Can Yakima StageTwo Bike Rack Be Used on a 2-1/2 2023 GMC Sierra 3500 Hitch Receiver

Question:

Hello. Will the Yakima Stage Two bike rack work on my 2023 GMC Denali 3500 which has a 2 1/2inch receiver with the OEM spacer that reduces the receiver to 2? I need a hitch mounted platform rack that will work with my truck as well as my wifes 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit L which has a 2inch receiver. Another requirement is that it must fit both 27.5 and 29inch mountain bike wheels. If the Yakima Stage Two will not work, do you have a recommendation for one that will? Thank you!

asked by: Joe P

Expert Reply:

The Yakima StageTwo Bike Rack # Y47VR won't secure properly to the adapter you're talking about. It's a great rack and I love the anti-rattle system, but the anti-rattle is built to essentially brace itself inside the receiver and then there is a small security pin to help keep things lined up (see attached photo), but in your setup that security pin would be the thing holding the spacer/reducer and the rack wasn't designed to operate like that.

For an alternative option I recommend using the Kuat NV 2.0 Base Bike Rack # BA22B and swapping out your standard hitch reducer for the Kuat Magnetic Hitch Receiver Reducer Sleeve # KU93VR which is designed to allow the Kuat 2" bike racks with a 2-1/2" receiver like in your situation. The NV 2.0 Base is arguably my favorite bike rack that we carry and is very comparable to the Yakima StageTwo you initially asked about.

expert reply by: Jon G