Can the Saris Freedom Work with a Vehicle that Needs 16" of Clearance

Question:

Greetings, I have a Toyoda Highlander 2020, basic model, U-haul installed 2 trailer hitch. Im considering the Saris Freedom Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - # SA4412B. The handle bar of my larger bike sticks out 14 inches each side. My trailer hitch pin hole is recessed about 2 under the end of the rear bumper. Can you tell the approximate distance from the center of the pin hole to the inner bike wheel cradle? Im guessing I will need at least 16 to avoid my handle bar from hitting the rear window. And lastly, is this bike rack made in America. Thank you in advance for your help.

asked by: Norm W

Expert Reply:

For the Saris Freedom, part # SA4412B, the distance from the hitch pin hole to the nearest cradle is 13". However, there is still a way to make this rack work for you.

Even though the 2"-recessed hitch and the 13" clearance for the rack only gives you 11" to work with (3" short of your handle bar length), you can make up that distance using a hitch extender.

I recommend the Brophy Hitch Extender For 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver 7", part # HE06. It will give you an additional 7" of extension to your hitch. That minus your recessed hitch plus the clearance with the Freedom means you would have 18" from your bumper to the nearest cradle (more than enough). I've linked to a video review of this extender for you to look at.

Of course, it's worth remembering that any extender reduces your hitch's tongue and towing weight by 50%. Still, it looks like most hitches for the 2020 Toyota Highlander have a tongue weight of 500 pounds, so even reduced by half it should be enough to support the rack and your bikes.

expert reply by: Kef G