Is The Thule Apex 4 Safe To Use Without The Locks/Keys?

Updated 11/06/2023 | Published 11/04/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Thule Apex Swing XT Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Swing Away

(228)

$699.95

Thule One-Key System Lock Cylinders - Qty 2

(786)

$54.95

Question:

I have a Thule Apex 4 and have lost all keys. Is it safe to use without locks?

asked by: Jaime

Expert Reply:

I am sorry to hear that you lost your keys for your Thule Apex 4 # TH9027XT. We still consider the rack safe to use without the locking features. Hopefully the rack was left unlocked, this way you can still tighten the hand knob to secure the rack in your hitch. Without the keys you are losing the security of the cable lock, and the stability that the hand knob provides, but the rack is certainly still usable.

If the locks on your Thule Apex are in the unlocked position, you have the option of using a change key and replacing all of the locks with new ones. Part # TH450200 comes with a universal change key, two new lock cores and two matching keys.

Also, if you happen to know the key number, we may be able to provide the correct replacement key. Most Thule Keys would have a key number with the letter "N" followed by 3 digits.

expert reply by: Jesse M