I have a Thule Helium Platform XT, 2 bike version. It touches my bumper so I bought the Thule Hitch Extender. I checked the compatible racks and the rack I have isn't on the list. Has anyone seen a failure using these two together?

if you're that worried... buy a real receiver extender next time.. at around $30.. they typically have a 350# load capability in the 1 1/4" size.

walmart usually has them, as will any auto parts store, and a zillion other outlets.

PS.. the one you bought has a serious design flaw, necessitating the low load limits... the 1" long weld carrying most of the load is under TENSION.. Welds don't like tension, and the material around that weld is more prone to cracking due to that weld...
the Receiver Extensions i've mentioned are a better, stronger design, capable of pulling an overloaded trailer as that trailer bounces around.... i've seen them overloaded way too many times, but i've never seen a broken one.

there's no part # listed but that looks like a 1 1/4" to 2" adapter.

I've had good luck with "etrailer". here's their extensions page Hitch Extender | etrailer.com

/markp

Thanks for your reply, I like this design as my mini van’s hitch seems pretty low to begin with and this raises it up a bit. But once I read the guide and it didn’t include my specific rack it made me think twice.

Thanks, the extender is 2” and the rack can be 2” or 1 1/4”. I’ll look at that link.

ok.... i'd drill a 3/8" hole through both tubes, 1 to1.5" behind the front of the top receiver tube, then install a 3/8" bolt with good washers and a locking/nylock nut... Bolts are made to withstand tension loads.. short welds are not, and crack out frequently from tension loading. Bring the bolt up to a good tightness, but DON'T go crazy on it, or that thin tubing will distort.

Zero problems with the extender you bought. It is only when people use very long 24-48 inch ones with trailers that problems may arise. On a vehile you are not going to exceed the load capacity of the hitch receiver with any rack and two bikes.

L:ay people do not understand weld strength. Put the lower section in a vise and hit the top section with a 8 lb sledge hammer and the damage will be to the vise. By the way, all welds operate in tension situations. Cracking is the result of an improper weld with the wrong welder settings and no manufacturer is going to allow people to do that and produce weak welds.

I posed the compatibility question to Thule support and this was their response.