Can You Drive With an Empty Thule Epos or OutPace Bike Rack Attached to Your Vehicle?
Updated 11/03/2026 | Published 10/30/2026
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Question:
Will Thule epos or outpace if you carry bike to shop or somewhere to leave it do you have to take rack off and store before driving home with empty rack
asked by: Johnny
Expert Reply:
Thanks for letting us help Johnny. Both the Thule Epos Bike Rack # TH69XE and the Thule OutPace Bike Rack # TH59SA can be transported without bikes loaded on them. So, if you're dropping your bikes off somewhere and driving back with an empty rack, that's perfectly fine. That said, I wouldn't recommend leaving either rack installed and driving around empty any longer than necessary. Removing the rack when you're not using it will help limit potential damage.
One important thing Thule points out is that both racks need to be in their fully deployed position when driving, even if you aren't carrying any bikes. The folded or compact positions are meant for storage or use while the vehicle is parked when you've unloaded your bikes and want to limit how far the rack extends behind the vehicle. They are not intended for driving in those positions.
Are you going to be transporting three bikes? What types of bike do you have? There are some pretty big differences between the Epos and Outpace so I'd be happy help you find the best rack for situation.
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Epos Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel or Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Rack
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 3 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Electric Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Thule
more information >
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Tom
11/3/2026
I drive with this rack empty more than I do with bikes on it. One thing to know about this rack is there is no pinning it in the up position, it is always down and it is a bit long. People hit when parking behind me in parking lots and I have bumped it on pillars in parking garages. Why Thule didn't give it a lock in the up position is beyond me. Other than that it has been amazing. One of the only racks on the market that can take the weight of my 3 fat tire ebikes.