Hitch Mount Bike Racks - What Clears the Tailgate?

[djjohnr]

The tailgate on my Ranger Raptor doesn't fully clear the Thule XTR Pro 2 in any of the positions. What rack do you have and which positions does it clear in (flat, lowered)?

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[Whyoming]

Hi @djjohnr I have a 1-up rack (has 4 positions: 1)upright, 2)flat, 3) 45° down and 4) all the way down probably ~60°). When it's on you have to drop it to the mid spot 45° otherwise the emblem hits the rack (without bikes on). I'll grab a photo for you. It's annoying but not the end of the world.

A note of reference, I could lower the rack to the 60° setting with the bikes on and drop the tailgate on my 2009 Colorado. I can't recall right now with the RR if I can drop tailgate with bikes on. I'll check tomorrow.

Hope that helps even if it's not the desired answer.

 

[sikedsyko]

I have the Kuat Sherpa and the tailgate will hit it in any position.

 

[djjohnr]

Hi @djjohnr I have a 1-up rack (has 4 positions: 1)upright, 2)flat, 3) 45° down and 4) all the way down probably ~60°). When it's on you have to drop it to the mid spot 45° otherwise the emblem hits the rack (without bikes on). I'll grab a photo for you. It's annoying but not the end of the world.

A note of reference, I could lower the rack to the 60° setting with the bikes on and drop the tailgate on my 2009 Colorado. I can't recall right now with the RR if I can drop tailgate with bikes on. I'll check tomorrow.

Hope that helps even if it's not the desired answer.

If I can drop the tailgate with the rack in the down position that's good enough for me. If you could check if that's possible with a bike in the closest position that would be rad, thanks!

 

[Whyoming]

I misspoke(just messed up the 45° statement, I meant to say 45° up) but here's all the positions. With bikes on and dropped down you're fine. Also, in the flat position it barely hits, like 1-2cm more and it wouldn't.

 

[djjohnr]

I misspoke(just messed up the 45° statement, I meant to say 45° up) but here's all the positions. With bikes on and dropped down you're fine. Also, in the flat position it barely hits, like 1-2cm more and it wouldn't.

Sweet, thank you!

 

[MuttonChops]

The tailgate on my Ranger Raptor doesn't fully clear the Thule XTR Pro 2 in any of the positions.

Well if FORD would offer a SuperCab 6'bed there would be no need for the rack.

I know, beating a dead horse . . . just got back from of week of camping with several bike rides requiring driving to the trailhead. I just placed the full size bike in my (older) Colorado Extended Cab 6'bed truck - - - was so easy - - - then I looked down at it and thought how will I ever enjoy/live with a useless 5'bed - - - so my hope/wait continues to see if the GM Twins or FORD wake up for the 2026 model year.

 

[djjohnr]

Well if FORD would offer a SuperCab 6'bed there would be no need for the rack.

I know, beating a dead horse . . . just got back from of week of camping with several bike rides requiring driving to the trailhead. I just placed the full size bike in my (older) Colorado Extended Cab 6'bed truck - - - was so easy - - - then I looked down at it and thought how will I ever enjoy/live with a useless 5'bed - - - so my hope/wait continues to see if the GM Twins or FORD wake up for the 2026 model year.

I totally get that perspective. Personally I don't love carrying my bike in the back of a truck and prefer a rack (plus the shorter wheelbase), but it's lame that they don't give buyers a bed-size option.

For now I've ordered a Velocirax 4" extender to run my Thule on - https://www.velocirax.com/products/hitch-receiver-adaptor. If I'm not happy with that I may grab an Alta rack - https://www.altaracks.com/alta-superior-45er/ or possibly a 1up.

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