Thule T2
The Product:
The Thule T2 as stated before is a hitch mounted tray style rack. We are reviewing the 1 ¼” version of the T2 which was attached to a Curt Manufacturing 1 ¼” receiver hitch. I’ll be sure to mention any differences between the 1 ¼” version and the 2” version as Thule does make both sizes.
History:
Thule isn’t a rookie in the world of utility racks. They’ve been around since 1942. Over the years Thule has grown offering more and more products in order to feed the needs of its customers. Based out of Malmö, Sweden, Thule sells product all over globe and employs around 3,700 people. Even though Thule has a global reach and vast production capabilities it has not corrupted their vision of creating products for its customers that exhibit their core values of innovation, timeless design, quality construction, and respect for the environment.
Features:
- Can carry bikes with a wheelbase of up to 48”: The rear wheel assembly simply slides back and forth on the tray in order to accommodate smaller 20” style bikes as well as large wheelbase bikes up to 48”.
- Fits wheels from 20” up to 29”: The adjustable front wheel lock down arm is able to secure wheels ranging from 20” all the way up to 29”.
- Will accept up to 3.0” tire: The width of the front wheel cradle as well as the rear assembly are both wide enough to handle a vast range of tires.
- Minimal bike contact: The frame is not contacted at all with the Thule design. The front wheel arm secures via the tire and the rear wheel is secured via the wheel strap across the rim.
- Easy stow and tilt down functionality: The Thule receiver hitch is one of the nicest we’ve seen. By simply pulling the release lever the rack rotates up into the stowed location with ease. To lower simply pull the release lever and rotate the rack down until it clicks in. The T2 also offers the ability to tilt down if you need more access to the rear of your vehicle such as a trunk or hatch. Simply remove the safety pin and pull the release lever and the rack rotates down very nicely.
- Can carry bikes up to 100lbs: The T2 trays can carry up 60lbs a piece but 100lbs is the max total load for the rack itself in the 1 1/4″ version. The 2″ version can handle up to 160lbs total with 2 bike add-on (4 bikes total).
- Fully adjustable trays: The T2 trays are fully adjustable side to side and front to back in order to accommodate varying bike clearance issues.
Installation and Bike Mounting:
The installation of the Thule T2 can seem slightly tedious but nothing out of the ordinary. Thule includes almost all the tools necessary for the installation of the T2. They include two metal wrenches and a 5mm hex key but you’ll need a screwdriver to install the front wheel cradles.
The steps you have to perform to install the hitch and mount your bikes are as follows:
- Configure receiver for installation
- Install receiver into hitch and secure with hitch bolt
- Install front wheel cradles
- Install trays
- Load bikes and secure with front wheel arms and rear locking assemblies.
To view the fully detailed instructions check out the .pdf on Thule’s website.
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