I bought this and the add-on with two more racks! You really helped in a few questions that I had! One was the rubber inserts on the end caps! I wasn't sure if they stay inside or not! The instructions for the high price of this rack are very poorly made! Thanks for making this video!
Thank you!!! Just purchased one & found the instructions difficult to understand ~ your video made for a smooth installation! Best to you & yours, Ed & Fam
Oh my god!!! This is the BEST VIDEO!! I tried 4 others (newer! 2021) and this video is the most complete! Right down to the details about the screws, when to tighten,, why the blank key works the way it does, silicone added, and why. Appreciate this SO much! Thank you.
Glad you liked this vid. Yes I'm quite OCD about things and I think for the future when things need servicing and thought if I don't spell this out now that I'm going to be in a world of hurt later trying to take things apart when they need fixing. An ounce of prevention is a pound of cure.
Thank you for the video. All your tips were very helpful. To me you sound like a smart sensible guy and I back that observation up by the fact you drive a Tundra.
I'm glad you liked the video. I'm quite detailed oriented and while my videos can be verbose and long that there would be NO doubt in how to properly assemble this rack and have it last for many many years.
Thank you!!! The Thule instructions were worthless. I had no idea how to put it together. Your video saved me!! Thank you so much for taking the time to produce such a comprehensive and easy to follow video!!!
So glad I found your video online. Thule should be ashamed of the "instructions" they provide with the rack. Especially considering what they charge. Your video was very helpful!
Thanks for the video. I have assembled hundreds of bikes, toys, etc. over the decades and the instructions for this are laughable. I couldn't have done it without your video.
Glad you found the video useful. It really really shocks me that for a brand as well known as Thule that you'd think they would have the resources to hire someone that can do a proper illustration and write a few lines on how to assemble things. While it isn't rocket science that if you're not handy in "spatial" recognition on how something should look assembled they're gonna really struggle with this.
@@piercedasian exactly. before finding your video, I showed the instructions to two people and asked them what they thought and they told me that someone in China must have written them. They could have made a video like yours or include a link to YOURS in their instructions on any new sales!! :)
Great video! I few tips that I discovered: 1. when you strap down the rear wheel, you should thread the end of the plastic strap INSIDE the hole, not around the outside (I noticed you were attaching it outside). That will give a more secure hold, especially for the narrower tires. 2. For me it was a real pain to get the rack to go into the hitch receiver the first time (I have the 1 1/4 inch receiver), because the friction wedge was sticking out. I wrapped it in a cloth, then used a big channel-lock pliers to squeeze it together - that made it go in easier. 3. I didn't have a helper, so I did the assembly entirely off the car. I layed the bars face down on a carpeted floor, extended the rack out flat and set it upsidedown on top of the bars. That was I could easily put in the 4 bolts all by myself. Same for the front wheel holders. Thanks again for posting this, I don't think i ever would have figured out how to put in the key tumblers! -Dan
Fully aware. I demoed what can be done but for sure if you loop the strap inside vs. outside you'll get more or less length. Its funny how the manual doesn't clearly show that but I knew it could be done either way. Thanks for watching my video!
Great video, you're a youtube hero with this one. Only addition I would add is that the knob to tighten the hitch didn't work until we both put the lock in with the blank key, but also turned it 90 degrees in place. If you mentioned that, I'm deaf, but it took a good bit of disassembly for us to figure that out on our own.
This is the best video I have ever watched on TH-cam simply because it provides so much information in such a simple way for so many people who are seeking it. Thank you!
Echoing the same sentiments as others. Thank you so much for this concise and precise video! While my instruction manual had all the pages, I seriously questioned if I was having a “moment” because the graphic instructions are absurdly terrible. You made this understandable and easy like it should be! Thank you!
Thank you for going step by step and not only visually showing us but your explanations are very clear, I like that what your explaining your also showing visibly not like other videos that others say what to do then cut to the part done. I like how for example you explain how to fit a bigger tire by loosening up the strap and showcasing the process with great angles so the viewer isn't wondering or guessing what you're referring to. I had your video on my iPad as I assembled my T2 PRO XT, easiest assembly ever thanks to your video, Great video.
Glad you liked the video! Yes the devil is in the details and there is NO point doing a TH-cam video if I'm not going to show someone HOW to do it. Its amazing how many complain how long my videos are and how they say I "patronize" their intelligence. I'm glad you that YOU appreciate the video.
All I needed to know was how to get the bike rake on and off our car. You didn't really address it, but you video had the detail about using the key to unlock/lock the knob to tighten/loosen the rack, so that was good enough for me to figure it out. I had thought that when the knob was tight, it was locked, and then wouldn't move, which is the opposite of how it works.
Thank you for these instructions. They are very clear (unlike the ones supplied with the bike rack). I watched your video and then installed the bike rack with no problems.
This was probably the best video I have found on assembling my rack (which I just received yesterday). My manual included all of the pages, which yours was missing. You have some great pointers such as using lube on the screws. As soon as you had mentioned the orientation of the two beams, I had to go out and see if I had them in the proper direction (luckily I did). I found putting this together with the abysmal instruction manual similar to assembling something from IKEA. Thule could easily have made it into a good manual just by adding a few words and suggestions. For example, how tight the screws should go, and some information on the proper use of the rack. I assembled the rack by myself on the back of my vehicle. It honestly was not that difficult, although you have to have the second screw available once you get the first screw partially in. And of course, I did drop a washer more than once on the driveway, and had to use a magnet to locate it, so it might be a good idea to place a hunk of cardboard, or a sheet under the rack during assembly. One other thing - there have been reports of vehicles getting ticketed (at least in Canada) because the licence plate is obscured by the rack. I see Thule offers an optional plate holder for the rack, which attaches to the rack itself. Unfortunately, this was out of stock. So I guess I will take my chances.
