is OEM Trailer Hitch for 2016 Toyota Highlander Compatible with Thule Apex XT 4 Bike Rack
Updated 07/13/2020 | Published 07/09/2020
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I had the Toyota dealer install their receiver on my 2016 Highlander. Have been using the Thule Apex 4 bike rack for a few years but rarely with 4 bikes. I noticed recently that with 4 bikes there is a frightening amount of flex. I recently saw a friend’s U-haul receiver on their Highlander with the same bike rack and noticed that the rack fit deeper into the receiver. I looked at the Thule documents on line and it said there needs to be 1.5” minimum pin hole depth. It does not look like I have that. What can I do? Is there some kind of an adapter I can use? Can I secure/safety the rack with a heavy duty ratchet strap from the roof rack? Or do I need to get rid of the Toyota kit and get an after-market kit installed?
asked by: Phil C
Expert Reply:
Thanks for the photos. According to them I believe you are correct that you don't have a large enough receiver for the Thule Apex XT # TH9025XT to properly fit. You can try doing things like tying straps to your roof rack crossbars or some sort of stabilization but ultimately the best (and safest) solution is to swap out the OEM hitch on your 2016 Toyota Highlander for an aftermarket hitch. Anything else is going to be like slapping a bandage on something that needs stitches.
I recommend using a Curt hitch which comes with the visible crosstube # C13200 or the hidden crosstube # C13394. I personally like the look of the hidden crosstube more but you'll need to make sure that fascia cutout is replaced on your rear bumper otherwise it'll probably look a little weird.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule Apex XT Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 4 Bikes
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Thule
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Video: Installing the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver on your 2014 Toyota Highlander
- Shop: EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Search Results: hitch cargo carrier
- Shop: Thule Apex XT Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Video: Best 2014 Toyota Highlander Trailer Hitch Options
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Q&A: Comparing Trailer Hitches for 2019 Toyota Highlander
- Q&A: Panel Trimming Required For The Curt Receiver # C13394 Installation on a 2017 Toyota Highlander
- Q&A: Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver With Hidden Cross Tube For 2018 Toyota Highlander Limited
- Q&A: Difference Between Hitches for 2018 Toyota Highlander
- Q&A: Will Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver 13394 Allow for Full Size Spare on 2018 Toyota Highlander
- Q&A: What to Do If My Hitch Bolt Holes Dont Line Up
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Article: How to Correct Noise from Exhaust Rattling Against a Trailer Hitch
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Video: Clean Up Your Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Video: Curt Mounting Bracket for 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector Review
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
on Hitch Bike Racks
