Will the Yakima RidgeBack 4 Fit a Class I Trailer Hitch and Hold 4 Bikes on 2012 VW Passat

Updated 02/26/2014 | Published 02/25/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(95)

$223.96

Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1

(666)

$15.93

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(143)

$244.09

Rhino-Rack 2500 Series Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars - Naked Roofs or Fixed Mounting Points - Qty 4

(8964)

$234.99

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

(228)

$458.95

Question:

I currently own a Yakima RidgeBack 4 that I purchased. Is it not recommended to us this hitch with the rack and carry more than 2 bikes? The main intent is to carrying up 4 road bikes or 4 mountain bikes, for majority of the time 2 bikes will be carried. Is it a very bad choice to carry potentially 4 bikes on this hitch and rack?

asked by: Samir

Expert Reply:

Class I trailer hitches like # 24880 can only support 2 bikes even if the rack can hold more. The issue is not the weight of the bikes but how far the weight is from the receiver. A third or more bikes on a Class I hitch puts too much stress on the hitch and can result in loss of hitch and damage to the vehicle. It is like using a long bar to loosen a lug nut when changing a tire.

The Yakima RidgeBack, # Y02458, can fit a Class I trailer hitch but it would be limited to carrying 2 bikes at most.

Also with the Curt hitch, you have to use stabilization strap # 18050 because they require it for their warranty. The strap is designed to reduce some of the stress on the hitch.

If you want to carry 4 bikes then in addition to a hitch and bike rack you would also need a roof rack and roof mount bike racks. The most economical roof rack for the 2012 VW Passat is Rhino-Rack Euro style rack using the following parts:

Aero bars # RRVA126B-2
Feet # RRRLKVA
Custom clamp kit # DK323

Then for a compatible rack use # RBC035. I have included a link to a video review of the rack, a video showing installation of the trailer hitch, and instruction links for you.