Color | One Color |
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Brand | Thule |
Load Capacity | 140 Pounds |
Mounting Type | Hitch Mount |
Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 47.8 x 16.7 x 10.2 inches |
Package Weight | 56.2 Pounds |
Brand Name | Thule |
Country of Origin | United States |
Model Name | Apex Swing |
Suggested Users | unisex-adult |
Number of Items | 1 |
Manufacturer | Thule |
Part Number | 9027 |
Model Year | 2015 |
Style | Hitch Mount |
Included Components | 1 bike rack for 2" receiver |
Outer Material | aluminum |
Size | One Size |
Thule 9027 Apex Swing Away 4 Bike Hitch Rack, One Color, One Size
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Color | One Color |
Brand | Thule |
Load Capacity | 140 Pounds |
Mounting Type | Hitch Mount |
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About this item
- 2" hitch mount carrier for transporting up to four bikes that swings to the passenger side whether the carrier is loaded or unloaded, allowing access to vehicle hatchbacks
- Bikes lock to carrier, and carrier to vehicle using the included cable and hitch locks
- Integrated auto pin functions as hitch pin, and moves into place with an audible click
- Hold Fast cradles absorb the shock of the road protecting your bike during transport and patented No-Sway cages prevent bike to bike contact
- Top-oriented hitch switch lever allows the arc style bike arms to fold down when not in use.Load capacity:140 lb
- DO NOT install on a trailer or other towed vehicle
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From the manufacturer
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Easy Access to Rear of VehicleSwing-away design that allows a fully loaded hitch rack to swing away from the vehicle for rear of vehicle access. |
Tool-Free InstallationSnug-Tite receiver lock virtually eliminates hitch rack movement in receiver and locks the hitch rack to the vehicle. |
Shock Absorbing CradlesHold Fast RDT (Road Dampening Technology) Cradles absorb the shock of the road protecting your bike during transport. |
Arc DesignArc design of the arms gives bikes greater clearance off the ground and provides greater distance between bikes preventing contact. |
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Integrated Cable LockHide-away, heavy duty integrated cable lock allows you to lock the bikes to the rack and stores inside hitch rack when not in use. |
Bike StabilityPatented No-Sway Cage to prevent bike to bike contact. |
Integrated HandleIntegrated handle for easy carrying and handling. |
Compact FoldFolding Hitch Switch allows the arms to fold when not in use. |
Thule Apex Swing | Thule Apex | Thule Helium Aero | Thule Vertex Swing Away | Thule Vertex XT | Thule Parkway | |
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Customer Reviews |
3.8 out of 5 stars
116
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4.1 out of 5 stars
211
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4.4 out of 5 stars
293
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3.9 out of 5 stars
115
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4.3 out of 5 stars
436
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4.1 out of 5 stars
271
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Part Number/Maximum Number of Bikes | 9027 (4 Bikes) | 9025 (4 Bikes) 9026 (5 Bikes) | 9042 (2 Bikes) 9043 (3 Bikes) | 9031XT (4 Bikes) | 9028XT (2 Bikes) 9029XT (4 Bikes) 9030XT (5 Bikes) | 958 (2 Bikes) 957 (4 Bikes) 956 (4 Bikes) |
Hitch Receiver Fits | 2" (Class 2-4) | 9025 (1.25" & 2" Class 1-4) 9026 (2" Class 2-4) | 1.25" & 2" (Class 1-4) | 2" (Class 2-4) | 9028XT (1.25" & 2" Class 1-4) 9029XT (1.25" & 2" Class 1-4) 9030XT (2" Class 2-4) | 958 (2" Class 2-4) 957 (1.25" Class 1-2) 956 (2" Class 2-4) |
Hitch Receiver Locks Included | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Bike Locks Included | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Rear of Vehicle Access | Rack Swings to Side | Rack Tilts Away | Rack Tilts Away | Rack Swings to Side | Rack Tilts Away | Rack Tilts Away |
Tool-Free Install/Removal | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Product Weight | 42 lbs | 34-35 lbs | 19 - 20 lbs | 42 lbs | 32 - 34 lbs | 25 - 27 lbs |
Maximum Weight Capacity (per bike) | 35 lbs | 35 lbs | 35 lbs | 35 lbs | 35 lbs | 35 lbs |
Distance Between Bikes | 5.5" | 5.5" | 5.5" | 5.5" | 5.5" | 5" |
Product Description
Product Description
Premium hanging hitch bike rack in a swing-away version for convenient access to rear of vehicle (for 4 bikes).
