Will I be Able to Open my Sprinter Van Doors The Thule ReVert Mounted on my Hitch

Updated 12/04/2025 | Published 11/15/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Thule ReVert Vertical Bike Rack for 6 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Tilting

(10)

$1199.95

Blue Ox Hitch Extender for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 6-3/4" or 8-3/4" Extension

(84)

$136.85

Question:

Will this rack tilt away enough to open the doors on a 2024 Mercedes Sprinter van without an extender? Thank you!

asked by: Jeff

Expert Reply:

Thanks for your question, Jeff.

That’s a great question, I wish I had a definite yes or no for you!

Based off our demo video of the Thule ReVert rack # TH83VA on a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, we weren’t able to fully open the tailgate. The tailgate on those trucks measures about 22.5". I’ve included a screenshot from the video so you can see how the tailgate rests against the rack when open.

From our measurements, the distance from the center of the hitch pin hole on the shank to the closest point on the rack’s upright mast is 14". You can check your own setup by measuring from the center of your hitch pin hole to the farthest point your doors reach when open.

My guess is your measurement will come out a little more than 14", but it’s definitely worth checking to be sure. If you need a bit more space, you could use a hitch extension like part # BX88265. It adds either 6-3/4" or 8-3/4" of extra clearance, which might give you the room you need.

Just keep in mind that using an extension cuts your hitch’s capacity in half. So, for example, if your hitch is rated for 400 lbs of tongue weight, you’d be limited to 200 lbs total between the rack (87 lbs) and your bikes.

Let me know what length you get and I can see what we can work out.

expert reply by: Gwendolyn Y

Tailgate Clearance
(click to enlarge)

Jeff

12/4/2025

I purchased the 4 bike rack and the Mercedes Sprinter rear doors do not fully open even with the rack tilted down. I did use the extension and both doors fully open with plenty of room when tilted down.