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Thule Bike Racks NZ — The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Rack for Your Vehicle

Thule Bike Racks in NZ — Find the Perfect Rack for Your Vehicle

Choosing the right bike rack for your caravan, motorhome, van, or car can be confusing — there are dozens of models, each designed for specific vehicles and mounting points. This guide breaks down the entire Thule bike rack range we stock at Action Outdoors, so you can find exactly what fits your setup.

⚠️ Disclaimer: All product specifications, vehicle compatibility information, and technical details in this guide are sourced from the official Thule brand website. While we strive for accuracy, always verify fitment for your specific vehicle model and year before purchasing. If in doubt, contact us and we'll help you check.

🚨 Stock alert: Thule shipments to NZ sell out fast. These are premium European-made products with limited NZ allocations. If you see what you need in stock — don't wait. Next shipments can be months away.


Step 1: What Type of Vehicle Do You Have?

This is the most important question. Your vehicle type determines which mounting system — and therefore which rack models — will work for you.

Vehicle Type Mounting Options Jump To
Caravan (with vertical rear wall) Wall mount or A-frame mount Wall Mount · A-Frame
Motorhome / Campervan Wall mount, lift system, or slide-out garage Wall Mount · Premium Systems
Van (Sprinter, Crafter, Ducato, etc.) Van-specific rear-door mount Van-Specific
Car / SUV / 4WD (with towbar) Towbar/hitch mount Towbar Mount

🏆 Premium Systems — Lift V16, VeloTrack & VeloSlide

These are Thule's top-tier solutions for motorhomes and RVs. If you want the absolute best loading experience — especially with heavy e-bikes — these are worth the investment.

Thule Lift V16 — Height-Adjustable Platform

The Lift V16 is a game-changer for tall motorhomes. The entire platform lowers to ground level so you can load bikes without lifting. Available in two versions:

Model Operation Capacity Bikes Wall Width Price
Lift V16 Electric (12V) 12V motor — 40 seconds to lower 50 kg 2 (expandable to 3) 70–95 cm $2,399
Lift V16 Manual Hand crank 50 kg 2 (expandable to 3) 70–95 cm $1,999

Best for: Tall motorhomes where loading at height is difficult. Perfect for e-bike owners who don't want to lift 25+ kg bikes above their head. Use the extension set ($206) for walls wider than 95 cm.

Thule VeloTrack — Van & Camper Rear Door

The VeloTrack ($2,699) mounts to the rear door of vans and campers — no drilling required. With 60 kg capacity and sliding rails that adjust in depth and left-to-right, it handles 2 e-bikes (expandable to 3). An optional lightboard mounts the rack lower for better visibility and easier loading.

Best for: Campervans and converted vans where you want no permanent modifications. Great for renters and lease vehicles.

Thule VeloSlide — Motorhome Garage Slide-Out

The VeloSlide ($2,200) sits inside your motorhome's rear garage. Bikes slide out from the garage on rails for loading, then slide back in — completely hidden and protected during travel. Two mounting rail lengths available: 140 cm ($316) and 70 cm ($174).

Best for: Motorhomes with a rear garage compartment. Keeps bikes out of sight, protected from weather and theft.


🧱 Wall-Mount Racks — For Motorhomes & Caravans

Wall-mount racks bolt to the vertical rear wall of your motorhome or caravan. They're the most popular option and come in several tiers.

Thule Excellent — Premium Wall Mount

Model Frame Size Capacity Bikes Price
Excellent Standard Standard (80–100 cm walls) 60 kg 2→4 $1,365
Excellent Short Frame Short (60–80 cm walls) 60 kg 2→4 $1,350
Excellent Standard Black Standard (80–100 cm walls) 60 kg 2→4 $1,160

Key features: Sliding rails adjust in depth AND left-to-right. Auto-locking platform. AcuTight torque limiter knobs click when optimal tightness is reached. Expandable from 2 to 4 bikes with optional 3rd rail ($205) and 4th rail ($245) kits.

Thule Elite G2 — Mid-Range Wall Mount

Model Frame Size Capacity Bikes Price
Elite G2 Standard Standard 60 kg 2→4 $1,100
Elite G2 Short Frame Short 60 kg 2→4 $1,070

Expandable with the 3rd rail kit ($218) and 4th rail kit.

Thule Sport G2 — Value Wall Mount

Model Best For Bikes Price
Sport G2 Universal (Caravan) Caravan rear wall 2→3 $674
Sport G2 Standard Caravan & motorhome 2→3 $600
Sport G2 Short Shorter walls 2→3 $602
Sport G2 Van (2-Door) 2-door vans 2 $750

Add the 3rd rail kit ($199) for a third bike. For e-bikes, use the e-bike rail ($214) or 1300 mm rail ($160).

How to Choose: Excellent vs Elite G2 vs Sport G2

Excellent Elite G2 Sport G2
Max capacity 60 kg 60 kg Lower (~50 kg)
Max bikes 4 4 3
Sliding rails Depth + left/right Depth + left/right Basic
Finish Premium anodised/black Standard Standard
Price range $1,160–$1,365 $1,070–$1,100 $600–$750
Best for Premium buyers, 4-bike families Mid-budget, good all-rounder Value buyers, 2-3 bikes

🔺 A-Frame Racks — For Caravan Drawbars

A-frame racks mount to the caravan's drawbar (A-frame / chassis tongue) — the triangular steel section between the caravan body and the tow coupling. This keeps bikes at the front of the caravan, leaving the rear door free.

