Thule T2 Pro XT and XTR Hitch Mount Bike Rack Assembly Tips

My video summarizes HOW TO properly assembly a Thule T2 Pro XT and XTR hitch mounted bike rack. THULE should be ashamed of themselves for creating such a horrible and utterly useless instruction book as it provides nearly ZERO information on how to build or use the rack properly.

In my video, I don't actually show myself building this rack but rather pointing out where all the bolts and washer and support bars go.

The 2021 Thule T2 Pro XTR is Thule's latest rendition of the already excellently designed T2 Pro XT. The XTR model adds a set of roller wheels to the bottom of the rack to help facilitate easier moving on smooth hard surfaces such as driveways and garage floors. This bike rack, while very well made is quite heavy and can be quite awkward to move without any help. Having roller wheels means that a single person can transport this rack around with relative ease. The Thule T2 Pro comes in two variants, the 9035XTR that has a 1.25-inch hitch mount while the 9034XTR uses the 2-inch hitch mount. Both versions will easily carry 2 bikes with ease however if you ever intend to upgrade to the T2 Pro XT/XTR to a 4 bike carrier using the T2 Pro XT/XTR 2 bike add-on (9036XTB) that ONLY the 9034XTR model with the larger 2-inch hitch pole can handle that kind of weight. Choose accordingly.

[judyspecht]

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.

[clone]

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!

[freed]

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

[ronhayward]

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!

[EthanOwens]

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.

[robertgoodwin]

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.

[michaelkroeger]

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!!!

[ronkoshy]

This is the best video I have ever watched on YouTube simply because it provides so much information in such a simple way for so many people who are seeking it. Thank you!

[blaineekoops]

I just got my T2 XTR, with out this video I could not have assembled it. Thule should give you a commission. THANKS !!!!

[juliewallin]

Could never have figured this out with the instructions in the box!

[bobburns]

I watched several install video’s for this bike rack. Yours was by far the best.

[x]

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!

[Rev_John_Danger]

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!

[Kumacattv]

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.

[mrparadoxical]

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.

[ckrodger]

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.

[edwardjuraszek]

Thank you!!! Just purchased one & found the instructions difficult to understand ~ your video made for a smooth installation! Best to you & yours, Ed & Fam

[sonofagreatsouthernland]

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 👍

[julioguerra]

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.

[peterresch]

Thule really needs to pay you for this tutorial. They should be embarrassed with what they gave us. Thank you.