Availability of Riser and Extended That Doesn't Reduce Hitch Capacity

Updated 02/07/2026 | Published 02/02/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima EXO Swing Away 2 Bike Rack w/ Cargo Carrier - 2" Hitches

(39)

$2295.80

Replacement Shank for Gen-Y Adjustable Ball Mount - 2" Hitch - 7-1/2" Drop/Rise - 10K

(11)

$239.95

Yakima EXO Swing Away 2 Bike Rack w/ Enclosed Cargo Carrier - 2" Hitches

(39)

$2375.80

Question:

Hello, Im looking at putting a stowaway cargo and bike rack combo on the back of my Ford e350 van using the trailer hitch. Do you have a riser and extender for the hitch that maintains cargo capacity? Is the Yakima version of the same cargo and bike rack better? Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thank you!

asked by: Jeff A

Expert Reply:

Hey Jeff! The Yakima EXO # Y54ZR is a great all in one solution that will work well on an E-350. You can also get the enclosed cargo box version # Y34ZR. Another great thing about this system is if you don't need to carry the bikes you can always add more storage, or if you only need to carry the bikes you can pull the top tray and mount the bikes on the bottom. Since it is all part of the same system you also get everything keyed alike for security.

If you want to explore using a separate bike rack and cargo carrier, the Replacement Shank for Gen-Y Adjustable Ball Mount # 325-GH-304 is the solution. The Gen-Y build and design won't reduce the tongue weight capacity of your hitch like other adapters.

What trips are you planning with the E-350?

expert reply by: Robin H

Yakima EXO
(click to enlarge)

Jeff A.

2/6/2026

Thanks so much for the response. With the hitch adapter that you sent, can that be flipped 180 degrees to make the carrier and rack sit higher? My concern is bottoming out as the bike rack and cargo carrier sit further back, so I'm looking specifically for a "riser" that raises the height of everything in the back. I saw a video from etrailer.com that had something like that mounted, but it didn't say what it was. Final question - does the yakima cargo/bike rack combo come with a way to attach a propane tank that can still sit vertically? It appears the closed box is not large enough for that. Any help there would be appreciated, thanks again!

Robin H.

2/6/2026

@JeffA the Gen-Y adapter # 325-GH-304 can be used in the rise position, with the stacked receivers going up. Yakima doesn't have a specific propane mount or attachment. You can sit it in the basket and run straps to secure it like you would on a traditional cargo carrier.

Jeff A.

2/7/2026

Thanks! Got it ordered.