Glad you liked the video! Its funny how something as straightforward as a bike rack can get confusing b/c of how the manufacturer documents or packages their product. Given how expensive these racks are that taking proper care to assemble this properly is key. Not sure how others feel about something pedestrian like a bike rack but I take care of everything I own and this rack is no exception.
Comprehensive explanation of rack features, assembly and tricks(synthetic lube etc) to get the most out of the unit. Maybe THULE should commission you as their product specialist for sales etc 👍
glad you liked the video. It just drives me batty that instructions are so poorly drawn up and the shops that assemble these racks - they assemble them but god knows if they cross threaded anything or did the necessary steps to prevent damage to the rack prior to delivering it to you. Build yourself and you'll know exactly the amount of care put into assembling it.
Awesome video. Just picked mine up today!!! Assembly tomorrow after golf. These things are like unicorns right now!!! Your video will guarentee an easier assembly. Very much appreciated dude. Pat from Ontario Canada
Thanks for the video. Lots of detail. Just a quick comment on grease and thread locker use. Superlube is a synthetic grease. It's not a silicone grease. As it is synthetic it will repel water and it's a good choice for the plastic ABS carrier. Unfortunately it is a lubricant that never really dries. So those bolts or screws could move over time. So periodic re-torquing is a good idea after some serious mileage. You definitely don't want to use a Loctite threadlocker there as the uncured resin, if it comes into contact with the plastic, will attack and stress craze the plastic. So avoid all contact there. Anything that's powder coated or anodized or bare metal is fine. How do I know this? I was a Loctite rep for over 30 years. Also, 243 or 222MS are great choices for the bolts. Both are removable. Thanks again for the post. Great info. Cheers.
That's a valid point and I stand corrected on superlube. Yes I definitely wouldn't want to use the blue/green/red loctite on the fasteners as you've said, it will attack the plastic. Fortunately for the screws that I used superlube on that they're a low vibration (I think) fastener so I hope it doesn't come loose anytime soon.
Thank you. My instructions didn't have blank pages and had more pictures, but they were absolutely incomprehensible. I'm sure you saved me at least an hour on this.
So glad my explanation helped. Yes the manual book sucks and the person that wrote it and approved it should be fired for incompetence on their lack of ability to write proper technical documentation.
Wow, you are so right about the dismal instructions. Great tip about extending the strap! Also, I had a problem with the locks, I did not realize that one key is for installation and the other ones are actually to turn the lock, Duh! No wonder I could not turn the lock on the Knob with the installation key and also tried to insert the cable lock with the regular keys and they wouldn't go in! Every thing else was pretty easy, but I was dumbfounded with the locks until I saw your video. Thanks!!!
glad that you were able to get your rack all setup properly. Yes the instructions are absolutely idiotic and what use are pictures if they don't tell a proper story on how to actually assemble the bloody thing! Great product, terrible instructions.
Thank you! I wish I had found your video before muddling through the almost useless manual. Very helpful, great tips, and just long enough! Thank you again.
It's a great rack - very heavy especially if you upgrade it to the 4 bike version but despite its unwieldily weight (4 bike edition) that its by far my favourite bike rack. Great quality and good looks and easy to assemble - permitted you use this video of course :)
You saved me a ton of time and although the instructions on the Thule website are a bit better than the woefully inadequate printed ones, they are still inadequate. Thank you for making this video and keeping me from losing my mind.
Excellent video. Many how-to videos have annoyingly long intros and/or the creator babbles about stuff unrelated to the task. Not yours, just a straight forward demonstration. Thanks I assembled and installed my XTR yesterday.
Thanks - you are right, the Thule instructions for the initial assembly absolutely suck. You hit on a few key points that really helped me out! Well done.
Just a T2 pro XT at a garage sell but they didn't come with lock cylinders for the hitch knob and cable lock. I cant seem to find the part number for them. Do you know it?
the lock cylinders are the easiest part to obtain. Just go to any Thule dealer and ask for a lock cylinder set and they can sell you a kit that has multiple matching lock cylinders with a new key.
I love the bike rack the only problem I have is the cable locks are not long enough for my 5 inch tires I have a Bolton Foxbat E bike do you have any suggestions thank you
have you tried pulling up on the lock mechanism? The lock doesn't actually stay in the "pole" of the rack. The end can pop off that then allows you to wrap the cable around the tire and secure the lock close the to bike. It was an accidental discovery I made when I said the same thing about the shorter than usual cable. Turns out that its short if you pull it out and try to tie it around your bike and then loop BACK to where the cable comes out of the rack. Totally NOT necessary to do that. Try pulling up on the end of the lock where the cable pulls out of and you'll see the end holding the lock will pop out giving you MUCH more flexibility on how to lock your bike to the rack :)
Dude thank you! I came here about the locking mechanism and no other video explained that the one key is an insertion key only, and not meant to turn the lock.
So I just got one of these and a thing I’m concerned is that the little claw thing that goes into the hitch pin. Doesn’t lock and stay in. It’s like a spring tension system that “hopefully” stay in. Am I missing something?
So I had similar concerns but I can assure you that it will hold just fine (in fact it holds really good!). You install the rack, line up the safety pin hole from the hitch to the hole in the rack's tongue. When the holes line up you snap the latch on so it prevents the hitch from ever falling out. You then proceed to turn the twist knob to "expand" the end of the tongue on the rack. As you twist, wobble the bike rack up and down as you're tightening the knob. You'll feel the "wobble" slack get taken up and the wobbling will diminish and it will be solid as a rock. Excellent design on their part.
The cables are just that... cables. Easily cuttable with larger wire cutters. It is meant to keep the honest thieves away. If someone wants your bike off that rack they will EASILY get them if they have the appropriate size wire/bolt cutters.
It honestly doesn't matter b/c the Thule print on the bar is just that... a printed label/decal. It has no bearing on the functionality of the rack and is more of an aesthetic thing.
Thank you! Thule should be embarrassed at the extraordinarily bad instructions they provide. This assembly would have been impossible without you video.
