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

by: Pete B05/11/2017

I bought a 2015 Subaru Outback and had a Subaru factory installed 1-1/4 hitch added to my purchase. I did not know at the time that Subaru designed the hitch to fit basically only their branded products. I went to several bike stores trying to find a 4 bike hitch supported by my Subaru. I even took some home and tried to get them to work and none did. I went on the internet and googled some solutions that were either completely wrong or was a solution by some engineer who customized the bike rack. Luckily I reached out to etrailer and spoke to their phone rep. He had heard about challenges with the Subaru hitch and recalled there were a couple of 4 bike hitches that would work. He said he would get back to me. In about a 1/2 hour I got an email about the Yakima RidgeBack. I was hesitant because so many had failed but with the free return policy I gave it a shot. I am not real mechanically inclined but in about an hour I figured out how to mount it on my Subaru (it takes less than 5 minutes now that I know how). I used the rack dozens of times, even hauling 4 bikes on it. This is the second product I have bought from etrailer and could not be happier. They are fast, responsive to questions, and get it right. I 379249

The product is working out okay. The springs in two of the strap support mounts have broken. Though they still work its a bit of a hassle releasing the bike from the mount. Still really like the mount. Good solution to the limited amount of racks available to the 2015 Outback with factory installed hitch.

Pete B - 05/11/2018

by: Mark S.09/24/2014

Shopped around for different bike racks at different places locally and online. Prices varied quite a bit. I decided to check Etrailer because I have ordered from them before, they have a great selection and their prices are fair and quite often, as low as any you'll find. In this instance, their price was the lowest and they offered free shipping. And for a bike rack, shipping costs are not insignificant. This Yakima RidgeBack4 turned out to be a good choice and I have been extremely satisfied with it. I also purchased the HandCuff Bike Lock as an accessory and it was easy to install on the rack. I would without question recommend Etrailer for your next purchase. 152901

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by: Julie G09/24/2015

got the bike rack super fast. Had a ton of questions beforehand and etrailer staff were very responsive. The bike rack seems durable and does fit tightly in the hitch. My only concern is the obvious swaying of the bikes when they are attached to the rack - i expected them to not sway as much. We take it on our long bike trip this weekend so we will see what happens. Love that it locks into the hitch 227525

Thanks for checking in. Still love it. Just wish that kid bikes fit better on it.

Julie G - 09/29/2016

by: Kevin T.07/02/2015

The Yakima Ridgeback bike rack is a top quality rack. It's a very sturdy rack, easy to put on and use. The transaction was very smooth and easy. I placed the order late afternoon and received a notice a couple hours later with the shipping info. 208933

I still love the rack. Its still holding up and working well. I have had bikers ask me where I got it and how much it was. I gave them your website so Im sure you may have sold some from my referral.

Kevin T - 07/27/2016

by: Jim M04/22/2015

Purchased this rack for wife.... Very easy for her to use.... The extra tube top adapters we also purchased were a must for her bike and my daughters bike due to not having the top bar like mens bikes.... You may be able to get away from using them but they make it alot easier.... Overall we love the rack 187506

by: chuck k06/02/2017

I liked this rack for normal shaped adult bikes. Unfortunatley, kid bikes and several full suspension bikes are difficult or impossible to fit on this rack. It is also difficult to fit 4 bikes on the rack that are different shapes. Hindsight, I woud have gotten a tire mount rear bike rack instead. 388041

by: Dennis D12/22/2014

Ordered the Yakima bike race and lock. Yakima is easy to use and simple to install. The process was simple and efficient and everything arrived as expected. This is the second order from etrailer for me and I recommend ordering from them without reservation. Great service! 166505

by: Jack10/01/2014

Great product, great price. Rack is very easy to install and very well made, albeit a little heavy. No assembly required out of the box which is fantastic, plus a very informative how-to video on Yakima's website. Fast shipping from etrailer - would buy from again. Thanks!! 154002

by: Jay F05/08/2018

We could not be happier with our Yakima bike rack. Easy to use and handles our 2 bikes with ease. A bit heavy for my wife to attach, but we get it done no problems. Additionally etrailer was great to work with and their website is fantastic. 505463

by: Scott D03/22/2017

Very easy to install !! and love that it folds down far enough to allow me to completely lower the tail gate on the pick-up ! Great site for shopping (great installation videos) ! Love that they offer lots of replacement parts ..... 357076

by: Tim M.07/29/2015

Bought the Yakima RidgeBack bike rack, works great hold bikes secure and is easy to mount on hitch. The easy part was a key factor to purchase, because its been my wife who has been using it with her friends. Works great 215147

by: Brian C.03/22/2016

Great prices and was delivered within 3 days and no damage to the boxes or equipment. I'd recommend this site to anyone looking for a great price and fast turn around service. Thanks etrailer 241329

