Can Extension be Used for Folded Thule T2 to Clear Bumper on a 2014 Subaru Forester

Updated 06/15/2017 | Published 06/13/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Thule T2 Pro XTR Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount

(174)

$899.95

Curt Hitch Extender for 2" Hitch Receivers - 8" Long

(709)

$62.26

Question:

It seems theres no enough space between Subaru Forester rear bumper and the the wheel cradle when I try to fold Thule T2 Pro XTR. I was thinking about adding 8inch extender to my my 2inch hitch. Would it work?

asked by: Eugene

Expert Reply:

When folded up the T2 XTR Pro for 2 inch hitches, # TH83JV, is pretty close to most vehicles since it has just a 5 inch clearance measurement when in the folded position. You can use an extension, such as # C45791.

However, using an extension will reduce the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch by 50 percent. Depending on which hitch you have the reduced tongue weight capacity will either be 175 pounds or 262 pounds. In either case the rack itself is 52 pounds and if loaded to its max capacity of 60 pounds per bike that totals out to 172 pounds. So you would be under the reduced capacity by at least 5 pounds and could safely use an extension!

expert reply by: Michael H