Hi, I’m installing mine but the knob that secures the rack to the hitch just spins freely like yours in the video. How did you make it tighten so that it was secure and not wobbly?
Your instructions booklet was a misprint. My booklet has all the pages. Did you download the instructions from the website. Thanks for the points on the mounting bracket with the Thule Logo on top. i found an impact driver helpful, but need to watch the torque and tighten by hand.
Yeah I was told my instruction booklet was a misprint. Regardless the Thule instructions suck as I've purchased some other Thule stuff and their technical writing team could use a lesson or two on how to present procedures in a better manner. Glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching!
Super video explaining everything Thule doesn't . Only question is "Do you have a video that shows how to install the second rack onto the first one, thereby creating the 4-bike rack?
Great video. Do you think it's possible for me to remove the bike holding bars from the main attachment (that goes into the hitch reciever) and store all 3 parts separately for the winter? I live in a shoebox and I can't keep the whole bike rack stowed as is.
Yes, absolutely. Just make sure you that you keep the washers and bolts in a bag that you won't lose otherwise you'll have to source new ones from a Thule dealer (they're metric BTW) and while it likely won't be expensive that it is a bit of a nuisance to try to find missing screws and washers when you really need them.
yep anywhere there is a metal screw screwing into the ABS plastic I put a little blob of the grease on it to prevent the screws from rusting into the abs plastic.
right??! The brilliant folks at Thule need to hire someone that can create property documentation. I had to do the world a favour by giving a quickie assembly vid to remove the confusion Thule has created on how to assemble their OWN product.
Great how to assemble video. You’re absolutely right about the instructions. They look like cave drawings. Your video was so helpful. Thank you so much!
Glad you found my assembly video useful. Stay tuned as I got word that my 9036 XTB extension came in so I will be upgrading this rack to a 4 bike unit soon!
I bought one last year and I’m having such a hard time locking the bike…I always thought the lock cylinder was too short to fit ..not sure how does actually locks ..this one has wheels to drag around lol …nice !… however I wish my locks worked better than that…I’ll try again to see if I can Lock them properly…
Here is a tip for you... where the lock is on the bike... yank up on it and you'll see that you can now wrap the cable around your bike and move the lock along the cable to where you need it and latch it on. I thought the same thing until one day it popped out of the rod/beam where the lock was "plugged" into. Give it a yank and you'll find it is PLENTY long.
Thanks very much for your helpful video. I watched a few times just to make sure I was thoroughly familiar with everything. I actually got a full instruction booklet, however the two innermost holes ( closest to the main tower) on the two wheel baskets don't line up and I could only use two screws. And yes they are pointing in the proper direction. I wonder if anyone else had this problem. Other than that, this is a very easy to use bike rack.
glad the video was helpful. If the basket holes aren't lining up I would take the rack back to the dealer you purchased from to get an exchange. Mine lined up perfectly and given the steep price of this rack that I would expect nothing less than perfect.
@@piercedasian Thanks again for the video and reply. I couldn't wait to return it through Amazon and needed it right away so I made due with just two screws on each basket. I took it and my road bike on the highway with out any problems. And that was with a flat front tire. It is still very stable. I guess if there had to be a problem this was the best problem to have. Not too happy but at least I can use it seemingly w/o problems.
@@garykurtz3009 if you take out all the screws and then try and line up the holes, find the one that is least lined up, put the screw threw and find the hole with the basket and holes slightly away from the screw, the screw will be bent a little, but once you do one slightly, find the rest, and screw them in a little at a time.
Great how to assemble video and tips. Apparently in checking with Thule, the paper manuals where not printed properly. They did have instructions downloadable from their website that fixed the printed version. However, those are a little better, but no where near what you have provided! Thank you so much for this great video.
yeah it is mind-blowing that a misprinted manual can be shipped with their premier product. I guess people make mistakes but still... what an awful set of instructions!
not it technically doesn't matter but from how Thule's marketing material is concerned the bar with the "thule" name on it should be furthest from the vehicle. Purely meant for branding purposes.
Maybe someone else pointed this out, but you may have gotten a misprinted instruction manual. Mine had pics to install all the parts. Super easy to assemble (did it fairly quickly in the REI parking lot) and all the screws aligned with the holes (which apparently Thule is notorious for messing up). Great bike rack! Thanks for the vid 👍🏽
Glad you liked the vid. Yes I have been told numerous times that my manual book was a misprint but even if they were a complete printed instruction booklet that they're still pretty cryptic.
Thanks for this, you're right about the instruction book, although mine had a few more printed pages than yours, it was still a challenge to decipher. Well done!
Unfortunately due to the nature of how the rack holds the bike that having front fenders is ani no for the xt2 pro. I am currently working on a solution that would allow me to secure bikes with front fenders as it is a pain to not be able to use an otherwise perfectly convenient rack.
Thanks for the great video. I figure after Thule saw this video they decided to complete all the pages in the assembly instruction manual. Mine had all the pages, but instructions were about as cryptic as Ikea. One thing I didn't expect is that the rack doesn't sit flat; i.e. parallel to the hitch. It leans in toward the vehicle quite a few degrees. I imagine it is designed this way purposely to reduce the cantilevered weight, but I'm using it with a truck and camper so the very wide handlebars on my Rocky Mountain Altitude come within one inch of my camper. If the rack was level, it wouldn't be a problem. I guess my Rocky will be riding on the rear rack.
lol I bet someone was really asleep at the wheel when they made the instructions... Either way, I'm glad that subsequent versions of the manual are complete even though you may as well be reading hieroglyphics.
lol yes, the CRX is one of the cars that I have been hiding in storage for literally 15+ years. Bought it in exceptionally good condition but did a full paint restoration on it anyways b/c the factory paint was in just "ok" condition. Cost a small fortune to get it restored to as near factory condition as possible but it is probably one of the nicest stock ones rolling around in this end of the country.