by: Y0245811/18/2015

Shipped right away. No shipping charge. Arrived quickly. First time dealing with this co but not my last. 232204

by: Patrick02/17/2015

The installation was really easy. What was no so easy was to get the rusty bolts out of the 10 year old van. 175077

by: marty w.09/07/2015

bike rack is well made and easy to install. does require manipulation of handlebars to carry 4 roadbikes. 224324

by: Satar11/29/2017

Excellent Price & services. Also came one day early. Great job guys Thanks..., 455649

by: Becky A.07/09/2017

Love the bike rack! Make sure you view the video on the rack before you install. 403411

by: Jay B04/02/2017

A little difficult when multiple bikes are carried but still a good bike rack 361816

by: Gerry Schmidt06/08/2015

As with my other one, excellent product and my wife will enjoy on her CRV. 201529

by: Neil06/06/2018

Arrived. Looks great. Have not used yet. Quick delivery as always. 518066

by: ioan D.06/05/2016

Great product and, above all, excellent service from etrailer.com! 257782

by: DCA07/20/2016

A very nice bike rack, great customer service and quick shipping. 274028

by: William06/13/2018

Easy to use with reliable and confident attachment to hitch 521542

by: Matthew05/31/2018

Shipped quickly and was a great as expe cted 514358

by: Ed M.08/18/2016

Great product and super fast shipping. 285331

by: John K.11/24/2016

Secure easy to use. 319407

by: joe11/26/2014

Very good product 162571

by: EB12/15/2015

Review from a similar Yakima RidgeBack in Hitch Bike Racks

I used this product twice to go back and forth on a 700 mile trip (1400 miles total). My initial impression was that it was sturdy because it was larger than most 2 bike carriers I've seen. The strapping system is convenient and the locking system worked great. The only flaw so far is that one of the locking mechanisms actually broke off. After closer inspection, I realized that the parts are plastic. I'm not sure what actually caused it to break other than the force of hitting a pothole causing the bike to bounce on the rack. Those types of forces should be expected with normal driving however and I expected the locking mechanism to hold up. I was fairly disappointed that it happened given the asking price and the reviews I read prior to my purchase. Other than the locking mechanism on the actual bike rack, I wouldn't put to much faith in the red handled locking pin that inserts into the trailer hitch and insertion bar portion of the bike rack. It is understood that the pin does not go all the way through the insertion bar as the locking mechanism is inside and prevents further advancement. Yakima could probably improve this aspect of the product. I will be contacting Yakima to see if they will replace the broken part. One thing I did notice was that the broken bracket is screwed in and can be removed/replaced fairly easily. I have included pics of the broken bracket and working bracket for comparison. Hope this helps in your decision! 233829

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by: Prairie D06/13/2017

Review from a similar Yakima RidgeBack in Hitch Bike Racks

I was grateful to so many others who wrote reviews on this website and praised the customer service. I was looking for a trailer to haul 5 bikes including womens and kids bikes and have it work on my husbands Jeep wrangler, my daughters Subaru Outback, occasionally an RV and mainly my Toyota Sienna that doesn't even have a hitch yet. With so many options online and seemingly different products for each one, I wanted help to know if there was any product that could help me meet all me needs, so I decided to call Etrailer and get some help. They were amazing just like everyone said! He recommend the Yakima Ridgeback which would meet all our different hitch needs and the best selling Kuat Ubar adaptor bars that would make it work for our women's and kids bikes and different hitch needs. And the best surprise of all is that he told me they even carried hitch packages for my Toyota! I hadn't even expected that. The quote I received from my Toyota dealer for installing a hitch was going to cost me over $1000! But Etrailer sent me one for under $200! I am excited to get our whole family out biking more together this summer and thanks to etrailer we got everything we needed and all shipped to Alaska for only a hundred bucks in less than 2 weeks! The man on the phone explained how my husband could install the hitch himself, but after looking at it yesterday, he decided to take it to a local shop where they can raise the whole car for the install. But that will still be cheaper than what I thought I would have to pay before. We are planning to get the hitch on our van this week and try out the bike trailer by the weekend. Thanks for everything etrailer!! 396130

by: Bill N.09/22/2015

Review from a similar Yakima RidgeBack in Hitch Bike Racks

The bicycle rack was delivered today. After much trial and error I finally got it together and functioning properly. The instructions are little help and I only achieved success after calling Yakima customer service for assistance. On a purely cosmetic issue, the Yakima decal is already half gone. If I were the manufacturer I would like my name ( logo ) applied more permanently. After all the trials and tribulations, the bike rack is first class. To bad the same can't be said for the instructions. 227058

It works just fine. A good bike carrier.

