

Expert Reply:

Since the Thule EasyFold XT # TH903202 does not actually fold up towards the vehicle it sticks out 35" from the center of the hitch pin hole even when in its most compressed form. Considering the Thule T2 Pro XTR # TH96TX sticks out 63" from the hitch pin hole when in use. The difference in the footprint when carrying bikes is going to be very significant.

When comparing the T2 Pro XTR, that carrier folds up towards the vehicle whereas the EasyFold XT folds up lengthwise as you noted. The T2 Pro Xtr has 20" of clearance when folded up (measured from center of hitch pin hole to furthest point) whereas the 35" clearance with the EasyFold XT isn't going to change.

The EasyFold XT does fold up very easily to take it off and store it in your vehicle when it is not carrying bikes; fully folded up for storage the EasyFold XT is only 10" wide and won't take up much space.

The EasyFold XT is also going to be 51-lbs lighter than the T2 Pro XTR so it has easier removal. The T2 Pro XTR does have wheels that help you to move it's 96 pounds of heft.

The best features of the EasyFold XT are its ability to carry slightly heavier bikes (65 pounds vs 60 pounds for the T2 Pro Xtr) and it comes with a built in ramp to make it easy to load those heavier bikes. You can also add the fat tire adapter # TH985101 in order to accommodate tires up to 4-11/16" wide. It also fits both 1-1/4" and 2" hitch receivers using the included adapter, so you will be able to use a wider avariety of vehicles.

The Kuat NV 2.0 # BA22B would be an alternative to the EasyFold XT. The NV 2.0 can carry up to 2 bikes weighing 60lbs each and folds up to only add 17-7/8" (when measured from the center of the hitch pin) extra clearance on the back of your vehicle. An optional ramp # ANVBRB can also be purchased to help mount heavier bikes.