for those of us with a Subaru mounted hitch, that darn pin prevents mounting unless you get a hitch extension like that needed for rear mounted spare tires. Contacted Thule and they were no help. i wanted to remove or replace the 'auto pin'. i have a Easy Fold XT which I've yet to use and may return to REI, bummer.
Hello. This Epos 3 bike version has a hitch stinger with the Auto-Pin that fits two-inch class 2 and class 3 hitches that are flush with the bumper facia (and no rear mounted spare tire). It will not fit 1-1/4 hitches or class 1 hitches. The two bike Epos and EasyFold has a hitch stinger that may be converted from two-inch to 1-1/4 inch but will still not work on class 1 hitches. It's important to confirm the hitch class prior to purchase of this or any other rack as class 1 and class 2 1-1/4 inch hitches look very similar.
@@rackattack I've got the 2-inch hitch and correct Class. If the hitch is flush with the surface of the bumper fascia how do you get the auto-pin pass the facia. That is not possible unless the hitch receive extends beyond the fascia, like it does in this video, in which case the receiver is not flush with the surface of the bumper fascia. Like my Subaru provided and installed hitch, poor hitch design by Subaru or by Thule?
Why would they add another step to secure your bike to the platform? And the lever to secure the bike to the vehicle looks like it is too close to the rack to comfortable wind. Don't think they gave this too much thought
Hello. Thanks for bringing up these points. The articulating hitch tightener improves upon turn knobs found on other racks. Turn knobs tend to be more exposed at the end of the rack where there's a greater chance of damage to the knob from dragging on the ground in low clearance situations. The method of securing the bikes leaves less to chance and user experience to insure a safe attachment, this in comparison to the hook-on-wheel designs which are dependent on tire pressure and accurate placement of the hook on the tire. Cheers!
How would you compare this to the well reviewed and loved Thule T2 Pro XTR? Is it a directly replacement? What are both of their pros and cons? Thanks!
Every bike rack I've ever used that contacts the frame inevitably causes damage due to rubbing, if you drive on dirt/bumpy roads. This includes the Thule Doubletrack, Swagman XTC4, a SportsRack variant of the same style, North Shore Rack (NSR-6), etc. I bought a T2 Pro XTR because there's no frame contact. I've put on over 100hrs of on/off road driving since then and so far there is zero damage.
Hello. The T2 Pro XTR uses a hook-on-wheel design to hold bikes by the front wheel. The T2 folds up against the back of the vehicle to be minimal in between uses on the vehicle. The Epos use a gripping cradle design to attach to the rear wheel or the frame in many potential locations, the Epos platform and hitch base folds up to store easily in-between uses, there is a ramp option to ease loading of heavy bikes and the Epos has rear tail light options for greater rack visibility. Thanks!
It isn't. It's light enough to remove. It's able to tilt with ebikes on by moving the pivot location between the bikes. The bikes counterbalance each other for hatch access.
Hello. The Epos three bike will be the maximum. Check out the Thule T2 with two bike add on for a four bike option. www.rackattack.com/hitch-bike-racks/thule-t2-pro-xtr/ www.rackattack.com/hitch-bike-racks/thule-t2-pro-xt-2-bike-add-on-black/ Thanks!
Hello. This rack does not fold up against the vehicle as some other platform racks do. Instead, this rack is designed to be easily removed and stored in-between uses. Thanks!
@@rackattack True, that is why i got the Easy Fold, if only it would work with the Subaru hitch, so far it doesn't. I suspect the Epos won't work either.
I just installed a hitch and want a bike rack. The Epos seems sold out everywhere, and it's the same price as the EasyFold, curious which I should go for.
Hello. The Epos is in stock in the three bike version, the two bike version will not be available for quite a while, est. 2024. The EasyFold is still a great option and it includes a ramp to help load heavy bikes. Thanks!
To learn more check out our website:
www.rackattack.com/hitch-bike-racks/thule-epos-3-bike/
I’m a huge fan of racks.
Great review, very thorough and informative on all the people below that you replied to!
Great analysis thank you
How do I remove the 2 inch adapter from the hitch. I have a 1 1/4 inch receiver
Will the EPOS work with swing-away adapters like the Kuat, Thule or Yakima?
for those of us with a Subaru mounted hitch, that darn pin prevents mounting unless you get a hitch extension like that needed for rear mounted spare tires. Contacted Thule and they were no help. i wanted to remove or replace the 'auto pin'. i have a Easy Fold XT which I've yet to use and may return to REI, bummer.
What model & gen is your Subaru?
