Bike Rack to Carry 5 Bikes on a 2-1/2 Inch Receiver Hitch

Published 09/02/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Thule Apex XT Bike Rack for 5 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting

(218)

$599.95

Curt Hitch Receiver Reducer Sleeve - 2-1/2" to 2"

(581)

$33.93

Thule Bike Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes

(350)

$51.45

Yakima Tube Top Bike Adapter Bar

(219)

$36.85

Question:

I have a Ram 3500 w/ a 2.5inch hitch. I am looking at the Yakima Ridgeback 5, Full tilt 5 and Thule Apex 5. Will any or all of these work with a 2.5 inch receiver.

asked by: Kevin

Expert Reply:

Yes, you can use any of the bike racks you mentioned in your 2016 Ram 3500 with a 2-1/2" hitch. You will just need to purchase a hitch reducer sleeve like Curt's # C45405. This adapter slides directly into your 2-1/2" hitch and converts it to a 2" hitch so that you can use any 2" towing or hitch-mounted accessories.

Of the racks you mentioned, you hit on one of my favorites. Thule Apex XT, # TH9026XT. It's made in the USA and it has Thule's limited lifetime warranty. It is easy to install and only weighs about 40 lbs. The integrated locks keep your bikes locked to the carrier and the carrier locked to your hitch. The longer, arching arms make it easier to load multiple bikes and less likely that you will need an adapter bar for children or womens bikes.

Bike adapter bars for women's and children's bikes are made by both Thule, # TH982XT, and Yakima, # Y02531.

expert reply by: Amy W