Thule T2 Rack question. Difference between 916xtr and 917xtr and 918 compatibility

I am looking at the thule T2 racks. I have a 2" receiver so I will need the 916xtr, I also want to add the 918 2 place add on.

What is different on the 917 and 916 that you can only use the add on with the 916?

Is it simply thule covering themselves on liability because the 1-1/4" is too light duty to handle 4 bikes, or is the rack actually different and will not accept the 918 add on?

I found a great deal on a 917 and I am handy with a welder as well as willing to purchase the 2" receiver portion from Thule to "convert" it into a 916, but I don't want to purchase it if the 918 add on will not fint into the back of it.

any help is greatly appreciated.

kickstand said:

Is it simply thule covering themselves on liability because the 1-1/4" is too light duty to handle 4 bikes, or is the rack actually different and will not accept the 918 add on?
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jonKranked said:

Class 1 hitches (1.25") aren't rated for a high enough load to use the rack and the add on. So I'm inclined to say the 917 wasn't designed to work with the add on."

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Thanks captain obvious.

Toshi said:

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916XTR. Clearly 2" for both the receiver and the bike-mount/swingy portions.

917XTR. Sure looks like 2" for the bike-mount portion, which would make sense in that the mounts would be the same. Also note hitch pin hole towards the back.

918XTR slides in to the end of the tube, secures with hitch pin.

From these photos I'd guess your modified setup would work, and if not you could just keep on welding and make it work.

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Your guess is correct.

Turns out the seller had both a 916 (2") and a 917 (1-1/14") so I was able to compare and double check before I left his house, which worked out nicely.

I'll take some before and after photos once I spend the time to change my rack to the 2" I need, but zero welding will be needed and outside of the peice that slides into the hitch that is held on with 2 bolts, there is zero noticeable difference between the two racks and the ability to accept the 918, so as I suspected it's likely a case of Thule covering their ass in the form of liability because we all know some jackle would attempt to haul 4 bikes on the 1-1/4" receiver and fawk is car up and blame thule.

BMCarter said:

I've had both the 2" and 1.25" versions. They are the same. On the 1.25" model, Thule installs a screw on the underside of the hitch to prevent people from installing the add-on. However it is a phillips head screw, and is easily removed.

You better be getting a crazy good deal, because the hinge parts from Thule are expensive! You should really price out the parts first if you have not done so already.

Good luck,
Brent

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There is no "part" all I need to purchase to change it is a peice of 2" receiver stock from the trailer hitch store. That is all that the 916 has in that spot, I don't even need to weld or fabricate anything I just need to bolt it on.

I paid $150 for the rack, it's in pretty clean condition. New they are currently $385 or so the cheapest I found, so I figure that to be a pretty good deal .

Thanks wumpus, I will be sure to make sure I have a fail safe on my rack.