Trailer Hitch fit for a 2017 Nissan Rogue and Thule Bike Rack

Question:

My Thule rack has a 1-1/4 inch draw bar option. but does NOT use a pin and clevis attachment but instead uses a threaded bolt. Do your hitches permit that method of attachment? 1) I will only use it for carrying 2 lightweight road bikes. Which hitch should I get for ez installation no drilling. 2) If I have to remove the underside fascia do I? is there a downside to that? Dirt/snow accumulation, body damage, etc. 3) Is the stock drawbar on my Thule rack long enough so there wont be an interference with the hatch or bumper? 4) About # 36542 for my 2017 Nissan Rogue and use with Thule 2-bike rack. It's about 7-1/4 inches from the receiver hole to the grey tilt release lever. You say about 7 inches available in your video. So will it fit? Thanks

asked by: Jonathan S

Expert Reply:

You can use the threaded pin and clip from your Thule rack with a trailer hitch. As for ease of installation, each of the hitches available for your 2017 Nissan Rogue are bolted on, and only require the removal of the appearance panels if your Rogue has them. This should be done, and will not compromise the vehicle in any way.

When it comes to clearance, you mention your Thule rack is about 7-1/4 inches from the receiver hole to the release lever, and correctly note that Draw-Tite hitch # 36542 is 7 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the furthest part of the bumper.

Without knowing the exact Thule rack you have, it's difficult to say if the clearance will be an issue since we measure from the center of the hitch pin hole to closest part of the rack, which is not necessarily the tilt release lever. If that lever is the closest part of the rack, it will fit, though a quarter inch doesn't offer a lot of leeway between your car and the rack if it moves even slightly.

You mentioned your rack has a 1-1/4 inch draw bar option, so I'm assuming that means it can also fit in 2 inch hitches. If so, I recommend the Draw-Tite # 75902, which is 6 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the outermost edge of the bumper. This will give you a comfortable amount of clearance with your current rack and as an added benefit it's also a Class III hitch, which will allow a few more options for accessories down the road than the Class II Draw-Tite # 36542.

I've added links to install videos of both hitches for you to take a look at.