Can The Thule Elite Van XT 2 Bike Rack TH302043 Be Used For A Trike?

Question:

I am thinking of using this rack to build a custom rack for my CatTrike 559 that will allow me to mount it on the door of a Sprinter 3500. I do not want to use a hitch mounted rack because they sway. I want to mount a recumbent trike using this rack by modifying it slightly. I want to replace the trays with two metal bars that are 36inch wide. Then I want to mount wheel trays on the metal bars faceing front to back not side to side. I would build the trays by cutting the trays that come with the rack to about 20 inches long. I would attach the trays to the metal bars. The front wheels of the trike would rest on the trays. The rear wheel would be attached to the top of the rack using existing clamp. The bike weights 40 lbs. Do you think my design concept is feasible? Thank You

asked by: Andrew S

Expert Reply:

Hello Andrew. That is definitely an interesting idea. I really cannot recommend modifying the Thule Elite Van XT 2 Bike Rack # TH302043 in the way you described. Not only would this void your warranty, but there is no guarantee that the rack will be able to support a bike in this way. Not to underestimate your modification skills, but I cannot in good conscience recommend doing that.

That said, there are no other options for carrying a trike on the back of a van like this. If you are confident in your modification/fabrication abilities, and you are ok with the risk involved in a voided warranty, making your own trike carrier really would be the only option.

expert reply by: Jesse M