Thule EasyFold XT 3 - Does it tilt far enough

[Dave-Clarke-5]

I went with the Atera Genio pro after having the Thule easyfold XT 2 and trying the Thule EPOS and not being able to open the tailgat.

 

[RSMarco]

I have the XT3 and factory fitted tow bar and no issues with clearance once the adjustment has been made to the XT3. I also use the Thule Backspace and this combo is excellent for some additional space. You just have to remember the weight limit when packing.

 

[CamperFam]

I have the XT3 and factory fitted tow bar and no issues with clearance once the adjustment has been made to the XT3. I also use the Thule Backspace and this combo is excellent for some additional space. You just have to remember the weight limit when packing.

This. Absolutely brilliant combo, but very limited on what you can put in the back when noting the weight of the rack and box (and any tailgate bikerack too etc.

We run the same setup and it's awesome when on campsites and able to store your bulky items away and clea up the drive away awning

 

[Victor_Tango_]

The OEM racks are Thule - it's more a case of weight and most of the damage wont be visible until after you remove the rack.

Your 2007 might have the Kylie version (a shapely curved shape with a bar at the top). The Quasimodo (more akin to scaffolding) is a bit more competent as a rack in my opinion - just not as attractive.

Thanks, though I don't think it's either of those. Here's what it looks like.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Thanks, though I don't think it's either of those. Here's what it looks like.

View attachment 118608

It’s a Thule Backpac 2 / 973

 

[WelshGas]

This might be of use.

 

[California_Clarky]

These are the two bits that need to be removed in order to allow it to fully tilt however I would suggest you put something back In its place to stop the tube being crushed when its tightened up - I am going to have a goo ad modifying these will post and update

 

[California_Clarky]

View attachment 118618View attachment 118617
These are the two bits that need to be removed in order to allow it to fully tilt however I would suggest you put something back In its place to stop the tube being crushed when its tightened up - I am going to have a goo ad modifying these will post and update

A bit of modification on the lathe and the carrier now tilts fully and the tube is protected from crushing- before and after

 

[Swissies]

Yes, my XT3 tilts enough to open my tailgate on a MY23 California Ocean.
That’s with the OEM removable towball from VW.

@Californication69 did you make any adjustments? Could you please show/instruct? Got same setup but factory mode is not enough.
Also, perhaps you know the OEM removable tow bar max weight too of mind? Many thanks in advance!

 

[CamperFam]

@Californication69 did you make any adjustments? Could you please show/instruct? Got same setup but factory mode is not enough.
Also, perhaps you know the OEM removable tow bar max weight too of mind? Many thanks in advance!

There’s an adjustment cable on the underside of the XT3. Max setting allows for enough tilt.

 

[Californication69]

@Californication69 did you make any adjustments? Could you please show/instruct? Got same setup but factory mode is not enough.
Also, perhaps you know the OEM removable tow bar max weight too of mind? Many thanks in advance!

Hey, I didn’t make any adjustments to mine. It just tilted out the box. Not too sure, but I’ve heard either 100 or 120 KG towbar weight ?

 

[ChrisTravel]

@California_Clarky - the tailgate can indeed work whilst the XT-3 is on; and the Backspace XT-3 too.

The setup we run (due to the copious amounts of toot that two young kids often bring) is an XT-3 on the towbar with a Backspace XT-3 to try and generate a bit more space on the inside (light bulk - blankets, pillows, duvets etc).

Here's a picture of the setup.

The XT-3 has three settings for the tilt; by default it's on the middle. You can have it tilt less if you so fancy, but for the tailgate to clear it, it needs to be on the max setting. It's a simple pin through two eyelets so it's not exactly a tough job.

View attachment 117663

Hi just got my XT3 but as it is no way I can open the tailgate. Can I ask what do you do change the settings. Really a nightmare if it won’t tilt far enough. Any tips appreciated

 

[Jimmylondon07]

I fitted mine for the first time this weekend. There is a small pin on each side which by default is in the small left hole. You need to move it to the right one and that increases the tilt from 50 to 70 degrees, there’s a bit about it in the pretty useless instruction booklet. It’s tight but the tailgate will clear it with millimetres to spare. Would suggest going carefully the first time though!

 

[Michiel1961NL]

This might be of use.
View attachment 118615

Do you have experience with this extension? Any weight constraints?


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[ChrisTravel]

I fitted mine for the first time this weekend. There is a small pin on each side which by default is in the small left hole. You need to move it to the right one and that increases the tilt from 50 to 70 degrees, there’s a bit about it in the pretty useless instruction booklet. It’s tight but the tailgate will clear it with millimetres to spare. Would suggest going carefully the first time though!

View attachment 120836

View attachment 120837

Thanks JimmyLondon much appreciated this forum is wonderful

 

[Jimmylondon07]

Thanks JimmyLondon much appreciated this forum is wonderful

No worries mate. Here’s the section of the manual just FYI.

 

[WelshGas]

Do you have experience with this extension? Any weight constraints?


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Afraid not. I gather your Towbar weight constraints are the limit.

 

[Michiel1961NL]

This might be of use.
View attachment 118615

Works fine with Thule tilting bike-racks for
2 or 3 bikes.


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[ally_smudge]

Are you all talking about the Thule easy fold XT3 or the Velospace XT3?

 

[ChrisTravel]

If it’s the Easyfold xt3 as other say it just needs the bungs removed reduced and put back in mine now works perfectly after a bit of trial and error it’s a great set up thanks for the tips above everyone

 

[Nejc]

I recently purchased the latest version of the THULE 978 Epos bike carrier. I opted for this carrier because attaching e-bikes is easy and secure, unlike the previous version which was a real headache. Essentially, this is the new version of the previous EasyFold XT2. In the Epos version, a removable wire serves as a safety measure for tilting the carrier. Unfortunately, the handlebar of my bike is too long, causing a shortage of a few centimeters to open the tailgate when I tilt the carrier and the bike's handlebar touches the ground. I haven't had the time to try it with my spouse's bike, which has a shorter handlebar, yet. When I do, I'll describe the experience on this forum.

View attachment 117869

This bike carrier is simply not suitable for the Californias because the tailgate cannot be opened. Nor is there any towbar that has a longer offset from the door. If a Westafalia towbar is fitted, it is not even possible to attach the first MTB bike because the handlebars touch the rear window. Anyway, I sold the bike carrier for which I had spent almost €1000 and bought a DIAMANT FG PLUS carrier from PRO USER. It's a great rack, the tailgate now opens easily and attaching the bikes is easy too. And the price? In Slovenia 530,00 EUR. I won't claim that it's better than the THULE 978 Epos, but it's a very good approximation and the main thing is; it's usable for California.

 

[secret lemonade drinker]

You can replace the light units complete with LED sealed units, however you may have to install load resistors in the indicator circuits to ensure the indicators flash at the correct speed and do not give you spurious light failure indications

 

[James Gill]

Tailgate is the OEM 'Quasimodo' T6 rack (non-electric, ofcourse). The tailgate isn't designed to be opened with bikes on. I would highly recommend that you dont ever do this, albeit it is possible. Due to the centre of gravity and the directional weight, if you open it with bikes on you can dent the tailgate where the mounting arms sit. Additionally, there are considerations on the bike handlebars and hitting the roof / pop top.

The Thule box and tailgate rack do indeed work together and you can open the tailgate still. But I would highly recommend you do not do it with bikes on.

Hi there, is it just too tight with bikes on? Would the new offering from Atera be better. I have Strada and its not not as solid as I would like. Thx

Atera GENIO PRO Advanced​