Looks good! Glad to see a new video from you :)

Thanks Ken, one again you hit a home run solving a problem for many ! Sm

@ourkaravan

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Steve, very nice of you!

Thanks! So glad I found your channel!

Looks great! Thanks for the video!

@ourkaravan

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Vey informative video mate! Thinking of getting this rack, so thanks for this lovely video.

@ourkaravan

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful, we are still really liking this rack.

I can't thank you enough for going through the trouble to produce this excellent video step-by-step. The Thule "manual" leaves A LOT to be desired and I'm pretty sure I would have finished my installation not knowing if I got it right. I'm now confident, thanks to you!

@ourkaravan

3 жыл бұрын

I'm glad you found it helpful! I have a travel video coming out later today and you'll see the bike rack gets some pretty heavy use. I also discovered I can use a hitch rack below it and carry as many as 6 bikes.

It worked great.

@ourkaravan

Жыл бұрын

Awesome, I appreciate the feedback!

Good video. I have a 2021 Promaster. I added 2 bolts to the top and bottom for extra support for my two ebikes. Also added a door limiter strap to prevent the door swinging beyond 90 degrees and damaging the side of the van.

@ourkaravan

11 ай бұрын

Sounds like a great solution to carry bikes heavier than the rating. It's clear that the rest of the rack is beefy enough to be up to the task.

Wish I woulda looked at the 4Runner last weekend. Didn't realize you put a new rack and lights on it.

Great job i Will....

In Europe and specifically Germany this sort of "engineered to exact fit" is quite common. You'd be surprised just how clever the approach is taken to the design.

@ourkaravan

3 жыл бұрын

I’m so glad we finally got these in the US! I’ve seen them on European vans for years.

I don't even ride bikes and I want one. Nice kit

@ourkaravan

3 жыл бұрын

Lol that’s hilarious. If you ski you can mount a ski rack to it too. :)

That van is impeccably clean! Great video

@ourkaravan

3 жыл бұрын

I do a complete detail once a year. Ha, I even did a video on that. Take care!

Thanks for the video. I've been looking at so many different bike racks and was so confused. This makes my decision a lot easier. Does the rack come with the locks?

@ourkaravan

3 жыл бұрын

Yup, I feel like I looked at every one of them too. Yes, lock cores included.

@borisdoc

Жыл бұрын

Hi, thanks for the video. Do you think the bike rack can be installed on the other door, on the driver's door?

Man I wish I had a tenth of your skills

@ourkaravan

3 жыл бұрын

I’m here to tell you I had never built anything other than a crappy fence and a backyard bench prior to this project. With some time and patience you can do it.

Looks awesome! How long would it take to remove the rack and leave the 2 bracket? Any reason not to drop the bikes lower?

@ourkaravan

3 жыл бұрын

Hmm, I'm guessing five minutes? Two bolts on the bottom bar and two on the top. I haven't tried lowering the trays because they in a position that work well for my bikes, but I'm sure the lower setting would work fine as well.

Nice job....looks like the spacing instructions on the Promaster model are correct online anyway. I have been offered one of these for a great price but it is missing the paint protector pieces. Thule does not show them as spare part. Any idea what could be used in place of them?

@ourkaravan

3 жыл бұрын

google clear paint protection film and see what comes up. I've seen it sold in small quantities for certain vehicles to protect an area from gravel. The extended rear fenders of Porsches, for example.

Just one point to note is that these racks are more suitable for lighter bikes or kids bikes. Many people have had hinge sag issues with door mounted racks when carrying heavier bikes. Hitch mounted swing away racks are a better alternative for heavier bikes for this reason.

@ourkaravan

3 жыл бұрын

I couldn’t go back to my hitch rack after using this. The door is perfectly aligned with two bikes, closes just as it did before and I don’t expect to have any issues.

@fionnut

3 жыл бұрын

@@ourkaravan For sure, I don't expect you'll have any issues with your bikes and it's a good choice for you. Just said I'd mention it as it's definitely an issue for those with more portly steeds :)

@ourkaravan

3 жыл бұрын

I agree, I’d stay within the manufacturer’s 77 lb rating. That basically means only one e-bike, although let’s hope in a couple of years Elon will have the battery density such that the e bikes will be

Great video Ken. Question for you... If you don't have the bikes on there, how easy is it to remove the bike rack portion and can you then open the door the full 270-degree swing? I think that would be a big factor for me as I don't intend to have bikes with me all the time. Actually, I suspect the rack will interfere with the sliding door if it is open... but maybe not. Maybe the thing to do is to just limit the door swing so you don't accidentally mess up the side with the rack or the door at some absent-minded point in the future.

