How To Use Yakima RidgeBack 4 Bike Rack on a 2018 Volkswagen Golf

Question

Question:

I previously bought a Yakima Ridgeback 4 bike rack from etrailer. I have been very happy. My old vehicle had a class 3 2inch hitch. However, we downsized to a 2018 VW Golf Sportwagen. I need to get a hitch for this vehicle. The 3 custom ones on etrailer include a Class 3 for $and two Class 1 options for ~ $. The Ridgeback says it is only compatible with Class 2 and 3 hitches. Will this really not work with a class 1 hitch? I would much rather save $on the hitch if possible.

asked by: Ryan L

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

In order to use the Yakima RidgeBack 4 Bike Rack part # Y02458 on a 2018 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen you must install the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 306-X7315. The reason for this is that the maximum number of bikes that can be carried on a class I hitch is two so you won't not be able to utilize the Yakima RidgeBack 4 to its full potential. The issue has to do with leverage rather than weight capacity.

Please note, the larger 2" receiver tube opening is a much better long term solution as it allows for a much greater variety of hitch mounted accessories to be used.

expert reply by: Conner L

1

Andrew G.

8/8/2020

I have a 2020 Toyota Avalon, I had purchased a Yakima Ridgeback for 4 bikes . I was told that I could only install a 1 1/14 hitch. When I drive the driveway or a steep incline, the backrack hit the ground and made a noise. Finally the Yakina came off the hitch. Questions 1) Is 1'14 hitch the only hitch I can put on a 2020 Toyota Avalon? When you place the Ridback in the hitch should it have a pin on side with red cap, which I see is on 2" Yakima hitch installer 2) Do you feel the Yakima Ridgeback is best for this car as i considered a Thule Apex 3) Reading your website , you see an adapter for 11/4 hitch that raises bikerachk = should I consider buying that adapter? If so what else would you suggest to buy that is needed with it?

Reply

Jon G.

8/18/2020

There are only 1-1/4" hitches available for your 2020 Toyota Avalon so you'll need to remove the 2" adapter to use it on your vehicle. 1) You do need to use that pin with the red cap because that's what keeps the bike rack lined up with the hitch pin hole on your trailer hitch. 2) The only that will work better for your ground clearance will be to install a roof rack and use roof rack bike racks instead. 3) Yes you can technically use an adapter like that but there are a few problems with this. It will cut the weight rating of your trailer hitch in half, cause more movement with your bike rack, and Yakima says that you can't use an adapter that isn't a Yakima adapter otherwise it voids the warranty. If you have a really steep driveway then your best bet really would be to go with the roof rack option. The only problem is that it will be a bit pricey to do so. If you want to go this route I'm attaching links to roof racks that fit your Avalon as well as bike racks you can use.

Helpful Links

dept-pg-roof_bike_racks.aspx

roof-2020_toyota_avalon.htm

Reply

Answer 1

The only time I would recommend the Saris Bones Hitch 4 Bike Rack #SA884 over the Thule Apex XT 4 Bike Rack #TH9025XT is if the weight of the bike rack was the only factor since the Bones weighs 22 lbs while the Apex XT weighs 35 lbs. The Apex XT has…

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Answer 2

Both the RidgeBack #Y02459 and FullTilt #Y02463 are high-end hanging-style racks from Yakima but in this case the FullTilt has a few extra features so I recommend going that route. Both racks have very similar features as far as tilting/folding ease…

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Answer 3

The Yakima HandCuff Cable Lock for RidgeBack and SwingDaddy Bike Racks #Y02466 installs into the back of the upright. It connects to one of the extended bars to secure your bikes to the rack. I've attached a photo to assist with the installation.…

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Answer 4

The capacities are the same between all of the hitches we offer for your 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen (2,000 lbs total trailer and 200 lbs tongue weight), but the ones listed as a Class III like the part #306-X7315 do have a 2 inch opening. Since…

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Answer 5

Yes the cradles of the Yakima Ridgeback part #Y02458 can be rotated as well as adjusted in and out on the arms to allow for different spacings. So the big difference between this rack and the FullTilt part #Y02462 is that the Fulltilt does not use…

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Answer 6

I went out into our demo bay and grabbed a Yakima Ridgeback part #Y02458 to measure the distance between the arms of the rack and found them to be 13 inches apart at the widest point measured from the outsides of the arms. Since you plan on carrying…

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Answer 7

For me there is one clear choice between the two bike racks you asked about, and for one very particular reason - convenience. Due to how convenient it is, I definitely recommend the RidgeBack, which is the following part number: - Yakima RidgeBack…

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Answer 8

The Thule Camber 4 Bike Rack #TH9056 is going to have longer arms than the Thule Hitching Post Pro #TH934XTR. The reason why the Thule Cambers arms are a bit longer is because the spacing between the cradles is larger. The benefit of having more…

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Answer 9

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 10

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 11

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 12

To add a class III hitch to your 2024 Honda CR-V hybrid, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C13397. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your CR-V with included hardware. It is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. I really like this…

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How To Use Yakima RidgeBack 4 Bike Rack on a 2018 Volkswagen Golf

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