Will the Yakima RidgeBack 4 Fit a Class I Trailer Hitch and Hold 4 Bikes on 2012 VW Passat
Question:
I currently own a Yakima RidgeBack 4 that I purchased. Is it not recommended to us this hitch with the rack and carry more than 2 bikes? The main intent is to carrying up 4 road bikes or 4 mountain bikes, for majority of the time 2 bikes will be carried. Is it a very bad choice to carry potentially 4 bikes on this hitch and rack?
asked by: Samir
Expert Reply:
Class I trailer hitches like # 24880 can only support 2 bikes even if the rack can hold more. The issue is not the weight of the bikes but how far the weight is from the receiver. A third or more bikes on a Class I hitch puts too much stress on the hitch and can result in loss of hitch and damage to the vehicle. It is like using a long bar to loosen a lug nut when changing a tire.
The Yakima RidgeBack, # Y02458, can fit a Class I trailer hitch but it would be limited to carrying 2 bikes at most.
Also with the Curt hitch, you have to use stabilization strap # 18050 because they require it for their warranty. The strap is designed to reduce some of the stress on the hitch.
If you want to carry 4 bikes then in addition to a hitch and bike rack you would also need a roof rack and roof mount bike racks. The most economical roof rack for the 2012 VW Passat is Rhino-Rack Euro style rack using the following parts:
Aero bars # RRVA126B-2
Feet # RRRLKVA
Custom clamp kit # DK323
Then for a compatible rack use # RBC035. I have included a link to a video review of the rack, a video showing installation of the trailer hitch, and instruction links for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Tie Down Straps
- CURT
more information >
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class I
- 200 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Rhino-Rack MountainTrail Rooftop Bike Carrier - Fork Mount
- Roof Bike Racks
- Fork Mount
- 9mm Fork
- Bike and Rack Lock
- Aero Bars
- Factory Bars
- Round Bars
- Square Bars
- Disc Brake Compatible
- Clamp On - Quick
- Black
- Rhino Rack
more information >
Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars - Naked Roofs or Fixed Mounting Points - Qty 4
- Roof Rack
- Feet
- 4 Pack
- Rhino Rack
more information >
Yakima RidgeBack Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Hitch Lock
- 4 Bikes
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Yakima
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class I
- 200 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Concealed Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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