@ourkaravan

3 жыл бұрын

Hi, it's two bolts top and bottom that hold the rack to the door tracks. If you remove that portion the door can swing 270 just fine.

@mjmdiver1137

3 жыл бұрын

@@ourkaravan Thanks Ken... I will look into this for my Promaster build... which is coming along well.

@ourkaravan

3 жыл бұрын

@@mjmdiver1137 Nice, be sure to report back!

We bought a rack almost like yours but need to ask if your top rail is shorter than the bottom and does the top clip for that rail acommodate the angle of the top of the door? We are in the process of trying to get the proper rails for our unit. Thank you!

@ourkaravan

3 жыл бұрын

Hi, I don’t have the van here to check but I’m pretty sure the two tracks are different.

😎❗️

I'm curious as to how much higher you can raise the bikes with the "high" setting. The tire on my tire carrier sits about 4" below the drivers side hinge. You think this would clear it?

@ourkaravan

3 жыл бұрын

There’s a mounting point about 4” above the hinge so it would clear the tire but with the trays that high I’m not certain both clamps could reach both of my bikes. That said I haven’t tried.

Thanks for the video! Do you know how long the trays are? Bikes keep getting longer and not all trays are long enough for a proper secure fit. The wheelbase on my relatively conservative bike is just over 48 inches.

@ourkaravan

3 жыл бұрын

Hi, the trays are 51" long. The wheel chocks go in the inside of the wheels so that is helpful.

@wanderinghippo

3 жыл бұрын

@@ourkaravan great, thank you!

If you put the racks in the lower position, would the handlebars be rubbing or close to the back doors? IOW, do you need to use the middle or upper positions so the handlebars are above the van roof to really make this work? I'd need to use the lower position, and there doesn't seem to be anything online about this. Thanks!

@ourkaravan

2 жыл бұрын

No, you do not need the rack set high. You’ll note my handlebars are slightly below roof level and there is plenty of room for the handlebars to clear the windows and body if at a lower setting. If you contact me through my contact page at ourkaravan.com I can send you a side profile photo with the bikes on.

Nice looking Van. Like anyone here, thanks for taking some time to make a video on how to install this bike rack. Just have a couple of question for you: - the Sikaflex 252 available in Amazon is white. Is that ok? - would you know if I can use the thule van elite rack with the Thule T2 pro simultaneously? Our current set-up on our Roadtrek Sprinter van is the Thule T2 Pro XT 4 bike rack with the Thule Access Swing Away. I find it to stick too far out about 5-6 ft. Was planning on using the Van Elite & T2 Pro 2 bike instead of 4 bike. Thanks.

@ourkaravan

2 жыл бұрын

Black would be preferable but I doubt you’ll be able to see it. Do you already have the T2? If so, load it up and note the highest point in reference to the body, then compare that to the lowest point of my rack based on the video. The location of the mb emblem and door magnets should give you some reference. I’ve used two different hitch racks under this one and they have cleared, but of course no guarantees on yours without checking.

@vidflick

2 жыл бұрын

@@ourkaravan Yes. I have the T2 already. I had it since last year & used it on our sienna. The sprinter class b is new to us. Have you posted a video with your bike rack attached to the tow hitch & used the van elite bike rack at the same time?

@ourkaravan

2 жыл бұрын

@@vidflick Yes, if you scrub through my van tour that was filmed for the Nate Murphy channel, you can see that setup around 13:10 in. kzread.info/dash/bejne/jKOZ0dGzd7DYfaQ.html

Has anyone had luck adjusting one after install, mine was installed by the dealer and they put the rack at the highest point and when we tried to move it lower the Nyloc nuts and bolt rotate together?! Great video by the way as the manual and info are minimal so this helped me out a lot, thanks!

@ourkaravan

2 жыл бұрын

It sounds like the nylocks were over tightened, as what you describe is what happens when a nylock strips. You might try vice grips and pulling down on the nylock as you loosen it.

@Ourkaravan- this looks ideal. do you think this would work with an RB components rear driver side door ladder? Looks like it will work, the RB ladder is approx 5” max.

@ourkaravan

3 жыл бұрын

If you tell me where to take a measurement I will.

