Thule Apex XT vs. Yakima Ridgeback 2-Bike Rack

Question:

I recently just bought the Draw Tite hitch for my prius and was looking at two bike racks. Thule Apex XT 2-Bike Hitch Rack vs. Yakima RidgeBack 2-Bike Hitch Rack. I like the light weight of the Thule but i like the compact folded feature of the Yakima to store when not in use. I will be carrying two bikes that combined weigh about 60 lbs. My main concerns are 1 will the weight of either rack and the two bikes be okay for the hitch i got? 2 The clearance on the Thule looks slightly higher. If i go with the Yakima, will i have good clearance or should i be concerned? Lastly 3 I noticed the thule on your page says its class 1 and class 2 but the Yakima says class 2 and class 3 hitches. Will it be a problem if i go with the yakima on my draw tite hitch for my prius?

asked by: Jonathan

Expert Reply:

First, thanks so much for the purchase of the Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver # 24966 for your 2017 Toyota Prius, and I'll go over each of your questions so you can choose the best option between the Camber and RidgeBack, which are the following part numbers:

- Thule Apex XT 2-Bike Rack # TH9024XT

- Yakima RidgeBack 2-Bike Rack # Y02457

1) The weight of both racks and your bikes will not be any issue whatsoever for the hitch on your Prius. The combined weights of either rack and your bikes won't come close to the 200 lb tongue weight of the hitch.

2) Ground clearance probably won't be an issue with either rack, but that's not to say it's impossible for them to come in contact with the ground. That said, you would have to go over a pretty significant curb/bump for them to make contact, so realistically it's not something to be concerned with.

3) I confirmed with Yakima that you can use the RidgeBack with a Class I hitch, so either will work for the Draw-Tite.

Having said all that, between the two, the better overall bike rack, and the one I recommend, is the Thule Apex XT 2-Bike Rack # TH9024XT.

Finally, if either of your bikes have a step-through or alternative frame, you will need to give the bikes a horizontal mounting point by using an adapter, the Bike Frame Adapter Bar # 64005.