Cradle Ratchet Strap Kit - 6-Pack
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Why We Like The Cradle Ratchet Strap Kit
Thule provides replacement ratcheting cradle straps with the Cradle Ratchet Strap Kit. Six ratchet-style straps are included.
Details
- Replacement ratchet-style straps from Thule
- Four cradle straps and two anti-sway included
- For Thule Apex XT, Thule Helium Pro, Thule Camber and Thule Range
- Item #THU009E
- Compatibility
- Thule Apex XT, Helium Pro, Camber, Range
- Part Number
- 536
- Recommended Use
- travel
- Manufacturer Warranty
- limited lifetime
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
1.5 based on 49 ratings
Review Summary
Customer Images
Here's what customers have to say
The Thule bike rack received mixed reviews, with the main issue being the poor design and quality of the ratchet straps. Many customers reported that the straps frequently came loose, even on paved highways, causing the bikes to become unsecured and potentially fall off the rack. The ratchet mechanism was described as difficult to use, with the straps being hard to tighten and even harder to loosen once secured. Several customers had to cut the straps to remove their bikes, and some experienced damage as a result of the loose straps. The consensus is that the ratchet strap system is a major flaw that compromises the overall quality and functionality of the product.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews.
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageAugust 31, 2025
Straps too short
The racket straps my rear wheel are too short .. I’m only able to get one ? Click which does not make me feel secure .. I can’t give anything longer .. disappointed.
Originally reviewed on thule-us-ca
August 6, 2025
How to properly secureThule Cradle Ratchet Strap
I am at a bike trail and can not dismount my bikes from the bike rack. The straps will not move where is a video for how to properly secure the straps and dismount
Originally reviewed on thule-us-ca
August 1, 2025
Is there an upgrade option?
Just got a helium pro 2 rack for my Subaru Outback wilderness. Love the rack but don't love the straps. All feels high quality except the straps. My other Thule has the rubber ladder straps which I much preferred to the plastic ones. Is there an upgrade option?
Originally reviewed on thule-us-ca
July 19, 2025
Ratcheting straps
Terrible traps. Hard to undo and u have to push way too hard. Broke a nail I had my saris rack for years and never had a problem with straps. I’m concerned on rides if I will be able to get it undone!!!! Awful!!!
Originally reviewed on thule-us-ca
April 20, 2025
Terrible straps!
I do NOT recommend and wished I had read the reviews first. The ratchet straps SNAPPED while we were driving down the highway. Out of the three straps used, two snapped. Only the one around the post kept my brand new bike from being littered all over the road. I am hugely disappointed in our carrier and don’t trust it to work even if we go buy all new ratchet straps. I bought this carrier because Thule has such a great standard behind its name. This is not the case with this design.
Originally reviewed on thule-us-ca
November 18, 2024
Zips work
I love my two bike rack. That’s five stars. Straps work well but a pain to remove the last trip. I had to cut one of four last time. Replacement straps are not cheap.
Originally reviewed on thule-us-ca
October 18, 2024
Bad engineering
These types of fasteners loosen as the rack bounced while travelling. I have to stop multiple times to retighten. Bey poor design for a strap.
Originally reviewed on thule-us-ca
July 29, 2024
Straps for bike rack!!!
Terrible! Couldn’t get bike off. Didnt have knife with me to cut it off.
Originally reviewed on thule-us-ca
November 29, 2023
Great Rack; Putrid Straps
I have had the Thule rack now going on two years. No complaints about the rack but huge complaints about the cheap plastic straps. I do a lot of biking in cold, icy weather and these plastic straps are a disaster. Simply put they freeze up and are impossible to release. In subfreezing weather they will even break. See photo for such a breakage I experienced tonight (the fourth since I have had this rack). I have been forced to jury rig the bikes on the rack with bungee cords. I would think Thule would care about these customer complaints but they don't seem to. I guess they think we're all idiots for preferring the previous rubber straps, which in my opinion are far superior.
Originally reviewed on thule-us-ca
August 24, 2023
Cheap straps
Drove upstate 154 miles using the NYS thruway, half way there at the rest area, I noticed my right strap loosened , well I tighten it. Good thing I was now aware, I had to repeat 2x more rest of trip, i reviewed directions for ride home in case I did not tighten or strap bike correctlyand i did do all correctly, my last rack on my old car did not loosen ever but doesnt fit my new car. On the way home, the strap on the right side snapped, i had to bungie cord tightly for rest of trip. Cheap plastic straps.
Originally reviewed on thule-us-ca
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