Forum Discussion

iwski's avatar
iwski
Explorer
May 08, 2014

Bike Rack for Front Hitch....Experiences?

I have put a front hitch on my 2011 Dodge 3500 with the intention of hauling bikes, firewood, etc. I am looking into bike racks, but would like to carry 4 bikes (2 adult, 2 child). Does anyone do this on the front? I have seen numerous examples of 2 bikes, but not 4 bikes. Here are the concerns of mine that I'm curious if anyone has experience with:
-Headlight interference
-Sticks out a long way from bumper ~48", ground clearance, etc
-Visibility when driving (bikes visible above hood)
-Bugs on the bikes!

Is it a better idea to put just a 2-bike rack on front and find another spot for the other 2 bikes like a ladder bike rack?

I'm looking at the Highland SportWing 4-bike and the Swagman XTC4. I had never seen a SportWing and did not realize a rack existed that uses the inside of the rim to hold the bike level and stable. Great idea, reviews say they're well built. Since there is not much rise on the main tube, I'm really concerned about ground clearance. The Swagman XTC4 looks like it's a little more dependable and the main tube is on an angle for what appears to be better ground clearance. Put the taller adult bikes closest to the truck and the kids bikes out front because they're shorter and the mounts are higher.
These photos are owned by etrailer.

Highlander SportWing first, then Swagman XTC4. Last photo is an identical truck to mine with a front 2-bike rack.









Truck Campers

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  • lasttruck's avatar
    lasttruck
    Explorer
    May 09, 2014
    When we carried bikes, it was two of them on a Thule rack. I removed the seats and dropped the handlebars so that there was little showing above the hood to obstruct the view.

    Tend to be in campsite by mid-afternoon, so night driving with bikes on the front is an unknown.

    Lot's of bugs (less in the radiator). No real problems. If we were to carry bikes again, we would do the same.
  • billtex's avatar
    billtex
    Explorer II
    May 09, 2014
    iwski wrote:
    Thanks for the responses so far. I had not thought about the headlights reflecting back into your eyes from the rims of the bikes. My Dodge's headlights are down somewhat low compared to a truck like billtex's older Chevy cat-eye headlights. Not sure if that would help or not.


    Our truck has the OE "driving lights" which are down low...this helps a lot.
    The only time we have any glare is with the high beams...which I don't like anyway...the driving lights give a nice broad light path on our truck.
    Never had any problems with heat/airflow...even driving for days in 100* temps.
    We find the front rack very convenient...it is easy to get bikes on/off.
    I agree some Folks might find it unsettling having the bikes up front...both DW and I are used to it now...it is the best solution for us.
    I like the bikes where I can see them, I would not trust a ladder rack, and anything in the back gets filthy from the backdraft.
    It's one of those things you'll have to try yourself and see if it works for you...

    Bill
  • iwski's avatar
    iwski
    Explorer
    May 09, 2014
    Thanks for the responses so far. I had not thought about the headlights reflecting back into your eyes from the rims of the bikes. My Dodge's headlights are down somewhat low compared to a truck like billtex's older Chevy cat-eye headlights. Not sure if that would help or not.
  • stevenal's avatar
    stevenal
    Nomad II
    May 09, 2014
    The headlights reflecting off the rims is blinding. A 10 minute nighttime test drive was enough to convince me this was a very unsafe idea, and went for a utility trailer instead.
  • billtex's avatar
    billtex
    Explorer II
    May 09, 2014


    This picture has 3 bikes...but we do carry 4 frequently. Rack is a BVG, very beefy...darn thing must weigh 75#. It locks and holds the bikes very securely.
    We have travelled x-xountry 2x with this setup.

    Bill
  • llavaseur's avatar
    llavaseur
    Explorer
    May 09, 2014
    I use this one, its very secure and lockable.

    http://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Bike-Racks/Swagman/S64400.html
  • jmcgsd's avatar
    jmcgsd
    Explorer
    May 09, 2014
    I got nailed by the CHP in California several years ago for an obscured front license plate. Had a 50cc dirt bike on a carrier.
  • Dick_B's avatar
    Dick_B
    Explorer
    May 09, 2014
    2 bikes on front and two folding bikes elsewhere. Bikes bounce around with bad roads. We carry two and support with several bunges.
    Lots of previous discussion on this Forum.
  • owenssailor's avatar
    owenssailor
    Explorer
    May 09, 2014
    We use the Swagman 2 bike rack on the front of our truck. Very satisfied with it. It has good road clearance and holds the bikes secure.
  • trnfla's avatar
    trnfla
    Explorer
    May 08, 2014
    The only issue I found was at night it blocked my headlights some.

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