Kuat Piston Pro X Key Features:

• Weight Capacity: 67lbs Per Bike
• Bike Capacity: 2, 3 and 4 Bike Models Available
• Construction: All Metal
• Bike Security: Semi-integrated 12mm Cable Lock
• Attachment Style: Dual Tire Mounted
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime

Thule Epos Key Features:

• Weight Capacity: One Bike Max of 75lbs, Total of 140lbs
• Bike Capacity: 2 and 3 Bike Models Available
• Construction: Metal and Plastic
• Bike Security: Integrated Ratcheting Locks
• Attachment Style: Adjustable Frame or Rear Tire Mounting
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime

Thule Epos Bike Attachment

The Thule Epos uses an extremely adjustable mounting arm that can be placed anywhere on the bikes frame or onto the rear tire. This is great specifically for bikes with step-thru style frames or fenders. To avoid any frame contact you can go directly onto the rear tire, if it is clear of fenders or pannier racks. The rack also requires tire straps on the front and rear tires.

Kuat Piston Pro X Bike Attachment

The Kuat Piston Pro X uses a sleek, one hand operated, dual tire mounting system. Arms reach over the tires and secure them into place. The wheel chock is adjustable for different sized tires and is easily moved into different positions with a pin lock. This makes it incredibly quick to load and avoids the need for tire straps.

Kuat Piston Pro X Tilting and Folding Features

When not carrying the bikes the Kuat Piston Pro X can be folded up to the vehicle, keeping it out of the way for parking and garage clearance. To gain access to the hatch of the vehicle when the bikes are loaded (or without bikes loaded) you simply pull the tilting lever at the base of the rack.

Thule Epos Tilting and Folding Features

The Thule Epos boasts the easiest tilting feature to access the hatch of your vehicle. It uses a large kick pedal at the front of the carrier, and tilts up and away. This gives the most spacious clearance from the vehicle of any rack on the market. However, the rack will not fold up to the vehicle when not in use, instead the wheel trays fold to the centre.

Thule Epos Weight Capacity

The Thule Epos rates weight capacity slightly differently than other racks, below are the listed weight capacities depending on the model:

• 2 Bike 2/1.25" Model: Total Capacity of 140lbs, Max 1 Bike Capacity of 75lbs
• 3 Bike 2" Model: Total Capacity of 160lbs, Max 1 Bike Capacity of 75lbs

Kuat Piston Pro X Weight Capacity

Kuat rates the Piston Pro X with different weight capacities depending on the model. Below are the listed weight capacities for each:

• 2 Bike 2" Model: 67lbs Per Bike
• 2 Bike 1.25" Model: 60lbs Per Bike
• 3 Bike Model: 50lbs Per Bike
• 4 Bike Model: 40lbs Per Bike

Kuat Piston Pro X RV Ratings

The only model of the Kuat Piston Pro X which is rated for RV use is the 2 Bike 2" Model. Below are the weight capacities depending on RV type:

• 67lbs per bike For Class B Motor-homes with chassis mounted hitches and rear axle to outermost point of hitch distance equal or less than 64"
• 42lbs per bike For all other applications (Class A, B, and C Motor-homes, A-frame trailers, and Fifth Wheel trailers) with a chassis mounted hitch

Thule Epos RV Ratings

Both the 2 and 3 bike Thule Epos hitch bike rack models are approved for RV use only on class A,B,C motor-homes, if they have a rear-axle to outermost point of the rear of the vehicle distance of less than 90.5", at a 60% weight capacity. They are not approved for any other application of motor-home or trailer.

• Epos 2 Bike Model: Max 1 bike capacity of 45lbs and total capacity of 84lbs
• Epos 3 Bike Model: Max 1 bike capacity of 45lbs and total capacity of 96lbs

Kuat Piston Pro X Locking and Bike Security

To secure the bikes, the Kuat Piston Pro X utilizes a semi-integrated 12mm braided steel cable lock. It's called "semi-integrated" because the cable cannot be stored in the rack, but when being used to lock the bikes it is secured to a position on the bike racks main mast.
The rack secures to the vehicle using a locking pin, it slips through the hole on the hitch receiver, through the bike rack, and a lock is applied to the end.

• Bike Security: 12mm semi-integrated cable lock
• Locking to Vehicle: Hitch pin lock

Thule Epos Locking and Bike Security

To secure the bikes, the Thule Epos utilizes a lock integrated into the ratcheting strap that holds the bikes. When in the locked position, the release button cannot be pressed to loosen the ratcheting strap.
The rack secures to the vehicle using its integrated hitch tensioning mechanism. Once tightened, the tensioning lever locks into a specific position on the rack, and cannot be released.

• Bike Security: Integrated locking rubber coated metal ratcheting strap
• Locking to Vehicle: Locking hitch tensioning lever

Kuat Piston Pro X Vehicle Installation

To install the Kuat Piston Pro X into your vehicle, the rack simply slides into your hitch receiver and is tightened with an included security Allen key. This mechanism pushes a wedge into the corner of your hitch receiver and takes up any extra space to eliminate movement. The bike rack is locked to the vehicle with the locking hitch pin.

• Vehicle Installation: Slides into hitch, tightened with an included Allen key and locked with included hitch pin

Thule Epos Vehicle Installation

To install the Thule Epos into your vehicle the rack easily slides into your hitch, and is tightened using the integrated handle. Like the Kuat Piston Pro X this mechanism pushes a wedge into the corner of your hitch receiver and takes up all the extra space to eliminate any movement. A spring loaded safety pin clips to one side of the hitch pin hole.

• Vehicle Installation: Slides into hitch, tightened with an integrated handle and locked to the vehicle using the same handle

Kuat Piston Pro X Storage

The Kuat Piston Pro X does not have any additional folding for storage off of the vehicle. Its smallest storage footprint position is with the rack folded up as pictured.

• No specific storage configuration

Thule Epos Storage

The Thule Epos does have a unique storage configuration that takes up minimal space when off the vehicle. The bike racks tire trays fold up to the centre, and the portion of the bike that is installed into the vehicle can tilt towards the rack, creating a compact rectangle. On top of this, the rack has an ergonomic handle and integrated wheels at its based so you can roll it and maneuver it without having to lift the rack off the ground.

• Compact storage position, ergonomic handle, and integrated wheels so you do not have to lift the rack to move it.

Thule Epos Bike Rack Accessories

Below is a list of compatible accessories for the Thule Epos:

• Loading Ramp
• Lights and License Plate Kit
• ABUS High-Grade Lock Upgrade
• Storage Bag
• Fat Tire Straps
• Carbon Frame Protector
• Bike Protector

Kuat Piston Pro X Bike Rack Accessories

Below is a list of comptabile accessories for the Kuat Piston Pro X:

• E-Bike Loading Ramp
• License Plate Adapter
• Fender Kit (for bikes with wrap around fenders)
• Wiring Extension (for use with Kuat Pivot swing away)