Model Capacity Bikes Key Feature Price
Caravan Superb XT Standard 60 kg 2 (→3) Front locker access, tiltable, AcuTight $1,100
Caravan Superb XT Short (Anodised) 60 kg 2 Short frame, premium anodised finish $1,106
Caravan Superb E-Bike E-bike rated 2 Reinforced for heavy e-bikes $902
Caravan Smart Standard 2 Tilt design, simpler build $999
A Frame Light Lightweight 2 Budget-friendly, easy install $399

⚠️ Important compatibility note: The Caravan Superb XT is designed for European-style caravan A-frames. Check your drawbar dimensions and mounting points before ordering. The A Frame Light is more universally compatible and a great entry point.


🚐 Van-Specific Racks — Sprinter, Crafter, Ducato & More

These racks are purpose-built for specific van models — they clamp to the rear doors with no drilling required and maintain rear-door access.

Model Fits Bikes Price
Elite Van (VW Crafter/Grand California) VW Crafter, Grand California 2 $1,624
Elite Van XT (Sprinter/Crafter) Mercedes Sprinter (2006+), VW Crafter (pre-2017) 2 $1,520
Elite XT Van (Ducato/Jumper/Boxer) Fiat Ducato, Citroën Jumper, Peugeot Boxer, Ram ProMaster (2007+) 2 $1,259

Key benefits: No drilling into your van. Tool-free installation. Maintains rear-door access. One Key System compatible (one key for all Thule products). Sliding rails for bike positioning.


🚗 Towbar / Hitch Racks — For Cars, SUVs & 4WDs

Model Bikes Capacity Key Feature Price
Thule EasyFold XT 2 60 kg Fully foldable, tilt for boot access, e-bike ready $1,650
Quick Fit XF3 3 60 kg Large folding design, great for families $946
Quick Fit XF2 2 60 kg Hatchback-friendly, easy boot access $889

The EasyFold XT is Thule's premium towbar option — it folds completely flat when not in use and tilts away from the boot for easy trunk access even with bikes loaded. The Quick Fit XF2 and XF3 offer outstanding value with the same 60 kg e-bike capacity.


🔧 Accessories — Expand & Customise Your Rack

Add More Bikes

Accessory Compatible Racks Price
Sport G2 3rd Rail Kit Sport G2 $199
Excellent 3rd Rail Excellent $205
Elite G2 3rd Rail Kit Elite G2 $218
Superb 3rd Rail Kit Caravan Superb Standard $237
Lift V16 3rd Rail Kit Lift V16 $240
4th Bike Rail Kit Excellent, Elite G2 $245

Fat Bike & E-Bike Adapters

Accessory Compatible Racks Price
E-Bike Rail 1300 mm Sport G2 $160
Sport E-Bike Rail (30 kg) Sport G2 $214
Fatbike Rail (Superb/Smart) Caravan Superb, Smart $226
Fatbike Rail (Excellent/Lift/Elite) Excellent, Lift V16, Elite $289

Other Accessories


Quick Decision Guide

I Have… I Want… Best Model Price
Tall motorhome Easiest e-bike loading Lift V16 Electric $2,399
Campervan No-drill rear door mount VeloTrack $2,699
Motorhome with garage Hidden bike storage VeloSlide $2,200
Motorhome/caravan Premium 4-bike family rack Excellent $1,160–$1,365
Motorhome/caravan Good mid-range wall mount Elite G2 $1,070–$1,100
Caravan Budget-friendly wall mount Sport G2 $600–$674
Caravan Premium A-frame rack Caravan Superb XT $1,100–$1,106
Caravan Budget A-frame rack A Frame Light $399
Sprinter/Crafter Van rear-door mount Elite Van XT $1,520
Ducato/Jumper/Boxer Van rear-door mount Elite XT Van $1,259
Car/SUV with towbar Premium foldable rack EasyFold XT $1,650
Car/SUV with towbar Value 3-bike family rack Quick Fit XF3 $946

Important: Measuring Your Wall Width

Before buying a wall-mount rack, you need to know your rear wall width (the vertical mounting surface). This determines whether you need a standard or short frame model:

  • Standard frame — for walls 80–100 cm wide
  • Short frame — for walls 60–80 cm wide
  • Lift V16 standard — for walls 70–95 cm (use extension set for 95–150 cm)

Measure the clear mounting area on your rear wall — avoiding windows, vents, and lights.


Shop Thule Bike Racks at Action Outdoors

We're New Zealand's specialist dealer for Thule RV and caravan bike racks. See models in our Auckland showroom or order online with NZ-wide delivery.

👉 Browse All Thule Bike Racks & Accessories

🏷️ Remember: Thule shipments to NZ are limited and sell out fast. If you see your model in stock, order now — restocks can take months.

Need help choosing the right rack for your vehicle? Call 09 820 0911 or email sales@actionoutdoors.kiwi.

Disclaimer: Product specifications and vehicle compatibility information sourced from the official Thule brand website (thule.com). Always verify fitment for your specific vehicle before purchasing.

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