Which Bike Rack Sticks Out Furter the Thule Camber or the Thule Helium Pro?

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Question:

Also looking at the Thule Helium versus Camber. It looks like the Helium sticks out far from the rear of the car. Is that true?

asked by: Chris D

0

Expert Reply:

Hello Chris,

Welcome to etrailer! Thanks for writing in, I am glad you found us.

It would actually be the opposite. The Thule Camber Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting # TH9056 measures 43-1/4" from the hitch pin hole to the furthest part of the rack, while the Thule Helium Pro Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting # TH9043PRO measures 42" from the hitch pin hole to the furthest part of the rack. This likely comes down to the Camber being designed to carry four bikes whereas the Helium Pro carries three, so the arms extend just a bit farther to make room for that extra bike.

Another thing to consider is the overall weight of the rack. The Helium Pro is made from aluminum and only weighs about 20 lbs, which makes it much easier to install or remove from the vehicle. The Camber is constructed from steel and weighs closer to 34 lbs, so it’s a bit heavier but also very sturdy.

The Helium Pro also includes an integrated cable lock and locking hitch pin, while those are typically added separately with the Camber. If you only plan to carry up to three bikes and like the idea of a lighter rack that’s easier to handle, the Helium Pro is a really nice option. If you want the ability to carry four bikes and don’t mind the extra weight, the Camber is a solid and more budget-friendly choice.

So the question is, how many bikes are you trying to haul? Do you have a specific trail you like to ride? We have the Katy Trail here in Missouri and when the weather is nice it is jam packed with riders =)

expert reply by: Kate F

0

Thule Bike Rack Comparison
(click to enlarge)

Chris

3/23/2026

Thank you very much. This is very informative and made my decision to go with the Thule Helium Pro

Kate F.

3/23/2026

@Chris Glad I could help narrow down the choice Chris! Let me know how you like it once you get things set up =)

Answer 1

Hey Joel, There are a couple important differences between the Thule Camber 4-Bike Rack #TH9056 and Thule Apex XT 4-Bike Rack #TH9025XT. One of them is indeed the locks, as the Camber does not have locks while the Apex comes with a lock for the rack…

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Answer 2

To determine if the Thule Apex #TH9024XT will fit your 1999 Toyota RAV4 you will have to take one important measurement. Measure from the center of the hitch pin hole straight back to the distance required to clear the spare tire. If that distance is…

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Answer 3

When we installed a hitch on a similar Rav4 as your 1999 Toyota RAV4 we found that the dimension from the center of the hitch pin hole to the outermost edge of the spare tire was 11 inches. You will want to verify this measurement on your vehicle,…

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Answer 4

I would recommend the Thule Bike Adapter Bar, part #TH982XT, to use on both the womens and childs bikes. The adapter attaches to the bikes seat post and handlebar post creating a horizontal bar that would attach securely to the bike rack. By mounting…

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Answer 5

I went ahead and spoke to my contact at Thule, and while you can technically use a hitch extender like the Roadmaster #RM-071-75, this will void the warranty if a problem were to occur with your Thule Apex XT 4 #TH9025XT. Although, the Roadmaster…

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Answer 6

I recommend the Thule Helium Pro 3 Bike Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting - Aluminum Part #TH9043PRO. With its lightweight aluminum construction, the installation is easy, and it will allow you to free up some weight for your activity…

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Answer 7

Hey Jesse, Cool name. I was able to track down the manufacturer instructions for the Swagman Titan Bike Rack #S63400, and I have provided a link to the instructions below. We do have several review videos also. They do not show assembly or…

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Answer 8

Yes, the Swagman Titan 2 Bike Carrier, #S63400, will fit either a 2 inch trailer hitch or a 1-1/4 inch trailer hitch. The unique shank design has a 2 inch shank on one side and a 1-1/4 inch on the other. All you do is flip it around to the size you…

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Answer 9

The best trailer hitch for your 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime is our etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e23ZR because it has the standard hidden crosstube, but the thing that sets it apart is the matte black finish because it looks better and does a better…

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Answer 10

The guy you talked to is completely incorrect. I am not sure where he came up with that but the only time you have to reduce the capacity of a hitch is when you use a hitch extender. The EcoHitch part #306-X7332 when used with a bike rack like the…

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Answer 11

Hey Macy, for your 2022 Toyota RAV4 the hitch I would recommend is the Oris part #TS66VR as it doesn't require any trimming or cutting of the bumper and also it has a removable hitch opening so when not in use the hitch would be totally out of…

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Answer 12

To determine if the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Rack, #HLY84FR will clear the spare tire on your Toyota RAV4, we will want to take one important measurement, the distance from the center of the hitch pin hole on your trailer hitch to the rear…

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Which Bike Rack Sticks Out Furter the Thule Camber or the Thule Helium Pro?

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