Can the Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack Be Used with a Yakima BackSwing Swing Away Hitch Extender

Question:

Hi! Is there any reason why I couldn’t use this Thule Easyfold, as I do my current Thule T2, with the Yakima Back Swing?

asked by: Dean V

Expert Reply:

There is a reason you cannot use the Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack # TH903202 with the Yakima BackSwing Swing Away Hitch Extender # Y02483.

The Yakima BackSwing Swing Away Hitch Extender # Y02483 can only be used with hitch mounted accessories with a dedicated 2" shank. The Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack # TH903202 has a 1-1/4" shank and uses an adapter for 2" hitches, which makes it incompatible with the BackSwing.

For a comparable bike rack to the Thule EasyFold, that is compatible with the BackSwing I recommend the Yakima OnRamp Bike Rack # Y36FR. The OnRamp features a ramp to load the bikes like the Thule has, can hold 2 bikes up to 66 lbs. (65 lbs. per bike with the EasyFold) and tires up to 3.25" wide (3" for the EasyFold).

The other thing you want to keep in mind is that the Yakima BackSwing Swing Away Hitch Extender # Y02483 reduces your hitches tongue weight rating by 50%, which may come into play if you are carrying E-Bikes.