is OEM Trailer Hitch for 2016 Toyota Highlander Compatible with Thule Apex XT 4 Bike Rack

Question

Question:

I had the Toyota dealer install their receiver on my 2016 Highlander. Have been using the Thule Apex 4 bike rack for a few years but rarely with 4 bikes. I noticed recently that with 4 bikes there is a frightening amount of flex. I recently saw a friend’s U-haul receiver on their Highlander with the same bike rack and noticed that the rack fit deeper into the receiver. I looked at the Thule documents on line and it said there needs to be 1.5” minimum pin hole depth. It does not look like I have that. What can I do? Is there some kind of an adapter I can use? Can I secure/safety the rack with a heavy duty ratchet strap from the roof rack? Or do I need to get rid of the Toyota kit and get an after-market kit installed?

asked by: Phil C

0

Expert Reply:

Thanks for the photos. According to them I believe you are correct that you don't have a large enough receiver for the Thule Apex XT # TH9025XT to properly fit. You can try doing things like tying straps to your roof rack crossbars or some sort of stabilization but ultimately the best (and safest) solution is to swap out the OEM hitch on your 2016 Toyota Highlander for an aftermarket hitch. Anything else is going to be like slapping a bandage on something that needs stitches.

I recommend using a Curt hitch which comes with the visible crosstube # C13200 or the hidden crosstube # C13394. I personally like the look of the hidden crosstube more but you'll need to make sure that fascia cutout is replaced on your rear bumper otherwise it'll probably look a little weird.

expert reply by: Jon G

0

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Answer 1

Hey Jerry, thanks for reaching out and for your recent purchase of the Curt Trailer Hitch receiver #C73DR for your 2022 Lexus RX 350! We haven't removed that style of sensor yet, but when I did some research into what that sensor looks like I was…

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Answer 2

I am not aware of any instance where a trailer hitch properly installed on a Toyota Highlander has been broken or bent. As long as the 5000 lb towing capacity/500 lb tongue weight of the #C13394 or the 6000 lb towing/900 lb tongue weight capacity of…

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Answer 3

For your 2017 Toyota Highlander XLE I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" #C13394 if you like a square crossbar or the #C13200 for a round crossbar. These work whether you have the factory tow package or not.…

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Answer 4

Yes, the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13394 will fit your 2022 Lexus RX 350 L as long as it doesn't have the Twin-Tip Exhaust. As far as the rear door kick sensor is concerned, we haven't heard anything about that but it isn't uncommon…

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Answer 5

Yes, I have attached some photos for you of the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13394 installed on a 2019 Lexus RX 350L. The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver has a hidden design so that only the receiver tube is shown and it is almost flush with the…

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Answer 6

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13394 you were looking at is indeed a confirmed fit for your 2021 Lexus RX 350L. However, if you have the aluminum rim spare, it wouldn't work as this spare is too wide. This hitch will partially block the hands…

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Answer 7

We do now have one confirmed hitch that fits the 2018 Lexus RX 350L as long as it does not have dual exhaust, the Curt #C13394 which is a Class III hitch rated for 500-lbs of tongue weight and 5000-lbs towing weight. I have attached the installation…

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Answer 8

The best 2" trailer hitch receiver for your 2019 Toyota Highlander is the Curt #C13394 because of its sleek hidden-crosstube design paired with a superior powder coat finish that tends to last longer than those from other manufacturers. This…

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Answer 9

We really dislike the term 'tow package' here at the etrailer.com World Headquarters, because the term basically has no meaning. In most folk's mind, saying something has the tow package would indicate the the vehicle rolled out of the…

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Answer 10

The most expensive hitch we offer for your 2018 Toyota Highlander is the EcoHitch part #306-X7250 which is made here in the USA from all recycled metals and has hidden crosstube so it's mostly hidden. Now for a hitch that's basically the same…

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Answer 11

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C13394 is a great option for the 2020 Lexus RX 350L to carry a bike rack for the Roadlite Canyon Carbon Fiber bike. The Curt will give you a 2" hitch receiver on the back of the Lexus and easily installs…

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Answer 12

For your 2019 Toyota Highlander I highly recommend the Curt Class III Trailer Hitch #C13394, which features a hidden-crosstube design so that only the 2" receiver is visible and also has a superior powder coat finish that tends to last longer…

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is OEM Trailer Hitch for 2016 Toyota Highlander Compatible with Thule Apex XT 4 Bike Rack

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