Bike Rack to Carry 5 Bikes on a 2-1/2 Inch Receiver Hitch

Question:

I have a Ram 3500 w/ a 2.5inch hitch. I am looking at the Yakima Ridgeback 5, Full tilt 5 and Thule Apex 5. Will any or all of these work with a 2.5 inch receiver.

asked by: Kevin

Expert Reply:

Yes, you can use any of the bike racks you mentioned in your 2016 Ram 3500 with a 2-1/2" hitch. You will just need to purchase a hitch reducer sleeve like Curt's # C45405. This adapter slides directly into your 2-1/2" hitch and converts it to a 2" hitch so that you can use any 2" towing or hitch-mounted accessories.

Of the racks you mentioned, you hit on one of my favorites. Thule Apex XT, # TH9026XT. It's made in the USA and it has Thule's limited lifetime warranty. It is easy to install and only weighs about 40 lbs. The integrated locks keep your bikes locked to the carrier and the carrier locked to your hitch. The longer, arching arms make it easier to load multiple bikes and less likely that you will need an adapter bar for children or womens bikes.

Bike adapter bars for women's and children's bikes are made by both Thule, # TH982XT, and Yakima, # Y02531.

expert reply by: Amy W

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Terry F.

5/8/2024

Actually, I am now frantically trying to find a solution for my 2.5" receiver and Thule Apex. The Thule has a non standard stinger, it is an anti rattle stinger that expands to fit snug in a 2" receiver. It works really well in my F150 and trailer accessory hitch! Now with a new Ram 3500, I can't use the OEM reducer because the Thule can fit snug into the reducer, but you can't pin the reducer in place. The Thule stinger does not allow a pin to pass through, it uses expansion. I ordered the Kuat reducer that uses 2 independent pieces. I thought that would work great and the Thule would expand the 2 pieces into the 2.5" receiver snugly. Well, the Kuat reducer is on the wrong 2 corners! I need the Kuat to rotate 90 degrees, but then it blocks the pin hole so the Thule safety latch won't hook in. I am now scrambling for a solution!