How to Open Rear Doors on a Ram ProMaster with a Thule Bike Rack Installed
Updated 09/29/2025 | Published 05/12/2025
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I have a 2023 Promaster High Roof, my Thule bike rack does not give me clearance to open the rear doors. It’s only off by a couple of inches. Is there a bike hitch that’s compatible with the Promaster? Or maybe a hitch extension…
asked by: David
Expert Reply:
Thanks for reaching out David, and I totally hear you! It’s a common frustration with rear-door vans like your 2023 Ram ProMaster High Roof when your bike rack is just a couple of inches short of clearing the doors. The good news is, you’ve got a couple of solid options that can help you keep using your Thule bike rack without giving up rear access.
One popular solution is to use a swing-away hitch adapter, which allows you to pivot your bike rack (even with bikes loaded) out to the side so you can fully open both rear doors. A great option here is the Yakima Backswing part # Y02483, which is designed for 2" hitches and works well with compatible tray-style bike racks like many Thule models. Just out of curiosity, which Thule rack do you have?
You could also use an extension like you mentioned but this can create more leverage and could increase sway or bounce of the rack. However, hitch extender could be a simpler and less expensive fix. The 8" etrailer Hitch Extender part # e88YR can give you just enough space to open the doors without swapping racks.
Just keep in mind that extenders and swing aways reduce your hitch’s tongue weight capacity by about 50%, so you’ll want to make sure your rack and bikes stay well under that adjusted limit.
Let me know which route sounds best to you by commenting below, happy to help!
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Yakima RidgeBack Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Yakima
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Q&A: U-Bolt Torque Recommendation for 1/2 inch Diameter On Trailer Suspension
- Q&A: What Hitch and Bike Rack Should I Get for My 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid?
- Q&A: Looking For Camera To Install On Back Of Travel Trailer
- Q&A: Height of Thule Vertex and Yakima Ridgeback 4-Bike Racks
- Q&A: Replacement Zip Straps for Yakima Ridgeback 4 Bike Rack
- Q&A: Is There An Add-On For The Yakima RidgeBack To Haul 5 Bikes
- Q&A: Do I Need To Use Thread Lock On The Bolts When Installing A Hitch?
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Article: Best Hitch Cargo Carriers
- Article: Trailer Hitch Receiver Sizes
- Article: Rolling on a Budget: Top Wallet-Friendly Platform Bike Racks
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Women's Bikes
Heather A.
9/29/2025
Hey David, did you decide to go with the swing-away hitch adapter or the hitch extender for your Thule bike rack on the Promaster? I'm curious to know how it worked out for you, as it could help others facing the same issue with their vans.