Or for that matter, for the four bike version, if I want to run 3 trays or 2 trays , is the design structurally sound to withstand it? Great instructional video!
Unfortunately with my bikes on the rack I am unable to fully open the lift gate when a bike is inner most tray. I guess if you were just carrying one bike on the outer tray you could open it without issue.
Thanks for the video! I was wondering, without any bikes on and with the rack, In the tilt position, can you fully lower the tailgate without it touching the rack?
@@egmuni1897 I ended up buying a Kuat rack. I discovered that with my F-150 you can't fully open the tailgate with either rack because of the wide top on the tailgate. I think it would work for a smaller tailgate like on a tacoma
weird that Thule can even "approve" those kind of instructions. I mean, the assembly isn't rocket science but something a little more descriptive would help those that are not so mechanically inclined to properly assemble this rack.
No it isn't supposed to slide at all. What special tool are you referring to? The ratchet? All my tool is is a speedier version of the included Allen key that came with the bike rack. Bottom line is that the screws need to be screwed in fully (and they will screw all the way down with a bit of friction (due to the blue thread locking compound on the screws) but it should NOT slide around.
no that is the biggest problem I have with this bike rack is that there are NO provisions to get it to work with a bike with fenders. I'm in the midst of trying to create my own "adapter" bar to make it carry a bike equipped with fenders (Townie Elecktra). Once I figure it out I will be posting my "hack" to make it work with this rack. Stay tuned.
OMG, so glad you found the video useful! The folk at Thule have some serious competency issues with writing technical documentation. Its unbelievable how poor their instructions are.
It definitely is a pain in the butt to store b/c of its size and weight. In the end I just roll it in and out of our garage as needed but it definitely isn't something for those that are challenged with storage space should be buying.
yes you can, it is the 9036XTB 2 bike extender. If you sub to my channel you'll see me perform the upgrade in June when it arrives. The extension in my neck of the woods is backordered until then. It is a bit finicky to put together so I will be doing a tutorial.
I bought this and the add-on with two more racks! You really helped in a few questions that I had! One was the rubber inserts on the end caps! I wasn't sure if they stay inside or not! The instructions for the high price of this rack are very poorly made! Thanks for making this video!
No problem. Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you!!! Just purchased one & found the instructions difficult to understand ~ your video made for a smooth installation! Best to you & yours, Ed & Fam
You're welcome!
Oh my god!!! This is the BEST VIDEO!!
I tried 4 others (newer! 2021) and this video is the most complete! Right down to the details about the screws, when to tighten,, why the blank key works the way it does, silicone added, and why. Appreciate this SO much! Thank you.
Glad you liked this vid. Yes I'm quite OCD about things and I think for the future when things need servicing and thought if I don't spell this out now that I'm going to be in a world of hurt later trying to take things apart when they need fixing. An ounce of prevention is a pound of cure.
Thank you for the video. All your tips were very helpful. To me you sound like a smart sensible guy and I back that observation up by the fact you drive a Tundra.
Just picked an XTR up to replace my aging Yakima Holdup. I found your video and didn’t have to open the owners manual once. Thank you!
You're very welcome!
I watched several install video’s for this bike rack. Yours was by far the best.
I'm glad you liked the video. I'm quite detailed oriented and while my videos can be verbose and long that there would be NO doubt in how to properly assemble this rack and have it last for many many years.
Thank you!!! The Thule instructions were worthless. I had no idea how to put it together. Your video saved me!! Thank you so much for taking the time to produce such a comprehensive and easy to follow video!!!
Yes the Thule instructions are so blah! Glad you found my video handy!
I just got my T2 XTR, with out this video I could not have assembled it. Thule should give you a commission. THANKS !!!!
Glad you liked the video. I WISH Thule would give me a commission for teaching others on how to assemble this rack. Sadly that will NEVER happen :(
So glad I found your video online. Thule should be ashamed of the "instructions" they provide with the rack. Especially considering what they charge. Your video was very helpful!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks so much, very helpful. You're right the included instructions are garbage but this video answered all my questions that the instructions didn't
Glad it worked out for you!
Thanks for the video. I have assembled hundreds of bikes, toys, etc. over the decades and the instructions for this are laughable. I couldn't have done it without your video.
Glad you found the video useful. It really really shocks me that for a brand as well known as Thule that you'd think they would have the resources to hire someone that can do a proper illustration and write a few lines on how to assemble things. While it isn't rocket science that if you're not handy in "spatial" recognition on how something should look assembled they're gonna really struggle with this.
@@piercedasian exactly. before finding your video, I showed the instructions to two people and asked them what they thought and they told me that someone in China must have written them. They could have made a video like yours or include a link to YOURS in their instructions on any new sales!! :)
Great video! I few tips that I discovered:
1. when you strap down the rear wheel, you should thread the end of the plastic strap INSIDE the hole, not around the outside (I noticed you were attaching it outside). That will give a more secure hold, especially for the narrower tires.
2. For me it was a real pain to get the rack to go into the hitch receiver the first time (I have the 1 1/4 inch receiver), because the friction wedge was sticking out. I wrapped it in a cloth, then used a big channel-lock pliers to squeeze it together - that made it go in easier.
3. I didn't have a helper, so I did the assembly entirely off the car. I layed the bars face down on a carpeted floor, extended the rack out flat and set it upsidedown on top of the bars. That was I could easily put in the 4 bolts all by myself. Same for the front wheel holders.
Thanks again for posting this, I don't think i ever would have figured out how to put in the key tumblers!
-Dan
Fully aware. I demoed what can be done but for sure if you loop the strap inside vs. outside you'll get more or less length. Its funny how the manual doesn't clearly show that but I knew it could be done either way. Thanks for watching my video!
thank you for that 2nd tip!!
