Can I Use the Thule T2 Pro XT on a 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser with a Hitch Extender
Question:
I loved your pics and reviews of the Thule T2 Pro XT. I have a 2021 Specialized Turbo Levo SL all-mountaininch bike with a 48.2inch wheelbase and 29x2.3inch tires. Full suspension, 44 lbs with pedals, safety lights and under-seat bag. My vehicle is a Toyota FJ Cruiser with rear mounted spare tire with the factory tire cover. I presently have the classic Thule T2 rack which holds our bikes with great stability and security. But my new Levo SL bike is too large and its tires too fat to fit, so I need a new rack. I am considering the T2 Pro XT since it seems to be large enough to carry my Levo SL ?? My larger concern is with the FJs spare tire - my classic T2 will not fold upward in the storage position due to interference with the spare. I am concerned whether the standard T2 Pro XT also might not fold into the storage position. In that case, is the T2 Pro Xt offered with an elongated hitch tongue as a factory option? A less desirable fix is to use an accessory hitch extender like 1Up offers Kind Regards
asked by: David R
Expert Reply:
I'll start out by saying that any time you use a hitch adapter or extender, you're going to lower the tongue weight capacity of your hitch by 50%; if you've got a factory hitch with a tongue weight capacity of 350-lbs then you'll be down to 175-lbs total, which may be problematic carrying heavy bikes.
With that said, the aftermarket hitches available for the 2007 FJ Cruiser have a 500-lbs tongue weight capacity so it looks like you could potentially use the Thule T2 Pro # TH83JV and make it work with an extender like the Curt Hitch Extender for 2" Hitch Receivers - 8" Long # C45791; you will want to confirm the tongue weight capacity of your hitch for this setup. There is not an option for a longer shank from the factory on any bike rack that I'm aware of, so a hitch extender would be the only solution for that.
If your factory hitch's tongue weight capacity is less than 500-lbs you might want to consider using a rack like the Yakima HoldUp EVO 2 Bike Platform Rack - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount # Y02479, which has a 2" longer shank than the Thule T2 Pro; this may seem like a negligible length but it might provide you with just enough clearance to make this work without an extender. This would be the longest shank bike rack we have available currently that also mounts bikes by the wheels, which will be important with your Specialized Turbo Levo with a carbon frame.
I've linked some review videos of these parts for you to have a look at, as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Hitch Extender for 2" Hitch Receivers - 8" Long
- Hitch Adapters
- Hitch Extender
- Bike Racks
- Cargo Carriers
- Hitch Mounted Accessories
- Trailers
- 8 Inch Extension
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 3500 lbs
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule T2 Pro XTR Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Electric Bikes
- Fat Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Thule
more information >
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