Thule 973 Backpac r...
 

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[Closed] Thule 973 Backpac rear mounting bike rack

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I've got a 973 rack with number 15 fitting kit. I'm changing vehicles and Thule site says I need fitting kit number 16. Does anyone know if both fitting kits share the same straight and bent pipes (length and predrilled bolt holes) and if it's just the rubber mounting pads that are different? As the pads can be bought separately for the fraction of the price of a complete fitting kit, it will save me money if I can just re-use the pipes.


 
Posted : 01/01/2018 9:42 am
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The pipes will be different between fitting kits as they're for different shaped vehicles.

Don't have experience of those precise kits but others I've encountered have completely different length and shaped pipes.


 
Posted : 01/01/2018 11:21 am
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As the post above. You need to buy the complete fitting kit for your vehicle. Comes with pads and appropriate poles.

I love my 973 backpack. You don't see many of them about. I'm not sure whether it's due to the expense or that they don't fit all cars. Being able to open the boot with the rack fitted is great. Also being able to carry four bikes.


 
Posted : 01/01/2018 11:39 am
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If it is a new car then I wouldn't really recommend a backpack type rack. It is nearly impossible to avoid some paint damage due to rubbing. I have heard of panel denting too.
Lots of cars have rear plastic spoilers at the top, and the main load goes this way. You don't want flexible plastic here as it will allow for more movement, apart from the damage to the spoiler.
Remember you also need lights for most installations, see the regulations.
[url= https://auxtail.com/2017/12/14/acts-regulations/ ]regs[/url]


 
Posted : 02/01/2018 1:40 pm

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