@svslipaway3534

3 жыл бұрын

@@ourkaravan that’s awesome, thanks. Basically I wonder how much room is between the rack and the driver rear door in both the closed and “open” positions- my ladder sticks out 5” and I wonder if it would interfere with the rack. My ladder mounts to the driver side rear door, it is 5” deep and is 16”w x 70”h and is located 3” from the edge of the door, and goes basically from the license plate to the top of the door.

@ourkaravan

3 жыл бұрын

3" from the edge of the driver's side rear door, the bike trays are 7" away from the body. The wheel trays will clear. That said the wheel chocks that hold the bike tires are 2-3/4" thick, so you may have to slide the bike tray/wheel chock one way or the other. The chocks can slide in the trays and the trays can slide on their mounts. I think there's enough flexibility there.

The box mod / hack is interesting ! could you link to that photo source ?

@ourkaravan

3 жыл бұрын

Hi, it's a common mod in the UK, where this Thule rack has been available for years. If you google image search this specific rack it should come up in a number of photos. I'm planning to come up with my own version, but I'm probably 2-3 months away from having the time.

Thanks for this video … trying to figure out this rack functionality is messing with my head trying to get it to work with my road bikes….

@ourkaravan

10 ай бұрын

The clamp arms can be placed in a variety of different locations to hold different bikes. I've had close to a dozen different bikes including little kids' bikes and it has been able to handle them all, and do it much more securely than the 1Up rack on our car. It does take a bit of time to figure out the best positioning, especially when kids' bikes are mixed with large adult bikes.

Is the rear view camera still showing enough of what's behind the van to operate it safely when backing up?

@ourkaravan

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, the view is partially obscured but you can still see what you need to see to back.

I am in process of selecting bike rack. not to sure what to buy hinge bike rack or what you have installed. Any problem with what you have like stability or moving while driving.

@ourkaravan

4 ай бұрын

Hi, I've had this bike rack for a few years now and really like it. My kiddo is growing and we've been through a bunch of bikes (I guess same can be said for me too) and it has accommodated all of them well and I would buy this rack again in a heartbeat. I use a 1Up rack on my other car and it does not hold bikes as solid as this Thule.

Have you been using the rack for a while? Would like to find feedback on longer term use. There were some comments in a german group that there were issues with doors flexing/bending with door mounted bike racks. those comments were not Thule rack specific. My guess would be that this is why this rack uses mounting tracks glued AND braced to the door. I have ordered it several times, but it always came missing several parts (very shoddy packaging) and Thule didn't have spares so i had to return it.

@ourkaravan

3 жыл бұрын

Hi, I use it all the time. The combination of rack plus my two full suspension bikes weighs under 60 pounds. The rear doors seem more than capable of handling the weight, but quite frankly I just couldn't deal with the hatchrack....made everything difficult and I had to install it and remove it every time I needed it. This has been great.

I don't have the rear windows. Do you think if I can install it at a lower position so that I don't need the stool?

@ourkaravan

3 жыл бұрын

The next lower position is within a couple of inches of the height of my stool, so maybe?

Sweet! It doesn't obscure rear license plate and/or taillights...

@ourkaravan

3 жыл бұрын

Correct!

Hallo, do you experience any problems with the door/hinges because of the extra weight?

@ourkaravan

6 ай бұрын

Not a bit. The door closes the same whether or not the weight of the bikes are on the door.

@VanTasticTraveling

6 ай бұрын

@@ourkaravan thank you so much for the information. We’ll order the bike rack soon now 👌

@ourkaravan

6 ай бұрын

@@VanTasticTraveling You are welcome. Ours has worked great for us over the years, including a variety of sizes of kids' bikes and my own 26" and 29" wheel'ed bikes.

Please can you tell me the length of each rail that fix,s to top and bottom of door , thanks very much ,Cass

@ourkaravan

4 ай бұрын

My van is not stored on-site where I can grab measurements but I believe the Thule manual available online lists the specifications.

@casselljohnson1573

4 ай бұрын

Thanks very much , I want to fit to a Hymer 600s free

Can this be completely removed if factoty installed without destroying the paint on vehicle?

@ourkaravan

2 жыл бұрын

I’ve never tried to remove it but I would think so

Will the door open all the way with the rack folded up?

@ourkaravan

3 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately no. The rack would hit the body before the magnet touched. If you removed four bolts the frame would lift off the tracks and then you could.

can you still use rear camera with the bikes in the way？

@ourkaravan

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, however the Sprinters up to 2016 (including mine) have a pretty narrow view and it doesn't get any better with the bikes on. On 2017+ with the wider view, it's less of an issue.

