Recommendations For Replacement Thule Sway Cage and Cradles

Question:

While ordering replacement straps for Thule T3 cradles, I discovered the Stay-Put cradles on your website, and started wondering: is it a good idea to change my T3 cradles to the Stay-Put ones? Are they newer? Better in any way? T3 has softer plastic on the top, which I do not see on the Stay-Put cradle picture? Also: How does the no-sway cage 853-7758 compares with the 753-3530 cage that works with the T3 cradles? Thanks!

asked by: Leonid D

Expert Reply:

The Thule Stay-Put Cradle # 853-7887 is designed for the Parkway, Roadway, Hitching Post Pro and Passage bike carriers. It is a basic, entry-level cradle, whereas the Thule T3 # 853-5829 replacement cradle has an extra level of cushion and has a more universal fit. Both cradles have been in production for a while, neither of them are new. If you are happy with the way your bike carries on your T3, there is no reason to change.

The Thule No Sway Cage # 753-3530 and Thule # 853-7758 have different intended purposes. The # 753-3530 is designed for a cradle that does not have an attachment point and hooks to the bar as shown in the picture whereas the # 853-7758 is designed for bike cradles that do have an attachment point, such as the Stay-Put # 853-7887, and can connect directly to the cradle. I have attached pictures describing the connections.

Although both of the no-sway cages operate in the same fashion, they are not interchangeable because of their attachment methods.