How To Mount Thule Bike Rack On Volvo XC90 With Short Receiver

Updated 09/18/2026 | Published 09/15/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Hitch Extender for 2" Hitch Receivers - 8" Long

(710)

$62.03

Yakima StraightShot Hitch Extension - 2" Hitches - 7-1/4" Long

(94)

$78.95

Question:

Hi, I have a Volvo XC90 with a foldable hitch. Unfortunately, our Thule bike rack is too long for the pin opening to line up with the pin opening on the hitch receiver. Would the Yakima StraightShot Hitch Extension - 2 Hitches - 7-1/4 Long Part Number: Y69VR - be the right fit for my needs? Thank you.

asked by: Emily P

Expert Reply:

Hi Emily! The Yakima StraightShot # Y69VR won't be a good fit since you'll run into the same issue with the shallow receiver on your Volvo XC90. Instead, I recommend the Curt Hitch Extender # C45791.

This only requires 2" of space behind the center of the hitch pin hole, so it will fit the limited depth on your hitch. It will also give you an additional 8" of clearance for your Thule bike rack. Keep in mind, using this hitch extender will reduce the capacity of your hitch by 25%, so need to remain within the reduced tongue weight capacity with the rack and bikes loaded.

What model Thule bike rack do you have?

expert reply by: Robin H

Curt Hitch Extender
(click to enlarge)

Emily P.

9/17/2026

Thanks. We have a Thule T2 Po XTR bike rack for 4 bikes with a 2” hitch.

Robin H.

9/17/2026

@EmilyP you're welcome! That bike rack itself is pretty heavy at 96 lbs, so just watch your weight capacity.

Brian F.

9/18/2026

I use the Curt 2" hitch extender on my Tacoma so I can mount my Thule bike carrier and have the handlebars clear the back of my camper. It's a really heavy duty piece and it works great for that purpose.

Robin H.

9/18/2026

@BrianF thanks for sharing! That's a great example of the extra clearance it can provide with a bike rack.

Brian N.

9/18/2026

I use the Curt 8” extender with our Silverado to move the trailer back, so the truck tailgate can open without hitting the tongue jack on our camper. I also like that it tightens the turning radius a bit.

Robin H.

9/18/2026

@BrianN that's another great use for the # C45791. Getting enough room to drop the tailgate without hitting the tongue jack can make a big difference when you're hooked up.