Can Cargo Carrier Be Installed on Thule 4-Bike Platform Rack TH69TX

Question:

Can the 2 bike expansion be replaced with a cargo tray similar to the Hollywood racks sport rider? I really like this feature on the sport rider but like the wheel secure on the Thule t2 as I do have a carbon frame bike

asked by: Victor

Expert Reply:

The Thule T2 # TH69TX isn't designed, intended or recommended for use with a cargo carrying tray. Due to the size of the square tubing, the shank of the carrier wouldn't fit in the bike rack.

A bike rack set-up like the Hollywood Racks # HR1400Z-85 IS an excellent idea, but it only carries two bikes and if you take a close look at the specifications, when used with the bike rack the cargo tray will be limited to a 90 lb weight capacity (which isn't much). This is because the cargo tray is pretty far rearward of the vehicle's trailer hitch, and the rack will act like a lever applying force to the receiver tube.

However, because your bike has a carbon fiber frame, using a rack like the # HR1400-85 that grabs the bike by the frame isn't recommended. Using a wheel mount rack like the T2 would be a better choice to protect your bike frames.

We do offer some roof-top cargo carrying options. If you'd care to reply telling me the year, make and model of your vehicle, what is currently on your vehicle roof and a description of what you're wanting to carry, I'd be happy to make some recommendations for you.

expert reply by: Mike L