Best Trailer Hitch and Bike Rack for a 2018 Nissan Rogue

Question:

I had a 1and 1/4 receiver on a 2006 Nissan Altima with a Yakima 2 bike carrier. Just purchased a 2018 Nissan rogue dealership installed a 1.25 on rogue but I need an extender so the rack is not so close to the vehicle. Would a 2inch receiver work on this vehicle? I also have the power lift gate which they said another sensor needs to be installed because of that. What is your opinion?

asked by: Shelia

Expert Reply:

Yes, there are 2" trailer hitch receivers available for your 2018 Nissan Rogue. Of those, I recommend the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 75902. The distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the outer edge of the bumper when we installed this on a similar 2017 Nissan Rogue was 6". Therefore, you will need at least 6" from the center of the hitch pin hole on your bike rack to the closest part of the carrier in order for it to work with this hitch.

You can use a hitch extender like part # HES6 for 1-1/4" openings or part # HE06 for 2" openings but please keep in mind that either of these extenders will reduce your hitch's overall capacity by 50%. The best option for you if the bike rack you have now does not have clearance would be to get a new rack for which I recommend using the Swagman XTC-2 2-Bike Platform Rack part # S64670. The distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest part of the carrier on this rack is 8" so you should not have any clearance issues.

If you have a hands free liftgate then the hitch will still work for you but you may need to purchase a relocation bracket from the dealer which I believe is what they were referring to. I have attached a review video of the bike rack and install video of the hitch for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L