Most people think all you need for camping is a decent tent and a warm sleeping bag. Then you throw in bikes for a weekend in Wales, and suddenly you’re eyeing up racks that cost more than your entire camping setup.
Sound familiar? I’ve watched folk drop bikes on the A470 because they believed any old rack would do the job. The Thule EasyFold XT 3 isn’t just a rack; it’s supposed to be peace of mind on two wheels. But does it justify the price, or is it just posh packaging?
What Exactly Is the Thule EasyFold XT 3?
Think of the Thule EasyFold XT 3 as the Swiss Army knife of bike racks. It’s built for those of us who want to carry up to three bikes, including chunky e-bikes, without any drama. Whether you drive a car, SUV, or campervan, this rack is designed to mount onto a towbar in minutes, no swear words required.
Thule promises it folds down neatly, wheels around like luggage, and sets up with barely a shrug. So if you’re a fan of spontaneous weekend rides or packed family getaways, it sounds like the ultimate no-fuss solution.
But – and it’s a big but – the price tag might make you flinch. It’s definitely a premium pick. The big question is: does it earn its keep, or is it just a flashy bit of kit for bike snobs? Let’s dig in.
Key Specs and Features
Get the numbers right – otherwise you’ll buy the wrong gear and regret it in a muddy lay-by at 6 am. Here’s what matters:
- Weight: 23.1kg
- Size folded: 31 x 83 x 86 cm
- Full size: 123cm wide x 83cm tall x 86cm deep
- Max bikes: Three
- Max bike weight: 30kg each (ideal for e-bikes)
- Wheelbase limit: 51 inches
- Frame clamp arms: Removable, highly adjustable, with a neat click system for tension
- Built-in wheels and carry handle for trolleying about
- Tilting foot pedal so you can get to the boot with bikes loaded
- Built-in lights and reg plate mount
- Locks for bikes and rack
You also get a ramp (more on that later), plus Thule’s reputation for bombproof design. Or that’s the theory.
Setting It Up on the Tow Bar
This is usually where most bike racks start testing your patience. But with the Thule EasyFold XT 3, setup’s surprisingly smooth. It comes fully assembled out of the box – no tools, no head-scratching, no “where’s that Allen key?” moments.
Rolling it to the car with its built-in wheels feels really civilised. No more awkward lifting or shin-bashing on the driveway. Getting it onto the tow ball does take a bit of heft – it’s not featherlight, but it’s totally doable on your own.
Once it’s perched, the clamp system is solid. You twist the adjuster knob first, then push down the handbrake-style lever to lock it all in. If it feels loose, just tighten the knob a bit more. Once clamped, it’s rock steady, even before any bikes are loaded.
Wiring in the lights? Simple. The rack folds up nicely, so you’ve got space to reach the 13-pin plug (standard for most newer UK cars). Just make sure your vehicle matches – older ones may need an adapter. After that, unclip the carry strap, fold the wings out, and boom – you’ve got a full-size platform ready to go. All in, about 3 to 4 minutes solo. Easy.
Folding and Storage Back at Home
If your garage looks like mine – crammed with tents, muddy boots, and bits of awning – the compact fold is a godsend. Drop the wings, loop up the carry strap, and roll it away on its wheels. It fits under most worktops or leans in a shed corner. I used to dread storing my old platform-style rack; this thing actually plays nicely with the garden tools.
You won’t want to lift it up and down stairs daily, but if you’re short of space, it makes a real difference. On a rainy Friday, not tripping over your bike kit makes the whole camp load-in much less stressful.
Tilt Action & Boot Access (Does It Actually Work?)
Let’s be honest – most bike racks promise “easy boot access,” then laugh in your face the moment you’ve got more than one bike on. The Thule EasyFold XT 3 does a better job than most, thanks to its big, foot-operated tilt pedal.
Hit that pedal, and the whole rack leans away from your car, giving you access to the boot, even when it’s fully loaded with bikes. On my estate, it worked a treat. Three chunky bikes strapped down, and I still managed to grab the picnic blanket and crisps without a hitch.
That said, it’s not flawless. If you’re driving something like a VW California or Mercedes Marco Polo, the tailgate is so tall and wide that it can clash with the rack – even when tilted. You might still need to unload a bike or two to get full access. So while it’s a win for most cars and SUVs, campervan owners should definitely check their boot clearance before buying.