Great video, you're a youtube hero with this one. Only addition I would add is that the knob to tighten the hitch didn't work until we both put the lock in with the blank key, but also turned it 90 degrees in place. If you mentioned that, I'm deaf, but it took a good bit of disassembly for us to figure that out on our own.
Thanks for sharing
This is the best video I have ever watched on TH-cam simply because it provides so much information in such a simple way for so many people who are seeking it. Thank you!
Could never have figured this out with the instructions in the box!
yeah the instructions are laughable. In my case it was worse b/c there were blank pages!
Echoing the same sentiments as others. Thank you so much for this concise and precise video! While my instruction manual had all the pages, I seriously questioned if I was having a “moment” because the graphic instructions are absurdly terrible. You made this understandable and easy like it should be! Thank you!
Glad it helped!
Thank you for going step by step and not only visually showing us but your explanations are very clear, I like that what your explaining your also showing visibly not like other videos that others say what to do then cut to the part done. I like how for example you explain how to fit a bigger tire by loosening up the strap and showcasing the process with great angles so the viewer isn't wondering or guessing what you're referring to. I had your video on my iPad as I assembled my T2 PRO XT, easiest assembly ever thanks to your video, Great video.
Glad you liked the video! Yes the devil is in the details and there is NO point doing a TH-cam video if I'm not going to show someone HOW to do it. Its amazing how many complain how long my videos are and how they say I "patronize" their intelligence. I'm glad you that YOU appreciate the video.
All I needed to know was how to get the bike rake on and off our car. You didn't really address it, but you video had the detail about using the key to unlock/lock the knob to tighten/loosen the rack, so that was good enough for me to figure it out. I had thought that when the knob was tight, it was locked, and then wouldn't move, which is the opposite of how it works.
Glad the assembly video helped you figure out what you were looking for.
Simple and precise instructions I wish Tule had hired you to do their assembly instructions
Thank you for these instructions. They are very clear (unlike the ones supplied with the bike rack). I watched your video and then installed the bike rack with no problems.
Glad you were able to get the assembly and installation all sorted out. Thanks for stopping by.
This was probably the best video I have found on assembling my rack (which I just received yesterday). My manual included all of the pages, which yours was missing. You have some great pointers such as using lube on the screws. As soon as you had mentioned the orientation of the two beams, I had to go out and see if I had them in the proper direction (luckily I did). I found putting this together with the abysmal instruction manual similar to assembling something from IKEA. Thule could easily have made it into a good manual just by adding a few words and suggestions. For example, how tight the screws should go, and some information on the proper use of the rack. I assembled the rack by myself on the back of my vehicle. It honestly was not that difficult, although you have to have the second screw available once you get the first screw partially in. And of course, I did drop a washer more than once on the driveway, and had to use a magnet to locate it, so it might be a good idea to place a hunk of cardboard, or a sheet under the rack during assembly. One other thing - there have been reports of vehicles getting ticketed (at least in Canada) because the licence plate is obscured by the rack. I see Thule offers an optional plate holder for the rack, which attaches to the rack itself. Unfortunately, this was out of stock. So I guess I will take my chances.
Glad you liked the video! Its funny how something as straightforward as a bike rack can get confusing b/c of how the manufacturer documents or packages their product. Given how expensive these racks are that taking proper care to assemble this properly is key. Not sure how others feel about something pedestrian like a bike rack but I take care of everything I own and this rack is no exception.
Comprehensive explanation of rack features, assembly and tricks(synthetic lube etc) to get the most out of the unit. Maybe THULE should commission you as their product specialist for sales etc 👍
glad you liked the video. It just drives me batty that instructions are so poorly drawn up and the shops that assemble these racks - they assemble them but god knows if they cross threaded anything or did the necessary steps to prevent damage to the rack prior to delivering it to you. Build yourself and you'll know exactly the amount of care put into assembling it.
This video saved me enormous amounts of time and frustration. Thank you for creating it.
Awesome video. Just picked mine up today!!! Assembly tomorrow after golf. These things are like unicorns right now!!! Your video will guarentee an easier assembly. Very much appreciated dude. Pat from Ontario Canada
Glad I could help!
Thank you for your great video really helpful. Mine got on the store today and assemble it with the help of your video. Thanks!!!
Glad you liked my video! Thanks for watching :)
Thanks for the video. Lots of detail. Just a quick comment on grease and thread locker use. Superlube is a synthetic grease. It's not a silicone grease. As it is synthetic it will repel water and it's a good choice for the plastic ABS carrier. Unfortunately it is a lubricant that never really dries. So those bolts or screws could move over time. So periodic re-torquing is a good idea after some serious mileage. You definitely don't want to use a Loctite threadlocker there as the uncured resin, if it comes into contact with the plastic, will attack and stress craze the plastic. So avoid all contact there. Anything that's powder coated or anodized or bare metal is fine. How do I know this? I was a Loctite rep for over 30 years. Also, 243 or 222MS are great choices for the bolts. Both are removable. Thanks again for the post. Great info. Cheers.
That's a valid point and I stand corrected on superlube. Yes I definitely wouldn't want to use the blue/green/red loctite on the fasteners as you've said, it will attack the plastic. Fortunately for the screws that I used superlube on that they're a low vibration (I think) fastener so I hope it doesn't come loose anytime soon.
Thank you. My instructions didn't have blank pages and had more pictures, but they were absolutely incomprehensible. I'm sure you saved me at least an hour on this.
So glad my explanation helped. Yes the manual book sucks and the person that wrote it and approved it should be fired for incompetence on their lack of ability to write proper technical documentation.
Excellent. Thank you! When I first opened the instructions I was like wtf is this?!? Your video was spot on. Well done sir.
Glad you liked the video! Thanks for watching!
Assembled mine today with your awesome video playing alongside. Man oh man thanks again!!!
Great to hear!
You are a lifesaver! The instructions that were included were terrible, as you said! You made assembly easy! Thank you so much!
You're very welcome!
