Forum Discussion

rmnpcolorado's avatar
rmnpcolorado
Explorer
Apr 19, 2021

Jack it bike rack

Yes, I know bike racks etc are discussed regularly. But I’m looking at the Jack It bike rack that goes on the trailer tongue. We upgraded our TV last fall and finally got the trailer out of storage this weekend, so this was the first time the two were paired up. My concern was how level it would be out of the box, and it’s perfect! Which tells me that adding a little additional weight to the tongue won’t kill us.

What are people’s experience with this rack? Specifically how solid are the bikes when installed? It seems solid when bikes are mounted, but what about going down the road at 60+mph? Are they wiggly? I’ve seen comments about the rear bike in particular being a little difficult to get loaded, is that a concern?

I really like the idea of being able to see the bikes as we go down the road. I’ve read too many stories of people getting to their destination only to learn they lost their bike(s) off the back miles down the road and they didn’t know it.

I do see the Jack It is on back order two months out, hopefully that doesn’t mean it’s discontinued
  • Tongue mount bike racks are a great idea, cant be a generic concept due to frame size and width, shape of TT front, location of propane tanks etc.
    I have custom built racks for several tts and 5er that covered all those issues of clearance and ease for up to 4 bicycles. using springs and nitrogen struts to lower the rack via a pull down 2 arm level frame.
    Challenge davem@swagman.net to show you the pics amd videos of our rack.
    Swagman is stuck on rear hitches.
  • I have one and it was fine on my 2018 Shadow Cruiser. A little tricky getting the back bike on and off but managable. Now we traded our trailer in for a 2021 Salem Hemisphere and it won’t work. The trailer front is bulbous and the front bike is too close to the back of truck to allow turning. If it fits your rig would suggest using it. Just make sure it will fit.

    Lenny
  • I built a single bicycle rack for the tongue. Works well. Who would steal a one wheel bicycle with no left pedal?

  • I purchased one at a garage sale for 75$. I let friends borrow it and this is their report:
    They have a "bulbous" front cap on their wildwood trailer which gets in the way of the Jack It. They also report that it is difficult to mount the bikes on the bike carrier due to the height. My friend is 6'1" and it is a stretch for them. They are choosing not to use it even though it was free.