Handling Different Bikes: Roadies, E-bikes, and Fat Tyres
This is where the Thule EasyFold XT 3 really earns its stripes. I’ve loaded it up with everything from a 28kg e-bike to a carbon gravel bike and a kid’s muddy mountain bike – all at once – and it handled the mix like a champ.
The clamp arms are fully adjustable, long enough to reach wherever you need them, and super easy to move around. Best part? They give a satisfying click when you’ve tightened them enough, so no second-guessing whether you’re crushing your pricey carbon frame.
Now, the wheel straps are decent for most standard tyres – hybrids, roadies, even your average MTB. But once you get into chunkier territory (fat bikes or oversized tyres), things get a bit fiddly. My mate’s fat bike just about squeezed in after deflating the tyres a bit, which isn’t ideal.
You can buy longer straps from Thule if you’re planning to haul bigger rigs regularly. For e-bikes though? It’s bang on – no need to remove mudguards or mess with adapters.
Real-World Use: From B-Roads to Campsites
Let’s talk about living with it. I’ve run the EasyFold XT 3 through everything – Welsh rainstorms, coastal salt spray in Anglesey, and bitter cold in the Peak District. Not once has it shown signs of rust or struggled with frozen locks. The powder-coated finish holds up well, and it just feels like a bit of kit that’ll last season after season.
Loading three bikes, once you get the hang of it, takes under 10 minutes. The optional ramp is handy for heavy e-bikes, but on a taller SUV, it ends up so steep it feels like pushing a fridge up a slide. I usually skip the ramp for lighter bikes – quicker and easier.
On the road, it’s impressively stable. No rattling, bouncing, or ominous creaks – just smooth driving with a bit of extra rear overhang.
Snags and Drawbacks: No Rack is Perfect
Despite the price, there are annoyances. The loading ramp is frankly thin and wobbly; on taller cars, it’s not much help. Plastic knobs for tightening the arms can crack – treat them gently. Accessories like the long ramp or fat bike adapters are extra, which stings given the upfront cost.
I had a light knock the wiring plug loose once after reversing over a particularly bumpy field. Worth double-checking everything before setting off.
Also, the rack doesn’t fold truly flat against the car. You’ll be sticking out more than some rivals. This means parallel parking in town isn’t fun; don’t get caught out with a parking ticket if the rack blocks your registration plate or lights.
Side-By-Side: How It Stacks Up to Rivals
When you stack the Thule EasyFold XT 3 against the competition, a few things become clear. The Atera Strada DL3 is a solid shout if boot access is your main concern – it slides back farther, which is great for campervans with big rear doors. It’s also a bit easier on the wallet. But in terms of overall build quality? The Thule still feels sturdier, especially after a few rough trips.
Then there’s the Thule Velospace XT 3. It’s the go-to if you're hauling super-fat bikes or something with a longer wheelbase, like a full-suspension e-MTB. But be warned – it’s bulkier and takes up more room when not in use, which can be a pain if storage space is tight.
What gives the EasyFold XT 3 the edge is how user-friendly it is. No faffing with bolts or extra tools. It folds down small enough to stash in a garage or even a large cupboard.
For anyone who values hassle-free setup and neat storage, it’s hard to beat – unless your bike setup is particularly chunky or your van door needs mega clearance.
Final Thoughts & The Straight-Shooting Verdict
If you want a bike rack that copes with UK camping, unpredictable weather, family holidays, and heavy e-bikes, the Thule EasyFold XT 3 is a strong bet. It’s well-built, packs down tidy, and proves easy to use even if you’ve never owned a fancy rack. For most car and SUV drivers, it’s as close as you’ll get to “fit-and-forget.”
But if you run thick-tyred mountain rigs, have a quirky campervan, or hate buying “essential” add-ons, stop and check if this rack works for you. Also, expect a hefty price tag — £650 puts it in “serious kit” territory.
For years of stress-free trips, I’d pick it again. If I had to haul three e-bikes to a wet Lake District site tomorrow, I know they’d make it in one piece. But I’d also double-check the straps and save up for the proper long ramp. As always, trust gear tested by campers, not just companies.
Got more questions or want to see practical reviews of other essential camping gear? Check out our camping reviews section before you buy. Don’t make the mistakes I did in my early days – your bikes (and wallet) will thank you.
