Thule T2 Bike Rack Hits Bumper in Folded Position on 2012 Toyota Sienna
Question:
Hi I purchased this hitch and installed it no problem. I separately purchased a 4 bike carrier thule t2 classic with t2 add-on to carry all bikes for family bike rides. Everything looks great and I was super happy with the choices if these two products until I tried to fold up the bike rack vertically while mounted on the hitch. The bike wheel well of the closest bike carrier didnt clear the top of the bumper, so I adjusted everything as far out away from vehicle as I could, but it still obstructs the folding. Id like to keep this combo of hitch and trailer, but its function Id like to get working too. I trying to see if theres an adapter that adds length or rise to allow the bike trailer to mount father from the vehicle. I didnt see any obvious solutions. We have a 2012 sienna. Any suggestions?
asked by: Pete
Expert Reply:
You have 2 choices at this point.
For the first option, you could use an extender like # HES6 which would provide an additional 5-3/4 inches of clearance for your Thule T2 Pro XTR, part # TH69TX which would allow it to fold but using an extender would reduce the tongue weight capacity (maximum amount of downward force that can safely be applied to the receiver) by 50%. This won't be a problem, as the # 75237 hitch you purchased has a very substantial 675 lb tongue weight capacity. Half that, which would be 337.5 lbs would be plenty of capacity to handle the rack itself and the weight of the bikes placed on it as long as the weight of the bikes didn't exceed the rack's 160 lb capacity when carrying 4 bikes.
The second less expensive but less satisfactory option would be to simply not use the folding option which would be a little ungainly due to the length of the bike rack, but it is an option to consider.
Adding an extender will allow a bit more bounce in the rack, because there will be an additional piece added between the bike rack and the hitch receiver tube. This can be greatly reduced by using an anti-rattle device at the connection between the extender and the receiver tube. The etrailer brand # e99007 would be a good option, so that's what I'd recommend. You can see a video demonstrating how the anti-rattle device works by clicking the provided link.
(click to enlarge)
Products Referenced in This Question
etrailer Anti-Rattle Hitch Stabilizer for 2" Hitches - Vinyl Coated Steel
- Hitch Anti-Rattle
- Standard Anti-Rattle
- Universal
- Steel
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Clamp Style
- Accessory Anti-Rattle
- Towing Anti-Rattle
- etrailer
more information >
CR Brophy Hitch Extender for 1-1/4" Hitch Receivers - 5-3/4" Long
- Hitch Adapters
- Hitch Extender
- Bike Racks
- Cargo Carriers
- Hitch Mounted Accessories
- Trailers
- 6 Inch Extension
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 1750 lbs
- Brophy
more information >
Thule T2 Pro XTR Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 4 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Fat Bikes
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 675 lbs TW
- 4500 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 675 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
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