Amazon.com
The Thule 9027 Apex swing away is a four-bike hitch mount carrier for use on vehicles with previously installed 2" hitch receivers. It is designed for cycling enthusiasts and families that want the stability, functionality and space-saving rear orientation of a hitch mount bike carrier, but not the restrictions on the opening and closing of vehicle hatchbacks that often go along with those same carriers. Features include: a "swing away" design, an integrated hitch pin, an arc arm design for easier bike loading and carrying performance, increased mast height, Thule Hold Fast cradles and no-sway cages, fold-down bike arms, locks for securing the carrier and the bikes, and an integrated carrying handle.
Hitch mount receiver stowage for four bikes with swing to the side action that ensures access to rear vehicle openings.View larger
Premium Four-Bike Hitch Receiver Stowage That Doesn't Block Hatchbacks
The 9027 Apex is arranged in two primary sections: an upright mast assembly with folding arms to support bikes, and a two-piece, horizontally folding swing arm assembly. Included hardware and generic tools provide for easy combining of the mast and swing arm sections, which terminates in a 2" hitch that is inserted into the vehicle's hitch receiver. The carrier ensures access to rear hatchbacks, even when fully loaded, through its spring-loaded mechanism that connects the two assemblies and that allows the entire unit to be pushed to the passenger side of the vehicle. As this is done the two folded pieces of the swing arm unify along a single plane, and are held in place by a tethered hold-open pin. A moveable joint at the edge of the outer end of the swing arm and below the mast assembly can also be secured in place using the carrier's main lock-up pin. This ensures that bikes extended to the side will not pivot and make contact with vehicles. When not swung out to the side, the carrier automatically centers itself against the rear of the vehicle, the two pieces of the swing arm pressed together by spring loaded joints, which is locked in place by the lockup pin, which clicks into position automatically. A turnable locking handle positioned at a 90-degree angle to the lockup pin provides additional security when the vehicles is in motion.
Special arched bike arms, Hold Fast cradles, no-sway cages and a cable lock keep bikes stable and secure.View larger The easy-to-use lockup pin secures the mast section of the carrier in all positions.
View larger Bike arms fold down and out of the way when the carrier is not in use.
View larger
The 9027 Apex has a four bike carrying capacity. Stowed bikes sit on top of Thule Hold Fast cradles, which are attached to bike arms that fold up and down from the carrier's mast section. Hold Fast cradles feature a soft, rubberized texture that cushions bikes and heavy-duty rubberized ripple straps to hold them tight. To provide maximized bike stability, bike arms also feature no-sway cages. No-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 cradles, the no-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 incorporated into hitch mount carriers. Bikes can be locked to the carrier with a cable lock (included). The cable is retractable, pulling out of the mast section when needed, and automatically stowing there when not needed.
Integrated Hitch Pin and Locking Functionality
Another valuable feature of the 9027 Apex swing away four-bike carrier is its integrated hitch pin, referred to as an auto pin. This pin provides the main connection between the carrier's 2" hitch and a vehicle's 2" hitch receiver. The auto pin is spring loaded and built into the swing arm section of the carrier. To install, simply lift the auto pin slightly as the carrier's hitch section enters the vehicle's hitch receiver. The auto pin will click into the hitch receiver's pin hole automatically. The carrier's locking knob can then be twisted tight to secure the connection further, and locked into place with the lock (included) embedded into the knob, securing the carrier to the vehicle.
