Will the EasyFold XT Fit My 2021 Toyota Highlander with a Hitch Pinhole Distance of 1-1/4 Inches?

Question:

I have a 2021 Highlander Hybrid. The distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the face of the hitch is 1 and1/4. Will this one work? Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4inch and 2inch Hitches - Frame Mount Item # TH903202

asked by: Michael H

Expert Reply:

I have an answer for you. Unfortunately, the required minimum distance from the hitch pinhole to the face of the hitch when using the Thule EasyFold XT # TH903202 is 1-1/2 inches. With that being said, your 1-1/4 measurement will not be compatible with the EasyFold XT's shank. In addition, we do not have any other rack with an integrated ramp that will be able to fit into your receiver.

However, a great solution is to use the EasyFold XT with the Hitch Extender For 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver # HE06. By using the Brophy hitch extender, you will be able to insert the EasyFold XT's shank into the hitch extender. This is a way that you can get around the 1-1/2 minimum pinhole distance requirement from Thule to use the rack. However, it must be noted that whenever you use any kind of hitch extender or adapter, you will decrease your hitch's weight capacity by 50%.

If you are looking for an option that does not require the hitch receiver, I recommend the Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes # NV22G (2 inch hitches) or the # NV12G (1-1/4 inch hitches). Kuat racks do not have a minimum hitch receiver pinhole distance from the face of the hitch. The NV 2.0 has a per-bike weight capacity of 60 pounds, which is great for transporting heavier bikes. Also, since the NV 2,0 uses a wheel-mount system, you will not have to worry about a bike frame adapter bar (which is also a benefit of the EasyFold XT's adjustable frame mounts). If you still wish to have the ramp feature, you can still add one as an additional accessory with the Access Ramp for Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack # ANVBRB.

If you have a bike with fenders, I strongly recommend using a bike rack that is a frame-mounted attachment style. This is because the fenders could become cracked or damaged during transport with a wheel-mount attachment style like the Kuat NV 2.0. We unfortunately don't have any frame-mounted bike racks that will be able to transport your electric bikes (due to the weight capacity and your shallow shank hole measurement).