Thule Vertex Hitch bike rack – (9028XT, 9029XT, 9030XT)

This new hitch rack’s unique arc design makes it easier to load and unload, provides better ground clearance and gives you greater distance between your bikes for easy transport.

The Thule Vertex hitch mount bike carrier transports between two and five bicycles (depending on the model chosen) securely at the rear of vehicles, while allowing access to rear doors by leaning the unit back when not loaded. The carrier is conveniently compatible with 1-1/4″ and 2″ hitch receivers. Additional features include: an arch design for easier bike loading and carrying performance, increased mast height, Thule Hold Fast cradles and anti-sway cages, the ability to fold arms down flat, bike and rack security from theft with locks (sold separately), and an integrated carrying handle.

Multi-bike Hitch Receiver Carrying Capacity

The Thule Vertex hitch rack carrier is designed for frequent cyclists and/or families that want the stability, and functionality of a hitch receiver carrier that can be left on vehicles without interfering with hatchbacks. The Vertex is compatible with 1-1/4″ and 2″ hitch receivers, and has a multi-bike carrying capacity managed by its two arched bike support arms. The naturally supportive arch design of the bike arms allows for easier bike loading and carrying performance. Thule Hold Fast cradles are installed on the arms. They feature a soft, single material cradle with a groove design that accommodates bike cables, cushions bikes and secures them during transport. In addition, straps used in cradles are 25% stronger than current Thule T3 straps. To provide maximized bike stability, bike arms also feature anti-sway cages. Anti-sway cages are rigid rubberized bike rack components that attach to the lower edge of the bike arm, hanging below the bike cradle (one for each bike). As the top tube of bike frames rest on the carrier arms, the anti-sway cages attach to the vertical tube section of bike frames with included straps. This holds bikes firmly in place without the need of a heavy wheel tray sometimes used on hitch mount carriers. Bikes can be locked to the carrier with a cable lock (sold separately), and the carrier can be locked to a vehicle hitch receiver using a hitch receiver lock (sold separately).

Access to the Rear of Vehicles

The Vertex ensures easy access to hatchbacks is available through its leaning functionality. and improved hitch switch. With a pull of the lower release of the two-part hitch switch, the upright mast of the Vertex leans to the rear of the vehicle. Leaning functionality is best used when the carrier is unloaded to avoid unnecessary strain on cradles and no-sway cages. The upper release lever of the hitch switch controls the ability to fold bike arms down into a vertical position when the carrier is not loaded. This minimizes the possibility of driving and parking issues when the empty carrier is left on a vehicle.

Key Features

• Hitch mount carrier for transporting multiple bikes
• Compatible with both 1-1/4″ and 2″ hitch receivers
• Arched mast and bike arm design for easier bike loading and carrying performance
• Increased mast height for improved ground clearance
• Hold Fast cradles cushion bike and provide maximum bike security
• Reinforced cradle straps are 25% stronger than T3 straps
• Anti-sway cages prevent bike-to-bike and bike-to-vehicle contact
• Improved hitch switch folds arms down when not in use and tilts an unloaded carrier away from hatchbacks
• Integrated handle for easy carrying and handling
• Bikes lock to the carrier with a cable lock (sold separately)
• Carrier locks to the vehicle with a receiver lock (sold separately)

Specifications

• Capacity – 2-5 bikes (depending on model)
• Hitch receiver compatibility – 1-1/4″ and 2″
• Bike to carrier locking functionality – Yes (locks not included)
• Carrier to vehicle locking functionality – Yes (locks not included)

The bike rack has several functions that make it user friendly and easy to use. First, the Vertex offers two folding functions of which Thule calls “Hitch Switch” functions. The first of these allows the arms of the bike rack to fold down into the vertical position. This allows you to have less length protruding from the back of the vehicle when the rack does not have bikes loaded.

The second of the folding functions gives the rack the ability to tilt to the “45 degree” position. This allows you to have access to the hatch of the vehicle, although this is can only be done with the bikes not loaded on the carrier.

If you want access to your SUV’s hatch with the bikes on, you will want to look for a ‘swing away’ style rack, like the Thule Vertex Swing (9031XT).

The newest feature on this rack is the addition of a built in cable lock, allowing you to lock your bicycles directly to the carrier.

This is a new feature added to the current line of Vertex racks. The easiest way to know if a Vertex rack is the current version or not is to look for the XT at the end of the product code: 9030 vs. 9030XT.

The amount of assembly needed to build the Vertex is almost none. All required tools (one wrench and one allen key) come included in the box. A traditional threaded bolt is used as a hitch pin in order to keep the rack snug, tight, and stable to the vehicle.

Limited Lifetime Warranty

Thule will warranty all Thule brand car rack systems and its accessories manufactured by Thule during the time that an original retail purchaser owns the product. This warranty terminates if a purchaser transfers the product to any other person. No warranty is given for defects caused by normal wear and tear, cosmetic rust, scratches, accidents, unlawful vehicle operation, or modification of, or any types of repair of a load carrier system other than those authorized by Thule.

About Thule

Thule was founded in 1942 by the Thulin family, when Eric Thulin, a true lover of the outdoors, put the Thule name on a pike trap he designed and began to sell in Scandinavia. It wasn’t long before he added other practical items to the company’s portfolio. By the 1960s, the company began to concentrate on car-related products, including its first roof rack. The Thulin family sold Thule to the publicly listed company Eldon in 1979, and it has continued to grow both organically and through acquisitions ever since. The Thule Group is a world leader in providing transport solutions for an active life.

Thule Vertex 9028XT Hitch-Mount Bike Carrier – User Manual

Thule Vertex 9028XT Hitch_User Manual

Thule Vertex 9028XT Hitch-Mount Bike Carrier – Compatibility

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Thule Vertex 9029XT Hitch-Mount Bike Carrier – User Manual

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Thule Vertex 9029XT Hitch-Mount Bike Carrier – Compatibility

Thule Vertex 9029XT Hitch_Dimensions_2017

Thule Vertex 9030XT Hitch-Mount Bike Carrier – User Manual

Thule_Vertex_9030XT User manual

Thule Vertex 9030XT Hitch-Mount Bike Carrier – Compatibility

Thule_Vertex_9030XT Fitting compatibility