Tailgate hits my hitch mount bike rack:-(

Any guidance is appreciated. I just landed a 2006 Tacoma and while packing for a road trip, found that my Yakima Hold-Up hitch mount bike rack is too tall and my tailgate hits it when opened (even with the rack dropped down as low as it will go). Luckily I've got an older version of the same hitch mount rack which is lower and I can use it for this trip but in the long run I'd like to have a newer bike rack. Have any of you had any luck with Thule, Kuat, any other hitch mount racks? Not interested in the hook style racks that hold bikes by their top tubes, just the tray style racks that the wheels sit in.

I've got a yakima rack mounted on my shell too but being only 5'1" makes it a little tricky to get the bikes on and off my truck so a hitch mount is my preferred mode of transport.

Thanks in advance for any help! If I posted this to the wrong thread let me know.

 

Would a hitch extension fix it? They are pretty cheap compared to a whole new bike rack.

 

There are adapters available that will drop your bike rack down. Will be a lot cheaper than having to buy a new rack.
I will see if I can find pictures.
Update Edit:
Let's see if this link works. This will be used upside down to drop your bike rack down a few inches.



Just extending it out a few inches further from the bumper might clear the tailgate also, if you just use an extension.

 

can you say massive wobble and sway with a hitch rack extension and bikes ?

if you use an extension you will need to semi-perma-fix that extension
with long bolts, nuts, and small washer stack, or it will sway mightily and oscillate
on highway.

 

Just bought a Thule T2 for my 2013. I pushed the trays back an inch so the tailgate clears by about a 1/2 inch. I don't know if the trays can be adjusted with other brands. I've only used Thule/Sportworks for years.

 

It looks like a hitch extension would have to be pretty long in order to move it out far enough but I'll look into it.

RAD! Thank you! I think the first adapter that drops the rack down a couple inches will be the ticket for now. That'll buy me some time to come up with a more permanent solution. Probably work with a friend who's a wizard with metal and have him modify the yakima rack.

 

If you have a metal guy that can weld. Have him weld a bolt on the inside of the extension, so you can snug it to the hitch the same way the rack does. Or find one that's threaded. You shouldn't have any wobble if you do that.

 

I may have found a pretty sweet (but expensive) solution. The owner/designer said that it works great with Tacos and offers plenty of clearance while still allowing tailgate access with the bikes (or whatever is attached to your hitch) on the back. I'm pretty sure I'm going to order one. I'll post photos if I do. http://rakattach.com/

 

how much , didn't see prices on website

 

Dang guys, you're over thinking it!! If it wobbles, just throw some electrical tape around it until it fits nice and snug

 

The owner quoted me $375 plus approximately $30 for Fed Ex ground shipping from UT to OR. I've dug around on a few other forums and customers seem pretty stoked on the product.

 

So far I'm not having any issues with my T2 but might do some thing like this in the future just for more convenience. Use the trays from my T2 and mount them to sa Stowaway Frame.

 

Then there's this also.
kool hitch
https://kool-hitch.myshopify.com/collections/kool-hitch-products/products/kool-hitch-swing-arm

 

that things a beast

 

You could just put the bicycles in the TRUCK....

 

Did you even read the OP? Way to be a dick. OP has a shell, that I'm assuming is full of camping gear, and they state they're 5'1" so mounting on the roof of the shell is a struggle.

 

This could help you by dropping the whole set up a little bit. http://www.wilcooffroad.com/shop/wobble-free-hitch-extension/ (it can be run in the up or down position, down in your case)

 

2016 TRD Sport with a Kuat NV2, the tailgate hits the front wheel tray. Was looking forward to not having to use an extension on this truck, but looks like there's no choice. I love this rack so want to make it work! Definitely plan on letting Kuat know as well. Still hits even when rack is dropped backwards as the NV2 can do.

What's the deal with that Wilco Offroad extension? Just looking to drop it an inch or two and keep it minimal on the extension outward. How does the "wobble-free" on that work?

Just ordered this one, will report back once it arrives later this week. Looks like it'll drop enough.

 

Our hitch extension has a wedge block on the rear of the shaft, that as you turn the bolt the wedge goes up and the shaft goes down making an entirely wobble/noise/movement free set up.

Plus, it's rated/tested to tow at 7500lbs max and 750lbs tongue

 

Seems like a great design, much better than adding a hitch tightener. How long is the piece? Want to keep the outward extension minimal as well. Thanks for the reply!