Solution for Using Bike Rack on 2003 Honda Pilot with Shallow Hitch Pin Hole

Question

Question:

I just bought a Thule Apex 5 bike rack and discovered that the pin hole is too close to the end of the hitch receiver on my 03 Honda Pilot for that bike rack. Can I buy/ use a hitch extender with a hole in a deeper position I think it has to be at least 1.5inch from the end or should I return the Thule for a Yakima rack and will the latter work with my pin hole location? Thanks.

asked by: Richard

0

Expert Reply:

Using a small hitch extender like the Curt # C45791 for your Thule Apex 5 Bike Rack will indeed resolve the shallow hitch pin issue you have for the trailer hitch on your 2003 Honda Pilot. The potential issue though with this or any similar adapter is that it will reduce the tongue weight capacity of your trailer hitch by 50 percent. For example, if the hitch on your Honda Pilot has a tongue weight capacity of 350 pounds, this will be reduced to 175 pounds when using the adapter. As long as you remain under this reduced capacity with the combined weight of your bikes and the Thule Apex itself (40 pounds) this is no problem and a great solution.

If the reduced capacity is an issue though, your best option is going to be with a different bike rack that is directly compatible with that shallow hitch pin hole.

As you mentioned in your question, we have found and Yakima has stated that most of their racks work well with these shallow hitch pin holes. I spoke with my contact there and he did state that none of their 5-bike racks will work with a hitch pin hole that is less than 1-1/2 inches back from the receiver. You will need to go with a 4-bike rack like the Yakima Ridgeback # Y02458, which he did confirm will work. This carrier features a tilting upright bar, anti-sway cradles for bike stability, and a total weight capacity of 40 pounds per bike (or 150 pounds total.)

I have attached a short video demonstration that you can also take a look at.

expert reply by: Chris R

0

Answer 1

Drilling a hole in your hitch receiver will void your manufacturer's warranty if something were ever to go wrong with it. For that reason, I think the best solution to use an anti-rattle hitch pin that won't require any drilling, like the…

view full answer...

Answer 2

The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e83ZR is designed with a 2" receiver tube so you would just need to use a reducer sleeve #e63YR in order to haul your bike rack with a 1-1/4" shank.

view full answer...

Answer 3

No, we do not. The only affordable way to use the 1-1/4" Thule T2 Pro XTR Bike Rack item #TH23JV in a 2" receiver is to use a reducer like the the Brophy item #HT02. This hitch reducer will not lower your vehicles tongue weight capacity but…

view full answer...

Answer 4

Yes, we carry the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4" #C12100 which is a confirmed fit for your 2018 Subaru Forester. I do however recommend going with a 2" option like the #e98839 though so that you can tow a wider…

view full answer...

Answer 5

Ball mounts like the Curt #C45100 are available in various lengths. This one happens to be 13-inches long, longer than some. Longer ball mounts are needed, for example, in cases of a truck having a slide in camper in the bed, or when using a…

view full answer...

Answer 6

For the Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4", #24847, the measurement from the center of the hitch pin hole to the end of the receiver opening is 2 inches. From the center of the hitch pin hole to the inner…

view full answer...

Answer 7

Both the RidgeBack #Y02459 and FullTilt #Y02463 are high-end hanging-style racks from Yakima but in this case the FullTilt has a few extra features so I recommend going that route. Both racks have very similar features as far as tilting/folding ease…

view full answer...

Answer 8

You will be limited to a hanging style bike rack since that is the only type of carrier than can handle 5 bikes. Unfortunately you will need to use an adapter bar such as #HRBA-PRO for any oddly-shaped bikes such as step-thru, women's, and…

view full answer...

Answer 9

Hello Frank, thanks for reaching out. We do have cameras that can install on the back of your travel trailer, but nothing that would tie into the UConnect/carplay system. All of our cameras would require their own independent monitor in the cab. For…

view full answer...

Answer 10

One of the best features of the Thule EasyFold XT #TH903202 is how compact it can become when folded up for storage. I do have a solution for you to safely store the Thule T2 Pro XTR #TH23JV, but unfortunately the shank does not fold up like the…

view full answer...

Answer 11

Thanks for the picture Jessica. The Model X/Y Hanging Hitch Rack Tesla carries is just a rebranded Yakima FullTilt Bike Rack item #Y02463. The Replacement ZipStrip Straps item #Y55XR will indeed fit and are exactly what you need. What kind of bikes…

view full answer...

Answer 12

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Solution for Using Bike Rack on 2003 Honda Pilot with Shallow Hitch Pin Hole

Products Featured in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching