Recommended 4 Bike Platform Rack For 2012 Toyota Sienna With Curt Hitch

Question:

Hi, I have a 2012 Toyota Sienna with a Curt C13105 hitch. I am debating on the Thule T2 Pro XT or the Kuat NV 2.0 four bike rack. Can you tell me if these two racks will fit my Sienna ? Does the rear door clear the bikes when the rack is tilted back ? When the rack is folded up how close is the bike rack to the rear door ? If these two racks do not fit are there any other platform rack for 4 bikes you recommend ? Thanks

asked by: Kinsley

Expert Reply:

Thanks for the info on your trailer hitch # C13105. That hitch puts the center of the hitch pin hole back 5-1/2 inches from the outside of the bumper.

The Kuat NV 2.0 4-Bike Platform Rack - 2" Hitches - Aluminum - Tilting - Gunmetal Gray # NV22G-NA22G has a distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest part of the rack of 10-1/2 inches or 5 inches from your bumper. The rack tilts away at an angle so the angle can be up to 45 degrees but most likely will not be with your ground clearance. This will prove to be difficult for tail gate clearance without removing the inside most bike. This rack will fold up and be about 1-1/2 inches from your bumper for storage. The base model # BA22B-BA02B will still fit, but give you another 1-1/4 inches for tilt clearance but 3/8 inches less clearance for folded storage. Remember the door is not flush with the outer most part of the bumper so you will have a little more clearance from the hatch.

The Thule T2 Pro XTR 2 Bike Rack # TH83JV with 2-bike add on # TH9036XT, will not fit at all in a folded manner and will provide you with almost no clearance for your rear tailgate to open.

Out of all of our 4 bike options, I believe the Kuat NV 2.0 Base 4-Bike Platform Rack - 2" Hitches - Aluminum - Tilting - Matte Black # BA22B-BA02B is the best rack for your application. It has all of the functions you want and will provide you with the best clearance for your hatch although it is still limited.

Depending on the weight of the bikes you install, you may also want to consider a hitch extender like # HE06 that will limit the hitch tongue weight of 350 max by 50 percent, but will give you greater clearance. If you go this route, I also suggest the Anti-Rattle Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitches - 2-5/8" Span # 63232 to keep it locked and snug.