Compatible Bike Rack for 2015 Toyota Highlander w/ Factory Hitch

Question:

I have a 2015 Highlander with a factory hitch and I have read that because of the compact nature of the hitch and the location of the pin hole, I may find that some hitch mounted bike racks would not fit on the factory hitch. In reading your reviews, it appears that youve tested / commented that the Yakima Ridgeback appears to work fine with the factory hitch. I was also looking at the Full Swing/ Swing Daddy racks. Are you able to confirm if those racks will fit as well? Thanks!

asked by: Tony

Expert Reply:

I'm assuming your Highlander has the Class II factory hitch that has a shallower depth than usually found in a Class II hitch.

A few months ago, Yakima updated the shank of their RidgeBack bike racks so they have two pin holes which would allow them to seat more fully in the Class II factory hitches found on Subaru and Toyota vehicles. The distance from the face of the receiver to the center of the hitch pin hole cannot be less than 1-1/2 inches.

The FullSwing/SwingDaddy racks are meant to be used in 2 inch Class III hitches only.

The RidgeBack is available in a 4 bike version as # Y02458. You'll want to make sure the weight of the bikes plus the rack doesn't exceed the tongue weight rating of the hitch.

expert reply by: Mike L