Thule Wanderway Bike Rack - Issues and Paint Protection

[Wills]

I've had a Thule Wanderway 2 bike rack fitted on my T6 for the last 18 months. I use it several times a month for MTB/gravel events so I leave it fitted all the time, plus I don't have anywhere to store it when not on the van!

It has been brilliant.... however I've had two issues with them recently;

1. Both the locking clamps that connect the bike to the rack have seized up. Once I raised this with the retailer I bought it from they told me it was my fault as I shouldn't leave them outside all the time!! Quite a ridiculous response given it's for use outside and there is no recommendation from Thule about this. Initially they told me I'd need to buy new ones for well over £100, but Thule have a no quibble 2 year warranty so they have both now been fixed FOC. I will now be keeping the clamps inside until I need to use them - worth considering if you do the same as me and were leaving them on all the time!.

Seems that the lockable knobs seizing due to the mild steel fittings and the outside living is a common issue! (Mild steel rod and nut)
All three of mine seized solid so i stripped them down and replaced the mild steel with stainless steel. A fully useable solution for £30

 

[maik]

I occasionally apply WD-40 to all the bolts and so far have had no problems, although the climate in Spain isn't the same as the UK's. On the Spanish forum, there are people who have also replaced the bars with stainless steel.

 

[RogueOne]

Can someone please post a pic of the inner tube mod you have done with this Bike rack.

 

[Wills]

Can someone please post a pic of the inner tube mod you have done with this Bike rack.

Are you referring to replacing the threaded mild steel bar with stainless?

 

[RogueOne]

Are you referring to replacing the threaded mild steel bar with stainless?

No, sorry, I meant the comments about using an old bicycle inner tube on the parts that clamp on to the tailgate of the van, mentioned by: @ginkster and @Brennanpj

 

[Brennanpj]

No pics I’m afraid as my rack is not on the van currently. I just cut a piece of the old inner tube and slide it flat under the clamp area before I tighten it up . Mostly concerned about the bare metal hook bit so make sure I have rubber under it .