Can the Thule Epos Bike Rack Travel in the Vertical Stored Position?

Updated 04/14/2025 | Published 04/04/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Thule Epos Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel or Frame Mount

(36)

$1299.95

Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount

(314)

$649.00

RockyMounts HighNoon FC Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount

(13)

$899.98

Question:

When the bikes are off, can you travel with the rack up vertical or all the way down flat? So if in a garage long enough to put the car and rack in can you just leave the rack on and not have to take it off every time?

asked by: Steve N

Helpful Expert Reply:

Hey Steve, thanks for reaching out!

I believe you're asking about the Thule Epos Bike Rack for 3 Bikes # TH69XE. You can park with it in the "stored" position, but since it doesn't fold up next to the vehicle you won't really be saving on space at the back, and Thule lists in their instructions not to drive around with the trays in the stored position either.

We have a few alternatives like the Kuat Transfer V2 # KU24FR and RockyMounts HighNoon FC # RKY74MR that are 3-bike racks and have the folding feature to save space at the back of your vehicle, but they can't handle as much weight when it comes to the bikes.

If you let me know what bikes you're needing to carry, I can see if we have any folding bike racks that will work!

expert reply by: Jon G

Thule Epos Bike Rack for 3 Bikes in Stored Position
(click to enlarge)

Steve

4/7/2025

Thanks. You are correct on both counts. We are able to store it in our garage folded up on our vehicle . Store told us to maybe put a bungees strap around it when we travel if upright as it does click.

Jon G.

4/8/2025

@Steve Yeah, if you're wanting to store it in that upright position then you definitely need to add some extra support to it since Thule says not to do that.

Steve

4/8/2025

I have now put the rack down flat as per instructions and your advice.The rack will now be down flat in the garage as you indicated so we don’t have to take it off and on every day. I don’t see this as a problem now as don’t need extra support as this now is in travel mode. This solves the issue of having to take it off and on as some have questioned. Keeps the rack from the outside elements stored inside. Do you concur?

Jon G.

4/8/2025

@Steve Sounds good! I'm glad you're able to fit your vehicle in the garage with the bike rack installed - makes things a lot easier!