Key Features
- Hitch carrier for transporting up to four bikes
- Swing-away design allows a fully loaded hitch rack to swing away from the vehicle for rear of vehicle access
- Compatible with 2" hitch receivers
- Integrated auto pin functions as hitch pin, and moves into place with an audible click
- Snug-Tite receiver lock virtually eliminates hitch rack movement in hitch receivers, and locks the carrier to the vehicle
- Hold Fast RDT (Road Dampening Technology) cradles absorb the shock of the road protecting your bike during transport
- Arc design of the arms gives bikes greater clearance off the ground and provides greater distance between bikes, preventing contact
- Increased mast height for improved ground clearance
- Patented No-Sway cages prevent bike to bike contact
- Heavy-duty integrated lock along the bike arms allows you to lock the bikes to rack and stores in the carrier mast section when not in use
- Integrated handle for easy carrying and handling
- Top-oriented hitch switch lever allows the bike arms to fold down when not in use
Specifications
- Capacity - Four bikes
- Hitch receiver compatibility - 2" only
- Weight limit - 140 lbs. (63 kg.)
- Bike to carrier locking functionality - Yes (cable and lock cylinder included)
- Carrier to vehicle locking functionality - Yes (integrated hitch lock included)
- Fits most bikes with disc brakes - Yes
What's in the Box
- Thule 9027 Apex swing away five-bike hitch mount carrier
- All necessary assembly hardware and tools
- Integrated hitch pin
- Hitch lock and cable lock, with lock keys and lock cylinder change key
- User's manual/instructions and warranty information
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.
Product information
Technical Details
Additional Information
ASIN | B00653V3XY |
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Customer Reviews |
3.8 out of 5 stars |
Date First Available | September 30, 2011 |
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Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, sturdiness, and appearance of the transport rack. For example, they mention it works well, is well built, and secure. Some appreciate the appearance. That said, some complain about the weight. Opinions are mixed on ease of use, swing, fit, and lock.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the sturdiness of the transport rack. They mention that it's well built, has good quality, and is easy to use. They also say that the straps to hold their bike are well made, but they seem easy to lose. Overall, customers are satisfied with the quality and stability of the product.
"...The adapter was easy to assemble, and made of steel like the rest of the mounting components...." Read more
"...Pros: Very solid rack. Swing arm feature was useful.Cons: Takes time to secure bikes to rack. Hitch attachment is over engineered...." Read more
"...and cumbersome to maneuver onto the receiver as the Beast, it was well made and would last a long time...." Read more
"Solid product. Easy to install and use. I drove 1000 miles with 3 bikes the first week after I purchased/installed with zero problems...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the transport rack. They mention that it works well with their vehicle, does everything as advertised, and is a great product. Some say that the swing assembly is not to be trusted, but overall, most are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.
"...though I have carried only two bikes on these longer trips, it has performed perfectly...." Read more
"...This is a very solid bike rack. Bikes can be attached to rack in about 1 minute. It was taking me 10 minutes to hang 2 bikes with the Thule...." Read more
"...I have had it a few months and it well built, sturdy, and does everything I asked. My only gripe is the sway bar on one of the holders broke...." Read more
"Amazing product. Installed it while my two kids were watching. Took me 15 minutes. That includes reading the manual...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the bike rack. They mention that it has a fantastic design, it's well built, and it looks better than expected. Some appreciate the solid design and the integrated locking cable. Overall, most are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.
"...Pros: Swing arm is well design and screw-locks closed; integrated locking cable works well; padded arms protect bike finish...." Read more
"...The design is solid, but the ~1" receiver rod with a 2" adapter seemed odd. It's supposed to be a feature, but why?..." Read more
"I can't say anything bad about this bike rack. It's very nice. The only problem I had with it was assembling the 2" hitch adapter...." Read more
"...The good stuff: Rack attaches to your hitch in a solid fashion, and easy to insert. Well that's it for the good stuff...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the ease of use of the transport rack. Some mention that it's very easy to put into the hitch on their SUV, and easy to assemble. They even thought the instructions were well written. However, others say that the instructions are a bit difficult to follow, and that it was too difficult to erect.