Thank you so much for making this video. I don't think I could have assembled this without your video. THANKS AGAIN!!
Glad I could help!
Wow, you are so right about the dismal instructions. Great tip about extending the strap!
Also, I had a problem with the locks, I did not realize that one key is for installation and the other ones are actually to turn the lock, Duh! No wonder I could not turn the lock on the Knob with the installation key and also tried to insert the cable lock with the regular keys and they wouldn't go in!
Every thing else was pretty easy, but I was dumbfounded with the locks until I saw your video.
Thanks!!!
glad that you were able to get your rack all setup properly. Yes the instructions are absolutely idiotic and what use are pictures if they don't tell a proper story on how to actually assemble the bloody thing! Great product, terrible instructions.
@@piercedasian Absolutely, even Ikea instructions are better than these, and that says a lot!
It makes you wonder why the racks could not hav e come with the locks preinstalled by Thule.
Thank you! I wish I had found your video before muddling through the almost useless manual. Very helpful, great tips, and just long enough! Thank you again.
Glad my video was able to make things simple! Thanks for watching!
Wonderful and easily understandable video. I haven't purchased it yet but as part of my research this has been a great aid.
It's a great rack - very heavy especially if you upgrade it to the 4 bike version but despite its unwieldily weight (4 bike edition) that its by far my favourite bike rack. Great quality and good looks and easy to assemble - permitted you use this video of course :)
Great video! The instructions in my box were thorough but this made it a whole lot easier!
Thule really needs to pay you for this tutorial. They should be embarrassed with what they gave us. Thank you.
yes Thule technical writers are ridiculously bad at what they were hired to do.
You saved me a ton of time and although the instructions on the Thule website are a bit better than the woefully inadequate printed ones, they are still inadequate. Thank you for making this video and keeping me from losing my mind.
You're very welcome! Glad you were able to get this all setup with no issues :)
Who are the 10 people that gave this a thumbs down. This was an excellent video.
Haters are always gonna hate :)
Good Video, I am still not clear on how to unlock the rack to take it off when not in use.
Just insert the key into the hitch knob, unscrew the knob and pull rack off of hitch.
Excellent video. Many how-to videos have annoyingly long intros and/or the creator babbles about stuff unrelated to the task. Not yours, just a straight forward demonstration. Thanks I assembled and installed my XTR yesterday.
Glad you liked the video. Stay tuned for the 9036XTB 2 bike add on installation in June (that's how far back they're backordered for 2021).
The best assembly video out there. Great job
Glad you liked my assembly video!
Thanks - you are right, the Thule instructions for the initial assembly absolutely suck. You hit on a few key points that really helped me out! Well done.
Glad you liked the video! I do like how well the rack is made but wowzers does Thule need a lesson in documentation.
Just a T2 pro XT at a garage sell but they didn't come with lock cylinders for the hitch knob and cable lock. I cant seem to find the part number for them. Do you know it?
the lock cylinders are the easiest part to obtain. Just go to any Thule dealer and ask for a lock cylinder set and they can sell you a kit that has multiple matching lock cylinders with a new key.
@@piercedasian sounds good. Thank you.
I love the bike rack the only problem I have is the cable locks are not long enough for my 5 inch tires I have a Bolton Foxbat E bike do you have any suggestions thank you
have you tried pulling up on the lock mechanism? The lock doesn't actually stay in the "pole" of the rack. The end can pop off that then allows you to wrap the cable around the tire and secure the lock close the to bike. It was an accidental discovery I made when I said the same thing about the shorter than usual cable. Turns out that its short if you pull it out and try to tie it around your bike and then loop BACK to where the cable comes out of the rack. Totally NOT necessary to do that. Try pulling up on the end of the lock where the cable pulls out of and you'll see the end holding the lock will pop out giving you MUCH more flexibility on how to lock your bike to the rack :)
Thank you problem solved
Great video. Can you tell me exactly where the serial number if found on the Thule T2 Pro XTR? Thx
Well done! I sincerely appreciate the visuals and concise explanations.
Glad you liked the video!
Good to know about the strap adjustment as I didnt know and was wondering how it’ll accommodate my fatty tires. Thx!
Thank you so much! We got this bike for a little less new in an opened box. We think the person gave up with the bad instructions and returned it!
lol well their return is your gain. Hope you're loving this bike rack b/c I know we sure do!
This was incredible. I would have never been able to do it without this video! Thank you!!
Glad you liked the video!
This was super helpful! Thank you for creating this video
Glad it was helpful!
Dude thank you! I came here about the locking mechanism and no other video explained that the one key is an insertion key only, and not meant to turn the lock.
Haha glad you found my video helpful!
So I just got one of these and a thing I’m concerned is that the little claw thing that goes into the hitch pin. Doesn’t lock and stay in. It’s like a spring tension system that “hopefully” stay in. Am I missing something?
So I had similar concerns but I can assure you that it will hold just fine (in fact it holds really good!). You install the rack, line up the safety pin hole from the hitch to the hole in the rack's tongue. When the holes line up you snap the latch on so it prevents the hitch from ever falling out. You then proceed to turn the twist knob to "expand" the end of the tongue on the rack. As you twist, wobble the bike rack up and down as you're tightening the knob. You'll feel the "wobble" slack get taken up and the wobbling will diminish and it will be solid as a rock. Excellent design on their part.
Nice video, very clear and instructive. Do you know how to install add on to 4 bike or switch from 4 bikes to 2?
If you look on my channel I actually have a how to on the 4 bike conversion :)
The later printing had the blank pages filled in, but there are still no details. Your video was most useful in building the XTR bike rack.
Glad it was useful. I just received my XTR rack extension kit so I will be posting a video on how to add that piece onto the rack soon. Stay tuned!
Thanks for taking the time to make this video made installation even easier
You're most welcome! Thanks for watching.
Great video.Thank for posting this. Well done!
