Adding A 6 Hitch Riser For A Thule T2 Pro Connected to Volvo XC90  

Question:

Expert Reply:

According to my research, the tongue weight capacity for the XC90 is 400 pounds for Front Wheel Drive (FWD) and 500 pounds for the All Wheel Drive (AWD). Tongue weight is the weight exerted down on the vehicle's receiver, much like bike racks, cargo racks, or the tongue of a trailer would.

The tongue weight capacity of your Draw-Tite hitch is 900 pounds. However, the use of any adapter or extension on a hitch reduces the capacity 50%. That reduces your tongue weight capacity of the hitch to 450 pounds. In the worse case scenario (between the car and the hitch) you have 400 pounds of capacity.

Your Thule T2 Pro bike rack weighs 52 pounds and can carry two 60 pound bikes totaling 172 pounds.
Your Thule 2 Bike Add-On weights 44 pounds and can carry two 60 pound bikes totaling 164 pounds.
So all together you are at 336 pounds which is fine for your current set up and adding a riser.

For your riser I recommend the Malone # MPG544 Dual Purpose Hitch. It will raise your bike rack connection 7-1/2". I have added a video link about this riser. This will clear up any concerns you may have regarding ground or bumper clearance.

You should consult your Owner's Manual for your Volvo's exact capacities. Further, as you get the weights of the bikes further out on the racks they can have considerable leverage especially on bumpy roads. I would ensure that all of my connections were quite tight before travel.

Regarding a locking Hitch pin that uses your existing Thule lock cylinders; Thule does not have a standard hitch pin lock that works with the extension you are considering. You would want to use a standard locking hitch pin like the # 63232 anti-rattle hitch lock. I have attached a link to the product page and a video demonstration.

expert reply by: Les D

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