Can a Thule Bike Rack Be Used in a 2 1/2 inch Hitch?

Updated 06/17/2021 | Published 06/16/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Brophy Hitch Reducer and Extender - 2-1/2" to 2" Trailer Hitch - 7" Long

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Curt Hitch Pin and Clip for 3" Hitches - 5/8" Diameter x 4-13/16" Span

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$8.51

Curt Clevis Pin with Handle and Clip - Steel - 3-5/8" Long x 1/2" Diameter

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$10.00

Trailer Hitch Reducer and Extender - 2-1/2" to 2" Trailer Hitch - 7" Long

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Question:

I have a 2 and a half in receiver fixed to my SUV and have a Thule bike rack, I lost the pin and clip I had and now need a replacement. What kind of pin and clip can I use for the two and a half receiver that will also go through the Thule hole? All poms online are 1/2 inch or 5/8 of an inch.

asked by: Lorena

Expert Reply:

The 2 1/2 inch hitches will actually use a 5/8 inch pin like a 2 inch hitch will. With that being said, I am not aware of any SUVs that come with a 2 1/2 inch receiver hitch. Just to make sure, when verifying the size of a hitch, you do so by measuring the inside of the hitch where a bike rack would be inserted.

If you do indeed have a 2 1/2 inch receiver opening, the correct pin will depend on if your Thule rack has a threaded pin and if it has a 1 1/4 to 2 inch adapter. If you have the 1 1/4 to 2 inch adapter with a 1/2 inch pin and the hole is not threaded, you can use the Curt # C45805. This will have a usable length of 3 5/8 inches and will definitely cover a 2 1/2 inch hitch. If you have the just 2 inch shank without the threaded hole, you can use the Curt # C21506. This will be a 5/8 pin with a usable length of 4-13/16 inches.

If the hole in the shank of your Thule is threaded, they do not have a pin that will fit a 2 1/2 inch hitch, unfortunately. You can, however, use something like the etrailer.com reducer # e53YR. Adapters/reducers like this do cut the tongue weight of your hitch by 50%, but that should not be an issue with a 2-1/2" hitch's capacities.

expert reply by: Lazer S