Is There a License Plate Bracket for the Thule T2 Pro XT Bike Rack

Question:

Hi. I am planning to purchase Thule T2 Pro XT bike rack. My question is - does it come with any slots both in deployed and stowed position where I can attach a license plate bracket? I am pretty sure the rear license plate on my SUV Subaru Outback will be partially blocked when the rack is stowed or fully blocked when 2 bikes are placed on the rack, and I dont want the cops to pull me over for this cause. I am willing to put in the effort to unscrew and move my license plate every time I deploy the rack or keep it stowed, or I remove it altogether and store it in my garage. If not this Thule T2 Pro bike rack, are there any other bike racks that has an option to attach a license plate bracket? Thanks

asked by: Hari

Helpful Expert Reply:

To add a license plate bracket to any bike rack will require you to modify the bike rack. If you are willing to do that with the Thule T2 Pro XTR, # TH83JV, then your best bet would be a bracket with a light in the event that you are carrying your bikes at night. I recommend the Optronics License Plate Light w/ Mounting Bracket # LP55CB.

To provide power to the light the easiest thing to do would be to install the T-One # 118467 which is a plug-in wiring harness (see attached installation video) and then connect it to a 4-Way Flat like the Hopkins # HM38168. Just connect the white to white and then the brown from the 4-Way to the black on the light. Cap off the green and yellow wires and you are good to go!

Another option that doesn't require any modification is using the Malone 2" Dual Purpose Hitch Receiver # MPG544 with a hitch mount license plate bracket # 5443. The dual receiver reduces the weight rating of your trailer hitch in half but since the Draw-Tite # 76227 is rated for 600 lbs max tongue weight if that is reduced to 300 lbs you won't be exceeding the weight rating even with the bike rack maxed out with weight.