Bike rack

Question

I have read on the forum and think I have come to a conclusion about a bike rack, the Swagman Trailhead 4 bike rack.
My thinking was this, while I will only carry 3 bikes would I not have more room going with the 4 rack and maybe stronger built also.
Does anyone have or recommend this bike rack and what about using the 4 rack for hauling 3 bikes, would the 3 rack be better?
Going to take spare tire off the back bumper and put a 2 inch hitch.
Thinking the weight compared to what I have on there now will be ok.
Any suggestions?
Thanks

dick_b · Answer

I would be nervous about hanging three/four bikes on a rack in the back unless, perhaps, it is a fiver instead of a TT. My TT bounces around too much. I'd go with a two bike rack and support the bikes with bunge cords to minimize the bounce.
We carry our two adult bikes on a rack in the front of our TV; it's a Saris CycleOn rack.
Have you considered foldup bikes?

bikendan · Answer

bad idea, especially if it's an ultra light trailer.

and the spare tire doesn't move back and forwards like a bunch of bikes held out and away from the back of the trailer.
the spare tire is right up against the back but a bunch of bikes will be like a fulcrum, placing forces on the weak welds of the bumper.
like pulling a wrench with a cheater pipe, back and down.

the physics of a spare tire on a bumper and a bike rack full of bikes on a bumper, are way different.

jfkmk · Answer

bikendan wrote:bad idea, especially if it's an ultra light trailer.and the spare tire doesn't move back and forwards like a bunch of bikes held out and away from the back of the trailer.the spare tire is right up against the back but a bunch of bikes will be like a fulcrum, placing forces on the weak welds of the bumper.like pulling a wrench with a cheater pipe, back and down.the physics of a spare tire on a bumper and a bike rack full of bikes on a bumper, are way different.X2. Does your trailer's literature provide any recommendation regarding this?

carb_cleaner · Answer

The Swagman 4 bike rack and 3 bike rack are the same. The 4 bike rack has less weight capacity due to the extra set of tie-down points.
3 bike = 105 pounds
4 bike = 100 pounds
Check specs here:
4 bike rack
3 bike rack

halmfamily · Answer

We just installed a Curt front receiver and the Swagman XC  2bike rack on the front of our truck.  Works great, can see the bikes and they don't move at all. Check this option out.  Receiver runs around $120 and only took 30 minutes to install.  Good luck.

Forum Discussion

Bike rack

About RV Tips & Tricks

Related Content

Bike rack

Bike Rack for Trailer hitch?

Bike rack on bumper?

Bike rack extension

Bike rack