Using a Hitch Extender with a Thule Hitch Mounted Bike Rack Ski Carrier Adapter

Updated 04/30/2020 | Published 01/15/2009

Question:

Will this extender, Hitch Extender For 2 inch Trailer Hitch Receiver 18 inch, # HE18, work with a Thule TH9033 ski rack?

asked by: Larry

Expert Reply:

The adapter you are inquiring about attaches to the bike rack not the ski adapter. The ski adapter, part # TH9033, attaches to Thule bike racks. If you have a Thule bike rack, it will work with adapter # HE18. However, you do need to keep in mind your limitations when using the adapter. Using a hitch adapter will reduce your trailer hitch tongue capacity by 50. So if your trailer hitch is rated for 350 pounds of vertical load, you will only be able to load 175 pounds on the hitch. You will need to take the weight of the rack, the ski adapter and the bikes into consideration when calculating your tongue weight. If you do not have a Thule bike rack, you cannot use this adapter until you get one.

expert reply by: Amanda