Will the Thule Tram Ski and Snowboard Carrier work with Yakima Bike Rack

Updated 09/30/2024 | Published 01/11/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima HitchSki Snowboard and Ski Carrier for Hitch Bike Racks - 6 Pairs of Skis or 4 Boards

(34)

$288.50

Yakima RidgeBack Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting

(226)

$366.95

Question:

I have a Yakima Ridgeback 4, and Im looking to get an attachment to carry snowboard/skis. 1 Is the Thule Tram compatible with my Ridgeback 4? 2 If it is, how does it compare to the Yakima HitchSki?

asked by: Susan

Expert Reply:

The only ski and snowboard carrier confirmed to fit your Yakima Ridgeback 4 Bike Rack # Y02458 is the Yakima HitchSki # Y02418.

I went out to our shop to test the Thule Tram with the Yakima Ridgeback for you and found that the two are not compatible. The main problem is that the Thule bolts/bracket that attach to the upright mast of the bike rack are not big enough for the Ridgeback's mast (see photo).

If you were dead set on using the Thule Tram, then you could probably get around this by purchasing longer M6 bolts from a local hardware store (6 inches or longer), but you would lose warranty coverage if anything were to happen.

The safest way to use the Thule Tram would be with an approved Thule bike rack like the Hitching Post Pro # TH934XTR or another Thule rack that it fits.

expert reply by: John H

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Josh S.

9/29/2024

Do you know if the Thule tram would work with the Yakima swingdaddy (I think it’s 7-10 years old). Unfortunately the reviews I’ve read on the Yakima hitchski are pretty terrible. Thanks!

Bryce D.

9/30/2024

@JoshS Hey Josh unfortunately no the two aren't going to be compatible. The Thule Tram # TH9033 is only compatible with Thule hitch mounted bike racks as well as Thule spare tire bike racks.