"...The adapter was easy to assemble, and made of steel like the rest of the mounting components...." Read more
"...it 180 degrees and it still bolts on, and the line diagram in the instructions is very cluttered and hard enough to make out in my eyes that I..." Read more
"...So far we are very happy with it. It was very easy to install and is very easy to move to the side to load items into the back of our Suburban...." Read more
"...Instructions were a little lacking in some areas, but I didn't have any trouble figuring out what was needed...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the swing of the transport rack. Some mention that the swing feature is great and useful, while others say that it creates some play and the rack sways and bounces when driving. The stabilizing parts fall off, and the holders will slide while in transport, scratching your bike, car, truck or 5th wheel.
"...The Swing feature is great! I have full access to the back-end of my vehicle pretty easily, loaded or not...." Read more
"...Pros: Very solid rack. Swing arm feature was useful.Cons: Takes time to secure bikes to rack. Hitch attachment is over engineered...." Read more
"...to 2" hitch adapter is poorly designed, doesn't fully tighten, and rattles loose; wide-apart arms don't fit many bikes; mount may not fit receivers..." Read more
"I like the rack. It's super solid and the swing away feature is awesome!That being said, there are a few things I dislike about the rack...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the fit of the transport rack. Some mention it fits perfectly, while others say that it's too tight to fit 4 bikes, hard to get tight on the hitch, and not able to support 3 or 4 bikes. The secure straps with holes are very tight and stiff, and the rack is very large and bulky.
"...If there was a minus, I was unable to transport 3 road bikes using the carriers in order (closest to vehicle outward)...." Read more
"...We bought this for our Toyota Highlander and it fit perfect. It is solid and holds the bikes in well. We are able to fit 4 bikes on this...." Read more
"...Cons: 1-1/4" to 2" hitch adapter is poorly designed, doesn't fully tighten, and rattles loose; wide-apart arms don't fit many bikes; mount may not..." Read more
"...It looks great!! We bought a Eurovan and it fits perfectly and impressive looking!!!it looks great and we always get good comments on it!!..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the lock. Some mention that the integrated lock is much better, and the built-in lock cable is a nice feature. They also love that it has two locks, one that locks the bikes on it and one on the vehicle. However, others say that the safety lock came loose constantly, and that the lock mechanism wants to come out when the key is engaged.
"...For short trips, their lock is great, but for long trips I use two additional locks sets since I never know where I may be parked...." Read more
"...The nuts are lock nuts so its going to take some work to get them off...." Read more
"...The integrated lock is much better as well, but should never be more than a mild deterrent.The arc design of the arms is a real plus...." Read more
"...and the screw that "tightens" the bar into the hitch receiver also does not lock: it has a key lock on the screw's knob, but this just disconnects..." Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the weight of the transport rack. They mention that it's quite heavy, bulky, and difficult to move around.
"...Plus, even if it wasn't loaded, the carrier is heavy so getting the stinger bolts out without any flexibility to adjust the load like you can when..." Read more
"...hitch lock/tightening mechanism while a good idea, is very large and bulky...." Read more
"...It was very easy to install and is very easy to move to the side to load items into the back of our Suburban...." Read more
"...To be clear, this is really substantial rack that weighs a lot (making it a bit awkward to mount into the hitch by yourself)...." Read more
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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The Tiguan has a pre-fabricated location for a hitch receiver so I did not opt to purchase that from my dealer. I bought a specific hitch from another website (Amazon was on back order) and installed it in 10 minutes.
I'll second the reviews that state the instructions, specifically covering the anti-sway attachments, are lacking. It took a little head scratching to figure out A) what they were for and B) how to attach them. Its easy to put them on backwards and not realize it.
Some reviewers complained of the anti-sway parts coming off or getting lost. When the carrier isn't loaded with a bike, I simply use the straps to attach them to the bike cradle (since there are two pins on those, and only one is used).
There are two exposed bolts that, with a couple of good-sized wrenches, a thief could probably make a getaway with part of your rack. Honestly, if someone wants your stuff bad enough, nothing's going to stop them, so I can't really knock Thule for this. The nuts are lock nuts so its going to take some work to get them off. Plus, even if it wasn't loaded, the carrier is heavy so getting the stinger bolts out without any flexibility to adjust the load like you can when it isn't mounted, theft would be a chore and probably require some hammering, hopefully alerting to something going awry.
