Will Thule Helium Pro 2 Bike Rack # TH9042PRO Allow Rear RV Doors to Open

Question:

I have a Travato with a 2inch hitch, that is a Promaster van chassis. I want to know if the rear van doors will open and clear the bike rack with it lowered. I am drawn to the Helium because of its weight. I will carry just one bike.

asked by: Fran F

Expert Reply:

The Thule Helium Pro 2 Bike Rack # TH9042PRO referenced in your question does feature a tilt-away design that allows most rear hatch doors to open without interference but with swing-away doors like what you have on the Travato RV it's unlikely you will be able to open them completely without removing the rack. This is going to be the case with any tilt-away bike rack.

The good news, as you alluded to in your question, is that when you do need to open the doors completely the extremely light weight of this carrier (19 pounds!) is going to allow for easy removal and re-installation.

For something that will clear the rear doors on your RV your best option is with a swing-away rack like the Thule Apex Swing XT # TH9027XT. This is the lightest swing-away bike rack we have available at 42 pounds and its hinged arm allows you to swing the entire rack, with the bikes still loaded, out and to the side of the vehicle allowing for complete rear cargo access.

The Apex Swing can handle 4 bikes at 37-1/2 pounds each.

expert reply by: Chris R