How to Determine if Kuat Piston Pro X Bike Rack Will Allow Tailgate to Open
Updated 02/17/2026 | Published 06/14/2024
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Question:
2024 Toyota Tundra. I currently have a Kuat NV which disallows tailgate down in any/all positions. Not interested in using a 2 accessory. Question: does the Kuat Piston Pro or Pro X work with the Tundra tailgate in level and dropped position? Has it been tested in actual implementation?
asked by: Jack P
Expert Reply:
Hi Jack,
While we have not tested this ourselves, I did get the dimensions from Kuat for you which should help determine if you can fold down the tailgate with the Kuat Piston Pro X Bike Rack # KU98VR.
With the arms folded and the rack dropped, the Kuat Piston Pro X # KU98VR measures 10-3/4" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the top of the rack (so 11-3/4" from the bottom of your hitch opening).
For context, the NV 2.0 # NV22B measures 12-1/8" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the top of the rack (13-1/8" from the bottom of the hitch) when it is in the same position. So you'll be getting an additional 1-3/8" of clearance with the rack when it's dropped.
The regular Piston Pro is taller than the NV 2.0 so that won't work, but if your tailgate will drop with that added 1-3/8" of clearance you can use the Piston Pro X.
(click to enlarge)
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Metallic Black
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Carbon Fiber Bikes
- Electric Bikes
- Fat Tire Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Kuat
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Robin H.
2/17/2026
Hey Jack, did the extra 1-3/8 inches of clearance from the Piston Pro X give your Tundra tailgate enough room to drop fully? Knowing how it worked with your setup could really help others comparing these Kuat racks.