Yakima Ridgeback or Thule Apex? Which One has More Clearance from The Bumper?

Updated 05/12/2022 | Published 05/11/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Thule Apex XT Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting

(231)

$499.95

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

(233)

$478.95

Question:

I cant tell if this Thule Apex or the Yakima Ridgeback will fit on my Mazda CX-9. I installed a Draw-Tite hitch from etrailer and it sits back a bit from the bumper. Can you tell me if the part that goes into the receiverinch is long enough? Do some people have to use an extender? Thanks, PS Great customer service!

asked by: Meshulem E

Expert Reply:

I would be happy to help you. I took a look at the dimensions of the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver item # 76020 you installed on your 2021 Mazda CX-9. From the hitch pin hole to the bumper is 7" so that hitch does sit pretty far back from the bumper compared to others. With that measurement in mind, you are going to want to use the Yakima RidgeBack 4 Bike Rack item # Y02458 over the Thule Apex XT 4 Bike Rack item # TH9025XT. The Yakima Ridgeback has 9-1/2" inches of clearance past the hitch pin hole until you would make contact with the bike rack. The Thule Apex only has 7-1/4". You wouldn't want to use an extender with either of these bike racks plus it would reduce your hitches capacity by 50%.

expert reply by: Jerred H