Once assembled and properly tightened, this thing doesn't budge. I stood (150 lbs) on the sway arm and also stood on the ground and pulled back as hard as I could and couldn't make it move. Since tension is the only thing keeping the rack mated to the hitch, periodically checking the tension would be important. Don't just set it and forget it for six months. When using any kind of hitch and towing vehicle or accessory, rechecking tension is important anyway and this is just another reason to do it.
Another reviewer states that the knob that applies the tension is quite large and they're right (so that you can get good leverage to tighten it to proper force by hand). I could see this possibly being a problem on a hitch that is pretty far recessed under the bumper, as well as very close to the bumper. This is no problem on the Tiguan, which should also hold true for Model Year 2011 - 2013, just in case someone reading this is using a similar vehicle. There were some design changes in 2011 so can't vouch for what can be done prior to then.
If there was a minus, I was unable to transport 3 road bikes using the carriers in order (closest to vehicle outward). Loading as instructed, the third bike had to go on the outermost carrier, leaving the 2nd to last empty. I'm not sure how/if four road bikes would fit. I bought this intending to carry 3 at the most, so that really isn't an issue in my case. Perhaps being able to adjust the position of the carriers on the arms would be helpful to squeeze the fourth bike in there.
Another oddity would be that an adapter was required for the 2" receiver hitch, as another reviewer stated. I did not measure the receiver prior to adding the adapter to see if the smaller hitch would work. Adapter or not, Thule only advertises this product for 2" hitches, and its printed on the outside of the box. Why isn't it one part? I don't know, but I'd recommend still planning to use with a 2" hitch. The adapter was easy to assemble, and made of steel like the rest of the mounting components. It wasn't a flimsy foam or similar expansion adapter found with lesser racks. Again, tension is the name of the game for this rack when it comes to a good fit and security on the hitch, so I wouldn't bet on using it with a smaller 1.25" hitch.
The Swing feature is great! I have full access to the back-end of my vehicle pretty easily, loaded or not.
I'd have loved to have a 2nd cable lock (e.g. one through frames, one through wheels) but the one that's there is a great feature.
Solid construction, seems to fit the bill quite well. Bonus for being made in the USA.
Update 3/30/14. Since my original review, we have made a number of thousand mile trips with the bike rack. Even though I have carried only two bikes on these longer trips, it has performed perfectly. I tend to drive pretty fast on the expressway and I have never had a problem. Since these are long trips, I cut Styrofoam noodles to fit around any part of the bikes that may touch and use Velcro to hold them. For short trips, their lock is great, but for long trips I use two additional locks sets since I never know where I may be parked. If the car is loaded, you might want to put the heavier bike next to the car. It will make it easier to swing open and closed.
Update 10/15/14. I have now carried three bikes on a 1600 mile trip. The heaviest was a 29lb bike that I placed next to the car, the next bike was a 26lb placed in the middle and the third was a 19lb placed last. The bikes weighed a total of 74lbs. I am sure the rack will support a lot more weight, but from a practical standpoint, this is all I will carry on a long trip. The bikes were hard to hold up while I screwed the swivel rack back to the stationary rack, especially if you are parked on a little incline. I can now understand the earlier comments about being careful not to strip the screw.
Update 1/25/16. This bike rack now has thousands of miles on it and it still performs exceptionally well. I have never experienced a problem of any kind at high road speeds. Through normal wear and tear, some of the paint has started to rub off the rack where the screw attaches and metal rubs metal and since we travel to Florida frequently, the salt air is starting to create rust. I plan to use a black rustoleum spray paint to keep it in top shape. I still wish the backup SUV sensor worked with the bike rack on the car, though.
These are just points to consider, I still rate it a 5 and love it.
Top reviews from other countries
Due to my hidden hitch mounting, the bike rack is close to the back of the van which is ideal except that its difficult to get to the release knob to allow it to swing.
Wish the swing throw was a bit more as well. The bikes can come to rest against the side of my new Sienna.
Fitting fancy framed mountain bike frames on the mounts is tricky. Fits more generic frames much better. That should be obvious though.
But generally, its solid and it does fit 4 bikes and seemed solid enough on my one voyage.