Raising Height of a Bike Rack on a 2015 Nissan Rogue

Question:

I purchased my Draw-Tite 2inch hitch from etrailer last year for a 2015 Nissan Rouge and it works great. I have a Kuat Sherpa 2.0 Bike rack, but need more clearance when backing down steep grades. My question is two-fold. First, what hitch riser do you recommend? The rise cant start until 6-1/2inch past the last hole on my hitch in order to clear the bumper, I need at least 2of rise more is okay, and I want to limit as much excess extention beyond the bumber as possible the 2shank of the Sherpa 2.0 extends 18inch in a straight line from the hitch and is about 1/2inch or less from bottoming out when backing down this grade. An extra passenger or heavy load might cause it to scrape.

asked by: Tom

Expert Reply:

The length needed is going to be a bit of a problem. Out of all the adapters the best option is going to be # RM-048-4 and even it would just barely work and you may need to push up the rear fascia if it gets in the way.

Keep in mind that the use of an adapter will reduce the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch by 50 percent. So the combined weight of the bikes and bike rack cannot exceed the reduced tongue weight capacity.

Because the hitch receiver is so far recessed under your 2015 Nissan Rogue and space is limited already the Draw-Tite QSP Trailer Hitch Silencer # 63080 is not the best option for you. It sounds like you have a Draw-Tite hitch with a smaller pin hole closer to the receiver opening. You don't use the smaller hole at all.

Take a look at part # e98880, or part # 63232 to secure the accessory in your 2" trailer hitch receiver.