Thule Revolver or Yakima Swingdaddy on a 2011 Sienna(curt hitch)

[acitydweller]

Hi,

Can anyone who has either of these hitches share their experiences with it on their 2011 Sienna?

From my web search, i could only find one site which described how they are different with respect to weight capacity (140lbs versus 120lbs) and the distance between the vertical bar of the carrier and the hole of the hitch lock 11" versus 7" respectively.

http://www.etrailer.com/question-6082.html

[fibber2]

I was asking the same questions about 5 years ago when shopping for a rack for my Honda Odyssey. At that time the Yakima was called the Full Swing and the corresponding Thule model was the Trailblazer. Frankly, I liked the overall construction of the Thule a bit better, and I initially placed an order thru ORS Racks Direct for it. But prior to it shipping, I canceled and changed it to the Yakima.

The big problem is the 'stinger' - the part that extends from the vertical main support and inserts into the hitch receiver. If you look at the Thule, it is straight and extends directly out quite a distance. Van owners reported that this straight rear projection at 9" off the pavement (receiver height) drove itself right into the ground like a spear on steep driveways! It is great for SUV's with their receiver more typically around 14" off the ground, and also needing the rear projection to clear spare tire carriers mounted on the back door.

By contrast, the Yakima has a shorter, curved stinger. That makes the rack hug the back of the van a bit closer, but more important, raises the whole thing up a good 5" or so to put the swing bar in line with the bumper, rather than below it. Mine has never hit the ground, even on the worst slopes (on the Odyssey - not yet tried on the Sienna).

I just added Curt 13256 to my recently purchased '08 Sienna. The receiver on this van is also barely 9" off the ground, but my wife has already scraped it in places that the Honda never hit. The receiver must project slightly further behind the rear axle on the Sienna (shallower departure angle?) than on the Odyssey, so the likelihood of a rack hitting the ground is potentially worse on this van. I have no idea what it will be like on a newer 2011, but if it is anything like these two vans, I think the Thule could end up crunched all too easily.

I haven't examined the new rack offerings in person, but the photos of their basic architecture look pretty much like the older models. Maybe Thule shortened the stinger (?) to address this problem, but the straight bar still makes the rack ride too low to the ground.

Hope this helps!

[fibber2]

This morning I snapped two pictures from the instructional videos. To me, it looks like the same situation applies. I think the Thule would be a great rack on an SUV, but the Yakima is better suited for the low mounted hitch of a minivan.

[jeff7267]

I highly suggest the use of airbags (airlift1000 is what I have). My thule 4 bike rack always used to hit leaving my driveway. No chance would I have been able to back in my driveway. But now with the airlift I have at least an inch clearance in and out of my driveway. Includes fully loaded van with 3 kids, wife and 5 bikes on the rack going camping. I got them cheap (airlift 100) off amazon and installed in 30min. Just my 2 cents.

[fibber2]

Air bags for suspension support is an excellent idea as a fix if you already own the Thule rack. But if the OP has an option to avoid the situation, I'd suggest that route.

I did read the posts on the airlift, and am thinking about it as well just to keep the Curt from hitting the ground. Its a good suggestion.

[acitydweller]

I would also resonate fibber2's comments on the airlift as our curtlift does scrape the ground when we are driving up a steep hill if our approach angle isnt just right.

We're leaning towards the Yakima ourselves but havent pulled the trigger due to the sheer cost. We have to save a bit to get it but have the assurance to know we are getting the right one for our Sienna. Thanks very much for all the feedback. it has all been well received and is appreciated.