Installantion and Compatibility Questions for Thule Apex XT4 Bike Rack

Updated 06/18/2020 | Published 06/16/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Thule Apex XT Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting

(222)

$499.95

Thule Bike Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes

(352)

$51.12

Yakima Tube Top Bike Adapter Bar

(224)

$38.95

Question:

Hello, I am interested in purchasing the Thule Apex XT4 after considering your answers to the following questions: 1. I have a 2018 Mercedes GLE 350 with a factory hitch - will the Thule Apex XT4 bike rack fit this hitch without a problem? 2. Does the bike rack come pre-assembled or is there much assembly to be done Im not mechanical at all and also dont have the time for assembly? 3. I have to park the car in a private parking garage which does not allow cars with hitch bike racks - is this rack easy to put on and take off the car in a couple of minutes? 4. I will be driving it soon to transport 1 adult mens Trek mountain bike plus 2 kids bikes 1 boys 18 inch bike and 1 girls 14 inch bike both with training wheels on them. Will I be able to put the adult bike and both kids bikes on the rack easily without a problem assuming Im using adapters Part # TH982XT for both of the kids bikes? Thanks so much

asked by: VISHAL

Expert Reply:

The Thule Apex XT 4 Bike Rack for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting # TH9025XT you asked about has a distance from the trailer hitch receiver hitch pin hole to the closest part of the rack of 7-1/4 inches. This is more than enough clearance to make it compatible with your 2018 Mercedes GLE 350 factory hitch. The rack comes completely assembled with just an adapter to add for the 2 inch hitch receiver that uses two screws and comes with the hex wrench needed for installation.

The bike rack is easy to install and remove taking just a few seconds. I've attached a video to assist. The arms are 13 inches wide from cradle to cradle so as long as from the seat post to the handlebars of your kids bikes are able to accommodate that length the bike adapter # Y02531 will work. The Thule bike adapter # TH982XT only fits 16 inches or longer distances where the Yakima will fit 14 inches or longer.

expert reply by: Jason S