Best Snowboard and Ski Carrier to Use with a Yakima Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack

Updated 01/05/2021 | Published 12/31/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Thule Tram Ski and Snowboard Carrier Adapter for Hitch Bike Racks - 6 Pairs of Skis or 4 Boards

(32)

$449.95

Yakima RidgeBack Bike Rack for 5 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting

(233)

$498.95

Question:

Hi, Just confirming this Thule Tram Ski and Snowboard Carrier Adapter for Hitch-Mounted Bike Racks will fit on the Y02459 Yakima RidgeBack 5 Bike Rack I purchased from you this past summer. I use it with a 2inch hitch on my 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Want to double check before I order. Also, do you carry any other similar ski carriers that fit the Ridgeback 5 it seems like the Yakima ski carrier does not? Thanks!

asked by: Ryan S

Expert Reply:

It is possible to get the Thule Tram Ski and Snowboard Carrier Adapter for Hitch-Mounted Bike Racks, part # TH9033, to work with the Yakima RidgeBack 5 Bike Rack, part # Y02459. However, I don't advise it.

As you can see from the photo I've attached, the bolts of the Thule Tram are not long enough to fit the base of the RidgeBack. You can go to your local hardware store and buy longer M6 bolts to overcome this problem, but this will void your warranty in the case of something going wrong.

Instead of the Thule Tram, I recommend the Yakima HitchSki Snowboard and Ski Carrier for Hitch Mounted Bike Racks, part # Y02418. This is confirmed to work with your RidgeBack and gives you the same functionality that the Tram offers. It also features the locking cores that can be switched out for the Same Key System that Yakima offers with the RidgeBack.

I've linked to a video review of this carrier for you to look at.

expert reply by: Kef G