Hello. This Epos 3 bike version has a hitch stinger with the Auto-Pin that fits two-inch class 2 and class 3 hitches that are flush with the bumper facia (and no rear mounted spare tire). It will not fit 1-1/4 hitches or class 1 hitches. The two bike Epos and EasyFold has a hitch stinger that may be converted from two-inch to 1-1/4 inch but will still not work on class 1 hitches. It's important to confirm the hitch class prior to purchase of this or any other rack as class 1 and class 2 1-1/4 inch hitches look very similar.
@@rackattack I've got the 2-inch hitch and correct Class. If the hitch is flush with the surface of the bumper fascia how do you get the auto-pin pass the facia. That is not possible unless the hitch receive extends beyond the fascia, like it does in this video, in which case the receiver is not flush with the surface of the bumper fascia. Like my Subaru provided and installed hitch, poor hitch design by Subaru or by Thule?
@barisay7244 2023 outback touring XT
@@mikerod5396 We'd have to inspect the hitch to evaluate the situation. www.rackattack.com/stores/
On the mfg website, it’s spec’d to carry 75lbs / rack
Why would they add another step to secure your bike to the platform? And the lever to secure the bike to the vehicle looks like it is too close to the rack to comfortable wind. Don't think they gave this too much thought
Hello. Thanks for bringing up these points. The articulating hitch tightener improves upon turn knobs found on other racks. Turn knobs tend to be more exposed at the end of the rack where there's a greater chance of damage to the knob from dragging on the ground in low clearance situations. The method of securing the bikes leaves less to chance and user experience to insure a safe attachment, this in comparison to the hook-on-wheel designs which are dependent on tire pressure and accurate placement of the hook on the tire. Cheers!
How would you compare this to the well reviewed and loved Thule T2 Pro XTR? Is it a directly replacement? What are both of their pros and cons? Thanks!
Every bike rack I've ever used that contacts the frame inevitably causes damage due to rubbing, if you drive on dirt/bumpy roads. This includes the Thule Doubletrack, Swagman XTC4, a SportsRack variant of the same style, North Shore Rack (NSR-6), etc. I bought a T2 Pro XTR because there's no frame contact. I've put on over 100hrs of on/off road driving since then and so far there is zero damage.
Hello. The T2 Pro XTR uses a hook-on-wheel design to hold bikes by the front wheel.
The T2 folds up against the back of the vehicle to be minimal in between uses on the vehicle. The Epos use a gripping cradle design to attach to the rear wheel or the frame in many potential locations, the Epos platform and hitch base folds up to store easily in-between uses, there is a ramp option to ease loading of heavy bikes and the Epos has rear tail light options for greater rack visibility. Thanks!
@@rackattack There's no folding mechanism for the Epos for in-between uses on the vehicle? Thanks
@@PowderRider23 Hello. No, the Epos was designed around the ability to remove the entire rack quickly and store until the next use.
One would think thule could have designed a better crank. Also it doesn't lock in the up position.
Otherwise a nice rack.
Is it compatible with a ramp, such as the Thule EasyFold ?
Indeed it is - the loading ramp works with both EasyFold XT and the new EPOS: www.rackattack.com/hitch-bike-racks/thule-foldable-long-loading-ramp/
I read somewhere that it does not fold up toward vehicle when parked with bikes removed??? If so, that is a major design fail.
It isn't. It's light enough to remove. It's able to tilt with ebikes on by moving the pivot location between the bikes. The bikes counterbalance each other for hatch access.
Any idea if Thule is thinking of making a 4 bike carrier or is 3 as big as this can feasibly be used?
Hello. The Epos three bike will be the maximum. Check out the Thule T2 with two bike add on for a four bike option.
www.rackattack.com/hitch-bike-racks/thule-t2-pro-xtr/
www.rackattack.com/hitch-bike-racks/thule-t2-pro-xt-2-bike-add-on-black/
Thanks!
So if its on your car its hanging 4 feet off the back all the time?
Hello. This rack does not fold up against the vehicle as some other platform racks do. Instead, this rack is designed to be easily removed and stored in-between uses. Thanks!
@@rackattack True, that is why i got the Easy Fold, if only it would work with the Subaru hitch, so far it doesn't. I suspect the Epos won't work either.
@@mikerod5396why doesn’t it work with the Subaru hitch? Considering getting this but trying to learn more about hitch bike racks.
How does it compare to the EasyFold?
I just installed a hitch and want a bike rack. The Epos seems sold out everywhere, and it's the same price as the EasyFold, curious which I should go for.
Hello. The Epos is in stock in the three bike version, the two bike version will not be available for quite a while, est. 2024. The EasyFold is still a great option and it includes a ramp to help load heavy bikes. Thanks!
Can this hold. Sur ron/ segway x260? 120lbs
Hello. Maximum weight capacity for each bike is 66 pounds, 160 total for three bikes.
@@rackattack so just to clarify if I only use one slot for that certain weight (97 lbs.) it’s safe?
Thuul ie? 🤔😂