2 Inch Trailer Hitch for a 2013 Toyota Sienna and Kuat Bike rack

Question:

We have a Kuat bike rack for mountain bikes. Would like to open the hatch with the bikes on the van. The rack has a mechanism to lower the bikes. We also have a 2inch extension that will fit into the trailer hitch that can raise the rack up about 8. We use this on our RV to keep the bikes from interfering with the tow car. Which trailer hitch would you recommend. Do you see any issue with using the extension in this scenario? Thanks.

asked by: Barbara

Helpful Expert Reply:

For your 2013 Toyota Sienna the most popular 2 inch hitch is # C13105. This is a Class III hitch rated for 350 pounds tongue weight. I have included a link to a video showing how this hitch installs for you.

It sounds like you might have a Kuat NV, # NV22G.With a bike loaded and the rack tilted we could not open the rear hatch all the way but every bike is different so its still possible.

Also you need to know that there are only certain bike racks that are rated for the extra stress at the back of a motor home. The Kuat racks are not rated for this application. I have included a link to the ones that are. You could also utilize the flat-towed vehicle.

Another issue is that using an extension reduces the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch by 50 percent and puts additional stress on the hitch.

expert reply by: Michael H