Height of Thule Vertex and Yakima Ridgeback 4-Bike Racks

Question:

What is the height from the hitch to the top of the arms or range of heights, since the arms are curved? Trying to judge ground clearance Id get with this rack our current rack is not great in that respect - makes it impossible to load bikes and drive in or out of our driveway without bikes hitting the pavement.

asked by: Alex L

Expert Reply:

The Thule Vertex 4 Bike Rack TH9029XT is approximately 38 inches from the base of the rack to the top of the arms when they are extended. For a rack with even more height there is the Yakima Ridgeback # Y02458 which measures 44 inches from the base to the top of the arms.

Each of these racks are very high-quality and can both tilt and fold for added convenience. As far as security, the Vertex does come with an integrated cable lock while you will need HandCuff lock kit # Y02466 to add this to your Ridgeback. Both racks can also be locked to your hitch, with the Ridgeback coming with an integrated hitch lock while with the Vertex you will need Snug-Tite Hitch Lock # THSTL2.

Additionally, please note that when using a hanging rack like the Vertex or Ridgeback you'll need bike frame adapter bar # 64005 if your bike is dual-suspension, has a step-through frame or you want to carry a small children's bike. The bar will give those bikes a horizontal mounting point so they can be carried by the rack. I've added a link to a video review of the adapter so you can see exactly how it works.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Krista

8/10/2020

I have a 2018 Honda CRV with a Curt Class III Trailer Hitch 2" Receiver. I've tried 2 bike racks and both have been unsuccessful due to ground clearance. One was a cargo basket w/ a bike rack adapter, the basket itself only had about 4" ground clearance and would scrape going over anything. The Swagman rack I have now, has the bikes hanging and my son's front wheel is about 3-4" from the ground. The car is pretty loaded because we've been moving around a little, so that doesn't help. Is this rack taller than others? Do you have any reviews or pictures of this rack being used with a CRV?

Jon G.

8/21/2020

You really shouldn't have any problems with ground clearance with the Yakima RidgeBack # Y02458 at all unless you have your CR-V REALLY loaded down or you're going up and down some pretty aggressive inclines. I don't have the exact dimensions for the RidgeBack but I am attaching a video of the Thule Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR on an '18 CR-V that you can use as a reference point as both bike racks are about the same when it comes to dimensions. If you're already having troubles with a different hanging bike rack like the Swagman # S63381 I'm honestly not sure how much better any different rack would be. You're best case scenario would be to make sure you aren't loading your CR-V more than what it's rated for.

Helpful Links

tv-review-thule-hitching-post-pro-hitch-bike-racks-2018-honda-cr-v-th934xtr.aspx