Thule Apex XT vs. Yakima Ridgeback 2-Bike Rack

Question

Question:

I recently just bought the Draw Tite hitch for my prius and was looking at two bike racks. Thule Apex XT 2-Bike Hitch Rack vs. Yakima RidgeBack 2-Bike Hitch Rack. I like the light weight of the Thule but i like the compact folded feature of the Yakima to store when not in use. I will be carrying two bikes that combined weigh about 60 lbs. My main concerns are 1 will the weight of either rack and the two bikes be okay for the hitch i got? 2 The clearance on the Thule looks slightly higher. If i go with the Yakima, will i have good clearance or should i be concerned? Lastly 3 I noticed the thule on your page says its class 1 and class 2 but the Yakima says class 2 and class 3 hitches. Will it be a problem if i go with the yakima on my draw tite hitch for my prius?

asked by: Jonathan

0

Expert Reply:

First, thanks so much for the purchase of the Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver # 24966 for your 2017 Toyota Prius, and I'll go over each of your questions so you can choose the best option between the Camber and RidgeBack, which are the following part numbers:

- Thule Apex XT 2-Bike Rack # TH9024XT

- Yakima RidgeBack 2-Bike Rack # Y02457

1) The weight of both racks and your bikes will not be any issue whatsoever for the hitch on your Prius. The combined weights of either rack and your bikes won't come close to the 200 lb tongue weight of the hitch.

2) Ground clearance probably won't be an issue with either rack, but that's not to say it's impossible for them to come in contact with the ground. That said, you would have to go over a pretty significant curb/bump for them to make contact, so realistically it's not something to be concerned with.

3) I confirmed with Yakima that you can use the RidgeBack with a Class I hitch, so either will work for the Draw-Tite.

Having said all that, between the two, the better overall bike rack, and the one I recommend, is the Thule Apex XT 2-Bike Rack # TH9024XT.

Finally, if either of your bikes have a step-through or alternative frame, you will need to give the bikes a horizontal mounting point by using an adapter, the Bike Frame Adapter Bar # 64005.

expert reply by: Kyle S

0

Answer 1

For a Class I hitch like yours we do not recommend the use of hitch adapters since they cut the capacity of the hitch they are installed on by 50 percent and add quite a bit of movement. Instead we'd recommend a bike rack like the Thule Camber…

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Answer 2

The best hitch for your 2016 Forester will depend on what you're planning on using the hitch for. If you're only needing the hitch to serve as an attachment point for the Yakima #Y02457 Ridgeback bike rack, a Class II hitch like the Draw-Tite…

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Answer 3

I can help you choose between the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 and Kuat Transfer V2, as both are really nice bike racks. Let me start off, since you mentioned 3-bike rack, if that's what you were after you would need the Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Rack for 3 Bikes…

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Answer 4

We currently carry four trailer hitch receivers that fit your 2017 Toyota Prius v and the best one for you depends on what you're using it for. For example, the EcoHitch, part #306-X7192, is the best option if you're going to be using the…

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Answer 5

Hello Rick, I have some good news, an adapter will not be necessary. When using an adapter to go from a 1 1/4" to a 2" it will actually cut your tongue weight in half, and since you are looking to use a cargo carrier we need as much of that…

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Answer 6

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 7

Thanks for your purchases, they are appreciated, and we do have a 2 inch hitch for your 2018 Toyota Prius Prime, which is the EcoHitch Stealth Trailer Hitch Receiver #306-X7369. While the manufacturer, TorkLift, doesn't offer online PDFs for some…

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Answer 8

I went ahead and contacted my tech at Torklift (the makers of EcoHitch) about the #EH97FR, and he confirmed that all M12 hardware will be torqued to 70 ft/lbs and all 1/4" hardware will be torqued to 8 ft/lbs. I went ahead and attached the step…

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Answer 9

Though we haven't had a chance to install the Curt Trailer Hitch #C11473 on a 2017 Toyota Prius Prime, based on my research it will sit at about the same spot as the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch #24966 on your Prius, which is approximately 7"…

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Answer 10

The Thule DoubleTrack Pro Xt part #TH92BJ is a great choice for the hitch of both of your vehicles. This rack can tilt down with bikes loaded and also can have the main mast of the rack fold down when not loaded with bikes. This fits both hitch sizes…

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Answer 11

Excellent choices! Both bike racks will hold up and perform really well so when it comes down to it I would have to say that the Yakima RidgeBack #Y02457 would be the best for ease of use since the anti-rattle and locking knob are built into each…

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