Bill N - 09/21/2016

by: Edward03/27/2018

Review from a similar Yakima RidgeBack in Hitch Bike Racks

Good product.... I only use it a few time a year... take bikes from NY to Florida and back.... and a few times locally. I suppose if you were really into biking, get the type that you simply set the bike(s) in the wheel trays and lock them on.... Remember as humans we tend to be lazy even if we may be marathon bikers. Used this on a Porsche Macan, and a Grand Marquis. My Grand Marquis has the smaller hitch... 1 1/2" ??? I just went to Walmart and got an adapter to 2"... Sorry e-trailer but I was in a hurray. The adapter actually moves the rack a few more inches away from the trunk. Love that because access to the trunk is easier.... but trunk access is not really a problem whether or not you need an adapter. I like the locks.... also remember to get the adapter bar for ladies bikes. Folds up nice to put in garage. 489667

by: Vail Stephens09/06/2014

Review from a similar Yakima RidgeBack in Hitch Bike Racks

Fantastic! We love the Yakima bike rack, have used it multiple times since purchase, including on a 600-mile round trip. Met all of my expectations. Bikes move a little, and at first it was disconcerting. But even over large bumps at 70+ mph there was no evidence of any shifting of the load, and the bikes remained secure. It is quite difficult to fit 5 bikes (2 adult and 3 children's bikes) on the bike rack, but with some creativity I was able to make it happen. I can't imagine how you would fit 5 adult bikes on here, however. Overall I am extremely satisfied with my purchase. Great service from the folks at eTrailer.com as well! I received the package within 3 days of purchase (at 3 pm in the afternoon, no less!). 150267

by: Joel07/15/2016

Review from a similar Yakima RidgeBack in Hitch Bike Racks

I ordered both a Curt class three hitch and Yakima bike rack. The hitch and bike rack came in great condition! However, I'm unsure if my car's frame will be able to handle the weight of my bikes, bike rack, and hitch once I load everything on. The gauge of the steel on the actual frame of my Subaru crosstrek is thinner than that used for the Yakima bike rack. I just talked to Subaru and they weren't able to answer my questions of the frame's weight limitations because I didn't buy their parts. I understand but it stinks not to have a clear answer. We'll see what happens. I may be having to test etrailer's return policy, but I hope not. Crossing my fingers. 272240

by: Richard V07/18/2018

Review from a similar Yakima RidgeBack in Hitch Bike Racks

The rack installs easily with good instructions. It is still a little heavy for me to put in my Subaru Crosstrek (I am 68), but it is manageable. We used this heavier rack since we sometimes put on our electric bikes for short distances. They are at the heavy end of the weight limits, but should work OK. Unlike the last car I had (Subaru forester), we don't want to keep the rack on the car unless we need to use it. The rack was delivered slower than expected. The web site said it was in stock, but there apparently was an issue with the availability. The customer service team kept me well apprised of the shipment status. 543204

by: Dave B.09/17/2016

Review from a similar Yakima RidgeBack in Hitch Bike Racks

The RidgeBack 2 is easy to install and easy to use. The quick-release ratchet straps hold my bikes securely in the cradles, the rack is very sturdy and the tilt-away feature works great to access my hatchback. I'd agree with other reviewers that Yakima would be wise to paint the logo rather than use a stencil that peels off at the lightest touch. Not a problem for me, but it doesn't help Yakima advertising. Overall, an excellent product so far. I've only had it for a little over a week but have driven a couple hundred miles over highways, rural roads and dirt/gravel paths. To date, it's solid. 295891

by: Dan C09/13/2017

Review from a similar Yakima RidgeBack in Hitch Bike Racks

This was installed in a 2" hitch but can accommodate the smaller receiver as well. This rack holds on to my large frame mountain bike just fine with virtually no sway during the short trips to my local trail. All features work as advertised, but please note that while the kit comes with a long strap to hold multiple bikes together (to prevent the frame bouncing against each other I assume), the kit does not include a strap to hold the front wheel/fork steady. I improvised one with a short bungee cord. Shipping from etrailer was fast and communicated well via notifiactions. 431800

by: Edgar G07/10/2017

Review from a similar Yakima RidgeBack in Hitch Bike Racks

Like recent reviews i did my homework to find the concerns that prior purchasers had about the product. 1 was that the bike rack would move all over the place as if it was going to break. While driving that concern passed the test. 2 difficulty for 5 bike install,buy the bike adapter bars they help and are necessary, very easy to install rack and bikes if done correctly. I am very satisfied with the bike rack and would recommend. our first trip was 700 miles round trip on a truck 4x4 very bumpy compared to regular trucks and cars so it passed the double beating. 403692