Hey Ken, how tall are you? Do you need a small step to load the bikes? Worried about being quite short and buying one of these.

@ourkaravan

3 ай бұрын

5'9", which I believe rounds up to 6'. :) I do carry a small step stool to aid in getting the bike on and off the van. I see this as somewhat of an advantage because the bikes are high enough to make them more difficult to steal and they stay far cleaner (being up high) than compared to when I was using hitch racks.

@liamkelly7668

3 ай бұрын

@@ourkaravan I'm only 5'5 so I'll definitely need one of these hahahaha

@ourkaravan

3 ай бұрын

@@liamkelly7668 That's probably a more reasonable approach than trying to grow a few more inches. :)

Can you still use your backup camera?

@ourkaravan

Жыл бұрын

Yes, however portions of the view are blocked.

Can you attach to a metal dropper seat post? Do you think attaching to a carbon frame would damage/crush it?

@ourkaravan

Жыл бұрын

There are a lot of ways you can position the attachment arms, and on my daughter's little 20" wheel'd bike I clamp to the stem. Since filming that video I upgraded to a carbon bike and use the clamp arm directly on the carbon all the time.

@henrypastorelli8938

Жыл бұрын

@@ourkaravan thank you! I might order from Amazon. Free returns so the risk is low to try it out.

@henrypastorelli8938

Жыл бұрын

I just heard back from Thule max wheel base is 45.5. My bike is 47”. Have you fitted a larger (xl) size MTB?

@ourkaravan

Жыл бұрын

I’m thinking they may have misspoke. I ride an Ibis Ripley with a 1207 mm 47.5” wheelbase, and there is plenty of room.

Can you put the rack on either door?

@ourkaravan

3 жыл бұрын

No. On a sprinter the right door has to open before you can access the latch to open the left door. Even if it could mount on the left, the bike trays would be in the way and prevent the door from opening more than a couple of inches.

Do you think think would still work if I had a ladder on the left side

@ourkaravan

Жыл бұрын

Likely but it depends on how far off the door it sits.

@youngmers

Жыл бұрын

@@ourkaravan looking at ypur video i dont think it will be a problem when the bike are loaded but id need 130mm clearance to store the rack in the up position

@ourkaravan

Жыл бұрын

Maybe someone can get a dimension to you. I’d do it but my van is stored offsite.

Anyone ever try these on non-sprinters?

@ourkaravan

Жыл бұрын

I see them on Promasters fairly regularly

Still happy with the bike rack?

@ourkaravan

Жыл бұрын

Absolutely. I actually just bought the popular 1Up rack for my 4Runner and the bike flops around a concerning amount. The Thule on the van is rock solid.

@mweber2000

Жыл бұрын

@@ourkaravan so I am considering it for my pro master based camper, I have a ladder on the left door. Do you think this rack would fit with the ladder? IE Can let me know the distance from the door to the closest tray with the rack folded and deployed, I would appreciate it very much.

@ourkaravan

Жыл бұрын

My van is stored off-site so I can’t easily get measurements but in the video you can see the rack itself sits quite far off the body and the trays even more so. It would be hard to imagine your ladder projects out far enough for there to be a conflict. For what it’s worth the first time I saw this rack was on a promaster with a ladder, but I’m not sure which ladder.

Can't you just mount it lower?

@ourkaravan

6 ай бұрын

You can

dang i was following the dream, got a used 2013 sprinter with 60k miles. drove it less that 200 miles and now a blown motor. 20k for a new one, on back order world wide. these vans are junk, sorry shareholder profits above all things. getting a toyota like i should have from the jump.

@ourkaravan

3 жыл бұрын

Dang sorry to hear! It's hard to beat a Toyota...I've driven them for the last 20 years. Too bad they don't import a diesel high roof van into the US!

@buttface9434

3 жыл бұрын

@@ourkaravan sorry to vent on your page. i really appreciate your videos, they helped me on my build. good luck with your van man.

@ourkaravan

3 жыл бұрын

No worries! Unfortunately all of the van options have their issues; choosing one is simply a matter of picking the lesser of the evils. I hope to get a lot of miles from mine but I don't think it would a stretch to say no vehicle is going to be as reliable as my 2000 Toyota 4Runner. That thing is indestructible.