Great video, I’m considering this rack. Can you fully open your tailgate with the bikes on, or, with just one bike in the back tray?
Thank you for making this video. I was struggling with the Thule instructions. They are lacking.
You're very welcome. The Thule instructions are terrible at best.
What are the locking cables made of? Can they be easily cut with wire cutters?
The cables are just that... cables. Easily cuttable with larger wire cutters. It is meant to keep the honest thieves away. If someone wants your bike off that rack they will EASILY get them if they have the appropriate size wire/bolt cutters.
What if I already put it together and I have the bike support bar with Thule on it, on the bottom?
It honestly doesn't matter b/c the Thule print on the bar is just that... a printed label/decal. It has no bearing on the functionality of the rack and is more of an aesthetic thing.
Thank you! Thule should be embarrassed at the extraordinarily bad instructions they provide. This assembly would have been impossible without you video.
Hi, I’m installing mine but the knob that secures the rack to the hitch just spins freely like yours in the video. How did you make it tighten so that it was secure and not wobbly?
Insert the key to unlock the knob and it will engage the knob and prevent it from spinning freely.
Your instructions booklet was a misprint. My booklet has all the pages. Did you download the instructions from the website. Thanks for the points on the mounting bracket with the Thule Logo on top. i found an impact driver helpful, but need to watch the torque and tighten by hand.
Yeah I was told my instruction booklet was a misprint. Regardless the Thule instructions suck as I've purchased some other Thule stuff and their technical writing team could use a lesson or two on how to present procedures in a better manner. Glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching!
Super video explaining everything Thule doesn't . Only question is "Do you have a video that shows how to install the second rack onto the first one, thereby creating the 4-bike rack?
Glad you liked the video Larry! If you look at my other videos on my channel I have exactly what you’re looking for. It is there as the “Thule add-on”
Great video. Do you think it's possible for me to remove the bike holding bars from the main attachment (that goes into the hitch reciever) and store all 3 parts separately for the winter? I live in a shoebox and I can't keep the whole bike rack stowed as is.
Yes, absolutely. Just make sure you that you keep the washers and bolts in a bag that you won't lose otherwise you'll have to source new ones from a Thule dealer (they're metric BTW) and while it likely won't be expensive that it is a bit of a nuisance to try to find missing screws and washers when you really need them.
Do u have to put the super lube around the little screws before drilling them in?
yep anywhere there is a metal screw screwing into the ABS plastic I put a little blob of the grease on it to prevent the screws from rusting into the abs plastic.
I just ordered this rack. Thanks for your video!
You're very welcome. I'm sure you'll get many years of great use from this rack.
I just put together my XTR and it did come wth the printed pages... but it was still really hard to understand!
right??! The brilliant folks at Thule need to hire someone that can create property documentation. I had to do the world a favour by giving a quickie assembly vid to remove the confusion Thule has created on how to assemble their OWN product.
Great how to assemble video. You’re absolutely right about the instructions. They look like cave drawings. Your video was so helpful. Thank you so much!
Glad you found my assembly video useful. Stay tuned as I got word that my 9036 XTB extension came in so I will be upgrading this rack to a 4 bike unit soon!
Very clear and very helpful. Highly recommended
Glad it was helpful!
Can an extension be added to the XTR to accommodate an extra 2 bikes?
Yes there is! I am doing upgrade install vid on it the moment I get mine in around mid may.
I bought one last year and I’m having such a hard time locking the bike…I always thought the lock cylinder was too short to fit ..not sure how does actually locks ..this one has wheels to drag around lol …nice !… however I wish my locks worked better than that…I’ll try again to see if I can Lock them properly…
Here is a tip for you... where the lock is on the bike... yank up on it and you'll see that you can now wrap the cable around your bike and move the lock along the cable to where you need it and latch it on. I thought the same thing until one day it popped out of the rod/beam where the lock was "plugged" into. Give it a yank and you'll find it is PLENTY long.
Thanks very much for your helpful video. I watched a few times just to make sure I was thoroughly familiar with everything. I actually got a full instruction booklet, however the two innermost holes ( closest to the main tower) on the two wheel baskets don't line up and I could only use two screws. And yes they are pointing in the proper direction. I wonder if anyone else had this problem. Other than that, this is a very easy to use bike rack.
glad the video was helpful. If the basket holes aren't lining up I would take the rack back to the dealer you purchased from to get an exchange. Mine lined up perfectly and given the steep price of this rack that I would expect nothing less than perfect.
@@piercedasian Thanks again for the video and reply. I couldn't wait to return it through Amazon and needed it right away so I made due with just two screws on each basket. I took it and my road bike on the highway with out any problems. And that was with a flat front tire. It is still very stable. I guess if there had to be a problem this was the best problem to have. Not too happy but at least I can use it seemingly w/o problems.
@@garykurtz3009 if you take out all the screws and then try and line up the holes, find the one that is least lined up, put the screw threw and find the hole with the basket and holes slightly away from the screw, the screw will be bent a little, but once you do one slightly, find the rest, and screw them in a little at a time.
Great how to assemble video and tips. Apparently in checking with Thule, the paper manuals where not printed properly. They did have instructions downloadable from their website that fixed the printed version. However, those are a little better, but no where near what you have provided! Thank you so much for this great video.
yeah it is mind-blowing that a misprinted manual can be shipped with their premier product. I guess people make mistakes but still... what an awful set of instructions!
Hmm, does it matter if the thule marked platform is on the inside (instead of on the outside/top when stowed)?
not it technically doesn't matter but from how Thule's marketing material is concerned the bar with the "thule" name on it should be furthest from the vehicle. Purely meant for branding purposes.
@@piercedasian oh okay thanks because I ended up doing it the other way and too lazy to switch unless it messed with the integrity 😅
Thank you thank you thank you! Super helpful. I am in awe and send you many thanks!
You are so welcome!
