OEM Hitch For Bike Carriers not working well?

[Goriders]

Reading a few articles online about the Tacoma OEM hitch receiver not working too well with hitch mounted bike carriers and other accessories. I tried my old Thule carrier and it didn’t work that well.

The article mentioned adding a hitch extender and an anti rattle hitch tightener to get around the clearance issues.

Has anyone experienced this problem and gone ahead with the afore mentioned solution?

Sponsored

 

[av8r]

Can you explain "not working too well"? I have a 1UP and Quikrstuff rack(s). They just plug into the receiver and have their own anti rattle mechanisms built into the drawbar.

 

[Goriders]

What I read was the reciever pin hole wasn’t far enough in so the Thule Apex XT Swing wouldn’t work. It apparently has to be 1.5” in from the outer edge.

I know my old Thule carrier didn’t work because the receiver exterior is a lot wider than the one on my F150. The threads on the through pin barely engaged on one side and the lock on the other side of the pin didn’t engage because the pin wasn’t long enough.

So just dimensionally it doesn’t seem similar to my previous 2” hitch and it sounds like it has caused others grief with hitch mounted bike carriers. They had to buy extensions to get it to work.

Let me know if that makes sense.

 

[trey_is_a_jedi]

Fwiw, not related to bike carriers but to my luggage carrier. The new hitch receiver is boxed and so much wider.

I found this one and its what I am going with for my carriers. It is long enough to go through the boxed receiver and allow for locking and tightening.

Anti Rattle Hitch Pin

 

[Goriders]

I ended up buying something similar as well as a 6” hitch extender and an anti vibration clamp based on recommendations from another forum.

I’ll know if it works in a day or two.

 

[vfracer]

What I read was the reciever pin hole wasn’t far enough in so the Thule Apex XT Swing wouldn’t work. It apparently has to be 1.5” in from the outer edge.

I know my old Thule carrier didn’t work because the receiver exterior is a lot wider than the one on my F150. The threads on the through pin barely engaged on one side and the lock on the other side of the pin didn’t engage because the pin wasn’t long enough.

So just dimensionally it doesn’t seem similar to my previous 2” hitch and it sounds like it has caused others grief with hitch mounted bike carriers. They had to buy extensions to get it to work.

Let me know if that makes sense.

I had the same issue with my Thule bike rack. The pin threads in but I am unable to attach the lock due to the width of the hitch box. I'll be watching this thread for any solutions.

 

[dhzion]

My pin for Kuat rack is just barely long enough to catch the lock. Otherwise, I've had no compatibility issues.

 

[Goriders]

I’ll let you know how my plan works out tomorrow or thursday when the hitch extender shows up.

 

[Fattirz in NC]

Great site called ETrailer has tons of accessories. I’ve ordered 3 hitches and replacements parts for a Yakima rack from them. I’d be willing to bet they have longer locking pin options available.

https://www.etrailer.com/

 

[av8r]

What I read was the reciever pin hole wasn’t far enough in so the Thule Apex XT Swing wouldn’t work. It apparently has to be 1.5” in from the outer edge.

I know my old Thule carrier didn’t work because the receiver exterior is a lot wider than the one on my F150. The threads on the through pin barely engaged on one side and the lock on the other side of the pin didn’t engage because the pin wasn’t long enough.

So just dimensionally it doesn’t seem similar to my previous 2” hitch and it sounds like it has caused others grief with hitch mounted bike carriers. They had to buy extensions to get it to work.

Let me know if that makes sense.

Thank you for clarifying that. Adding an extension isn't a great idea as it could increase tongue weight and live loads on the hitch, but likely not a huge issue with a bike rack.

 

[Goriders]

So everything showed up. I did a trial run and it worked great. The hitch extension is rated for 350 lb tongue weight so for a bike carrier should be fine. The anti vibration clamp really tightened it up as well. Pushes it out 6” but saved me $700 buying a new carrier.

Parts I bought. All on Amazon:

1. RETRUE HT002 Anti Rattle Hitch Tightener 2 inch
2. CURT Manufacturing 45791 2" Receiver Extender
3. TowWorks 79831 Keyed 5/8" Trailer Hitch Lock with Extra Long 4-1/2” Span

UPDATED TRAILER HITCH LOCK TO 4.5” version

 

[Goriders]

 

[Azdirtrider]

I had the short locking bolt issue with my Rocky Mounts Guide Rail. I looked on their site and found they sell an extended bolt. I guess the Tundra has the same issue.

https://rockymounts.com/products/xl-hitch-bolt.html

 

[vfracer]

I had the short locking bolt issue with my Rocky Mounts Guide Rail. I looked on their site and found they sell an extended bolt. I guess the Tundra has the same issue.

https://rockymounts.com/products/xl-hitch-bolt.html

Thanks for the link. I did a quick google search and it appears the the Rocky Mountain and Thule bolts are the same M12 x 1.75 pitch. At $9.95, I am willing to take the risk. Will let everyone know when I receive it.

 

[Goriders]

Better than my solution. Let me know how it works out. I’d like to suck the carrier back in closer.

Sponsored