Thule Easybase system - a mini review

[A lex]

Ive just purchased a Thule Easybase system for carting the bikes around France this summer, so I thought id do a little review as info seems surprisingly hard to come by on the interwebs...

The easybase system is a little different / more flexible than most carriers, as besides taking (up to) 3 bikes, it can also be fitted with a 500L hard boot box, or a soft waterproof bag or a crate base. You can of course directly bolt your own crap to the base too, should you see fit.

Easybase 949:

http://www.thule.com/en/nl/products/...e-949-_-949000

Backup box:

http://www.thule.com/en/nl/products/...p-900-_-900000

Easybag:

http://www.thule.com/en/nl/products/...948-4-_-948400

and crate:

http://www.thule.com/en/nl/products/...948-3-_-948300


Construction time was about 90 mins, including the bike fittings. It seems extremely nicely made, no sharp edges or unfinished sections. Sturdy, weighty and decent quality bolts etc. The only slight 'cheapness' to it, is that you have to tie-rap the lighting cables to the frame - it would be nicer if the cables were hidden.

Only ease-of-use negative Ive really noticed is that there is no 'quick release' system on the tow hook attachment, and it requires a (supplied) spanner to get it properly tight and aligned on the bar.

So, the base:





The 2 bike attachment:





My bike on!





By loosening the two bolts on the upright, the bikes can be leant forwards allowing access to the boot. It takes about 90 secs to wind off/on the bolts. Its very handy/essential to have the option to do so though



And an optional lock system to fix it to the tow hook:



Ease of use seems great, will see how we go in the summer with some more bikes on etc. I can see myself getting the crate and perhaps the large box in the near future, as they would both come in very handy indeed.

I took a bit of a gamble on this, as I wasnt sure whether this or a more traditional system would suit my needs better. Im very happy with the outcome though, and hope someone might find this info useful at some point

[Simon Jones]

An excellent write up. I used to have one of these on my campervan which I used with the Backup Box. One problem is that the position of the lights are too far away from the number plate to provide decent illumination so I added some LED number plate lights to the edges of the plastic surround:



You can get a wire basket which is useful for taking garden rubbish to the dump. I've got a spare one if anyone is interested.



I sold the Easybase a few years back and bought an Atera Strada DL3 bike rack which I've since modified to use with the Backup Box.









Hope you don't mind me piggybacking onto your thread.

[winnie200]

Hi Simon,

Although I don't have a Volvo I was looking through google trying to get reviews and opinions about the Thule easybase system and came across this post and have decided i'm going to invest in one.

I don't suppose you still have the basket available like you said in your post?

Cheers,
Adam

[Simon Jones]

Hi Adam, I do actually still have the basket as I never got round to advertising it. I think it's still in the original packaging. Happy to do a deal with you as I need to have a clear out to move house. I'll drop you a PM with my email address if you'd like to discuss further.

[primmer]

Hi Simon,

I know this was a while ago but this is interesting as we already have that bike rack and we are considering getting a Thule Backup Box to use with it. So I'd be interested to know how well it fits and what modifications you needed to make etc? Do you have any more details you could share please?

We're keen to use our existing rack as it tilts away from the back of our campervan and allows us to open the tailgate, something which wouldn't be possible with the Thule EasyBase.

Thanks in advance.

Paul.