Why We Like The Elite Van XT
Explicitly designed for select European and Domestic cargo vans, the Thule Elite Van XT bike rack lets you take full advantage of recreational opportunities on two wheels, while you're traveling on four. The easy to install, 23lb Elite Van affixes with clamps and a bit of glue, so you'll be able to maintain a drill-hole free cargo door. Loading the bikes is made more natural with an adjustable frame height that comes in clutch when you swap out for taller, beefy winter van tires. When you're ready to load the bikes, secure the rear wheels in the trays and cinch down the pump buckles for transport, and swing down the soft clamp-arms to secure the bike frames. Thule's AcuTight torque limiter knobs click when you reach optimal torque to secure the bike. At a carrying capacity of 77lb, the Elite Van accommodates road and mountain bikes to expand your travel destinations. Thule's Elite Van conveniently swings out when opening the rear door, while the bikes are loaded, to provide easy cargo access as you prepare for your ride.
Details
- Van-ready bike rack for your adventurous lifestyle
- Tray-style rack holds two bikes for the destination
- Clamp and glue-on rack let you leave the drill in the tool box
- Pump buckles secure the rear wheels in place
- Adjustable frame height
- Rear door access while bikes are mounted
- Item #THUZ3A5
- Bike Capacity
- 2
- Compatibility
- Ram Pro Master, Mercedes Benz Sprinter (2006 or newer), Volkswagen Crafter (prior to 2017), Fiat Ducato (2007 or newer), Citroen Jumper (2007 or newer), Peugeot Boxer (2007 or newer)
- Locks Included
- yes
- Part Number
- 302013
- Recommended Use
- travel
- Manufacturer Warranty
- lifetime
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
2.5 based on 2 ratings
Review Summary
Fits True To Size
Screen reader users: the following list provides a visual scale to illustrate the product fit. Please refer to the heading above for the fit type in text.Customer Images
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageApril 26, 2021
Solid Rack but not Convenient to Use
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Size Bought:
- 59.5
- Height:
- 6' 2"
- Weight:
- 190
I'm quite happy with the delivery from Backcountry as it was timely and everything in good order. Assembly is not difficult but pictorial instructions are not done well. The rack is solid and bikes are held firm. The biggest issue I have is the rack is so high on my Sprinter van that I need a ladder or platform to get the bikes up and to secure the braces to the frames. The key locks are very difficult to reach. I bought a rear step mounted in the trailer hitch so I have something to step on, but it is still difficult. Also, with the bikes off and the rack folded up, the lower bike rail is perfectly located to mash the back of my head when I close the back door while standing on the ground. Even though I know this, I have still forgotten a couple time and smashed my head. There is no way my wife could get the bikes on or off due to the height. This is with the rack at the lowest location of the three positions shown in the installation manual. It seems Thule could have provided a lower mounting position and I expect better from Thule.
September 30, 2020
Falls short
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
For a $600 bike rack, this thing falls a little short. First, on delivery, there was some loose hardware in the box separate from the bag of the rest. It seems that Thule has some quality control problems. One of the critical bolts is not the same size, and that's important because it has to go inside the top rail. Unless it's user error, I'll have to cut it down or find a replacement. Second, mounting the rack to a vehicle requires a few ounces of glue. For $600, I would think a few ounces of glue would be included in the kit. Going to the hardware store isn't the worst, but I'm surprised. Once I get the glue and the right size bolt, then I can see how it works as a bike rack.
Do you have a question about this product?
March 15, 2021
Will this rack fit my 2021 Winnebego Travato which is built on the 2020 Ram Promaster 3500 Cargo chasis? Also, my wife's ebike and my gravel bike weigh about 75 or 76 pounds and see the maximum capacity is 77 pounds, is the combined weight of our bikes pushing the limit too closely?
June 26, 2020
Do the bike trays fold up when not in use?
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