How To Use Thule T2 Pro Bike Rack With 2-1/2 Hitch

Question:

Greetings I am considering purchasing a new platform style bike rack to use on my 2018 GMC Sierra 2500. With the Sierra 2500 having the oversize receiver 2.5 inch, it appears that the rack locking mechanism will not work with the adaptor sleeve installed in the 2.5 inch receiver, which makes it compatible with some 2 inch accessories. After watching the video, it appears that the locking pin on this Thule rack, pivots into the mounting hole of the receiver, using leverage from the locking mechanism on the rack. Another option is the Kuat NV 2.0 Base 2-Bike Platform. The video of the installation shows that this rack has through pin for mounting. It may be a 1/2 inch pin, which would likely result in some looseness of the installed rack. Yet, the Kuat rack may be a better option to pair with my Sierra 2500. A final option is to use the Brophy HR26 2.5 to 2.0 reducer I purchased from eTrailer. It would make either rack extend farther away from the truck. I saw a couple of reviews for the Brophy, where it was used to successfully attach the Thule TH83JV and a Yakima bike rack. Any insights or recommendations you have on mounting a platform bike rack to the larger receiver on my GMC 2500 would be greatly appreciated. Regards

asked by: Jim G

Helpful Expert Reply:

The best option to use a bike rack such as the Thule T2 Pro XTR 2 Bike Platform Rack part # TH83JV or the Kuat NV 2.0 2-Bike Platform Rack part # NV22G on a vehicle with 2-1/2" receiver tube would be with an extension adapter rather than a sleeve adapter, the Brophy Hitch Reducer and Extender part # HR26. This will help deal with issues associated with built-in anti rattle devices such as that on the Thule as well as hitch pin hole discrepancies.

expert reply by: Conner L