by: Jeffrey R.09/16/2015

Review from a similar Yakima RidgeBack in Hitch Bike Racks

Rack is very easy to install and remove, and fits well with no rattle in the 2" receiver. Loading bikes is easy and it will, indeed, hold 5 bikes with relatively little effort. The only negatives I have are 1) Unless I use Yakima's custom locking cable for this rack, there is no good way to lock bicycles to the rack 2) It wasn't clear to me that I would need adapter bars (8002531) for kids bikes. I've always managed to get them on my older racks, but not the Yakima. I suspect that most modern racks would need these bars. Overall, very satisfied. 225929

by: Ken B10/18/2015

Review from a similar Yakima RidgeBack in Hitch Bike Racks

Works great 230269

Still works great

Ken B - 10/17/2016

by: Ken Y.09/11/2014

Review from a similar Yakima RidgeBack in Hitch Bike Racks

The Yakima RidgeBack 2 is an excellent bike carrier. Simple and intuitive to install with good looks and easy functionality - this is simply what I have come to expect from Yakima. The unit is reasonably priced compared to the competition. This is the third Yakima bike rack system that I have owned. Purchasing the product from etrailer was so easy and much cheaper because the bike shops wanted me to pay shipping. This is my first experience with etrailer and it was a good one. 150751

by: D Brown07/10/2017

Review from a similar Yakima RidgeBack in Hitch Bike Racks

I have owned this bike rack for one year. I has travelled thousands of miles on the back of multiple vehicles hauling usually two adult bikes or two adult and two youth bikes. Getting five bikes on here is not really possible for bikes with wide handlebars and standard pedals. The rack is still in very good shape and is easy to store and install. The tilt function allows the empty rack to move out of the way of the SUV hatch opening. 403903

by: Charlie04/24/2017

Review from a similar Yakima RidgeBack in Hitch Bike Racks

This rack has been outstanding! Very stable and although it is a tad on the heavy side (not necessarily a bad thing) it is relatively easy to install and remove when needed. The ratchet straps are very effective and easy to use. I would highly recommend this bike rack! .............. By the way, ETrailer.com is an outstanding company to deal with as well! They are very good at what they do! 371453

by: Bob Brown02/10/2015

Review from a similar Yakima RidgeBack in Hitch Bike Racks

The Yakima Ridgeback 2 bike rack is an excellent product. I was tired of my other rack rocking in the hitch receiver and this one is soild as a rock and fold down and out the way when not in use and something I can leave on my truck. Service was excellent, ordered on Wednesday took advantage of free shipping offer and received the following Monday. Great service, thanks a lot! 173201

by: ElioFer06/06/2017

Review from a similar Yakima RidgeBack in Hitch Bike Racks

have being sold my old 4 bike rack and with additional riders graduating to bigger bikers among our ranks (we have 4 kids) it was needed to upgrade to this unit. Easy to install and better system than the old wobble bolt that i had to drag a wrench instead of the knob now a days! it's a tight for 5 bikes but doable! recommended 389591

by: Michael F05/06/2017

Review from a similar Yakima RidgeBack in Hitch Bike Racks

Just installed hitch and carrier and it all went smoothly, the videos were terrific on how to install and use. 377053

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by: TJW FJ TTSE08/02/2015

Review from a similar Yakima RidgeBack in Hitch Bike Racks

This Bike Rack does everything well and seems to be designed very well. The only gripe would be the Yakima decal is very thin and in the summer heat peels off easily. I plan on contacting Yakima and requesting they send me a new one since mine was peeling off when I removed the Bike Rackfrom the box. 216221

by: John S08/02/2016

Review from a similar Yakima RidgeBack in Hitch Bike Racks

Excellent experience buying my trailer hitch from etrailer for my bike rack. Shipping was on time and I was able to install it myself after viewing the videos online. Installation took about an hour, if I would of had one more set of hands it would of been easier and faster. Thank you etrailer. 278231

by: Michael12/05/2016

Review from a similar Yakima RidgeBack in Hitch Bike Racks

This bike rack is great, I have only installed it and plan to use it more in the spring. But, it is very easy to install. It comes fully assembled, just pull the levers to unfold, plug it in and tighten it down. It seems very well made and durable. Thank you! 322433

by: Robert02/26/2018

Review from a similar Yakima RidgeBack in Hitch Bike Racks

Only complaint like others have noted is the Yakima logo is a sticker that easily peels off. Other than that, it's strong, sturdy, and easy to load my bikes. I've used it about 6 times over the past year with no problems. I'm very satisfied with my purchase. 479057

by: PAT G12/16/2015

Review from a similar Yakima RidgeBack in Hitch Bike Racks

The RidgeBack 2 is well constructed and operates easily. I would suggest clarifying the instructions for use in a 1.25 inch receiver. It was necessary for me to call Customer Service to understand the correct installation onto my car. 233885