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.
-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.