Maybe someone else pointed this out, but you may have gotten a misprinted instruction manual. Mine had pics to install all the parts. Super easy to assemble (did it fairly quickly in the REI parking lot) and all the screws aligned with the holes (which apparently Thule is notorious for messing up). Great bike rack! Thanks for the vid 👍🏽
Glad you liked the vid. Yes I have been told numerous times that my manual book was a misprint but even if they were a complete printed instruction booklet that they're still pretty cryptic.
Thanks for this, you're right about the instruction book, although mine had a few more printed pages than yours, it was still a challenge to decipher. Well done!
Yes I have no idea who at Thule is writing their technical documentation but they should be fired!
Will this work with bike that has front fender? I have a Specialized Sirrus and a Trek Verve
Unfortunately due to the nature of how the rack holds the bike that having front fenders is ani no for the xt2 pro. I am currently working on a solution that would allow me to secure bikes with front fenders as it is a pain to not be able to use an otherwise perfectly convenient rack.
Thank you for a great instructional video. Just finished assembling and your video was extremely helpful!
Glad it helped!
Thanks for the great video. I figure after Thule saw this video they decided to complete all the pages in the assembly instruction manual. Mine had all the pages, but instructions were about as cryptic as Ikea. One thing I didn't expect is that the rack doesn't sit flat; i.e. parallel to the hitch. It leans in toward the vehicle quite a few degrees. I imagine it is designed this way purposely to reduce the cantilevered weight, but I'm using it with a truck and camper so the very wide handlebars on my Rocky Mountain Altitude come within one inch of my camper. If the rack was level, it wouldn't be a problem. I guess my Rocky will be riding on the rear rack.
lol I bet someone was really asleep at the wheel when they made the instructions... Either way, I'm glad that subsequent versions of the manual are complete even though you may as well be reading hieroglyphics.
Couldn't help but notice your red CRX!!!!! love those cars!!!!!
lol yes, the CRX is one of the cars that I have been hiding in storage for literally 15+ years. Bought it in exceptionally good condition but did a full paint restoration on it anyways b/c the factory paint was in just "ok" condition. Cost a small fortune to get it restored to as near factory condition as possible but it is probably one of the nicest stock ones rolling around in this end of the country.
Let's say I don't want the 2nd tray always, can I remove it and keep it, is it designed to run one tray unfitted?
Or for that matter, for the four bike version, if I want to run 3 trays or 2 trays , is the design structurally sound to withstand it?
Great instructional video!
Can you lower your tailgate fully with the bike rack tilted down while there's a bike on it?
Unfortunately with my bikes on the rack I am unable to fully open the lift gate when a bike is inner most tray. I guess if you were just carrying one bike on the outer tray you could open it without issue.
Thanks for the video! I was wondering, without any bikes on and with the rack,
In the tilt position, can you fully lower the tailgate without it touching the rack?
@@egmuni1897 I ended up buying a Kuat rack. I discovered that with my F-150 you can't fully open the tailgate with either rack because of the wide top on the tailgate. I think it would work for a smaller tailgate like on a tacoma
Thanks for the video, much better than the manual from Thule. I notice the Manual (online at least) does seem to have all the pages now).
weird that Thule can even "approve" those kind of instructions. I mean, the assembly isn't rocket science but something a little more descriptive would help those that are not so mechanically inclined to properly assemble this rack.
is the rack supposed to silde at all? I have tightened as much as i can and it still slides? maybe i need that special tool you have :@#$!@#4
No it isn't supposed to slide at all. What special tool are you referring to? The ratchet? All my tool is is a speedier version of the included Allen key that came with the bike rack. Bottom line is that the screws need to be screwed in fully (and they will screw all the way down with a bit of friction (due to the blue thread locking compound on the screws) but it should NOT slide around.
Life saver. Thule owes you big time.
thanks. Boy if I got a dime for every time someone has mentioned this on my channel I could retire! Thanks for stopping by!
Do you think it would work on bikes that have fenders? Thanks for the fine instructions.
no that is the biggest problem I have with this bike rack is that there are NO provisions to get it to work with a bike with fenders. I'm in the midst of trying to create my own "adapter" bar to make it carry a bike equipped with fenders (Townie Elecktra). Once I figure it out I will be posting my "hack" to make it work with this rack. Stay tuned.
The instruction manual that comes with this unit makes an ikea manual look like a grade 1 book🤣. Thankyou for this video!
I 100% agree. The instructions are WORSE than what comes with Ikea furniture.
Dude! Great job! I didnt even have to look at the paper instructions!
Thanks! Subscribed.
Thanks! Don't worry about the paper instructions... they SUCK!
thanks... you did a great job... especially your discription of Keys and how they are used... the thule instructions were horrible.
OMG, so glad you found the video useful! The folk at Thule have some serious competency issues with writing technical documentation. Its unbelievable how poor their instructions are.
My key won't work for the main cylinder. It doesn't lock or unlock.
by main cylinder are you referring to the knob?
Very nice demonstration. Thank you!
You are welcome!
How do you store this when it's not on your vehicle?
It definitely is a pain in the butt to store b/c of its size and weight. In the end I just roll it in and out of our garage as needed but it definitely isn't something for those that are challenged with storage space should be buying.
Thank you so much for sharing best video I've seen so far
thank you for this video - you saved me a lot of frustration and time! Explained very well!
Glad it helped!
Can you make into 4 bikes in the xtr as you can do with the xt?
Yes. I bought the t2 extension. I think it’s the same extension as the xt. I haven’t assembled the extension yet but it is extendable.
yes you can, it is the 9036XTB 2 bike extender. If you sub to my channel you'll see me perform the upgrade in June when it arrives. The extension in my neck of the woods is backordered until then. It is a bit finicky to put together so I will be doing a tutorial.
Very helpful! Thank You
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the video, just got my XTR yesterday.
You're welcome. Thanks for stopping by!
Awesome video, made my life easier tonight. Thanks!!
Glad the video helped!