Can Hitch Extender be Used with Thule Bike Rack

Question:

Hi there, I was reading another answer to a question about hitch extenders for a bike rack to clear the back end of a truck camper, and your expert mentioned that most thule racks cant be used with a hitch extender.... Could you elaborate on why that is? I have a thule 4 bike swing out rack that I m hoping to use with a truck camper. Thanks!

asked by: Scott

Expert Reply:

A trailer hitch extender, such as the Curt # C45791 for 8 inches of extension, can be used with your Thule swinging bike rack like the Apex Swing # TH9027XT. You just need to keep in mind that using a hitch adapter will reduce the trailer hitch capacity on your truck by 50 percent. For example if your hitch has a tongue weight capacity of 350 pounds this will be reduced to 175 pounds when using the adapter.

You just need to be sure that the combined tongue weight of the carrier itself and the loaded bikes doesn't exceed the reduced number.

There are other hitch type adapters that don't work well with Thule carriers because of the anti-rattle design that many of them have to secure to the hitch. This is only an issue with adapters that actually sit inside the hitch receiver (such as a sleeve reducing a 2-1/2 inch receiver to a 2 inch opening).

As long as you remain under the reduced capacity of your an extender is a perfect solution to gain clearance with your truck camper. I have attached a link that will take you to our complete selection of extenders that you can look through as well.

expert reply by: Chris R