Bike Rack

mjdfarm · Mar 23, 2007, 06:42 PM

Anyone use the Swagman bike rack that attaches over the trailer hitch and allows you to still tow the camper? I am thinking about getting one and wanted to know if anyone uses one.

Venatic · Mar 23, 2007, 09:31 PM

We have the Just Rite bike rack which is pretty similar. You'll need to keep in mind that you'll need longer safety chains and an extension on your electrical hook up.

We never had any problems towing, but I was pulling with a 1/2 ton pickup truck.

Tim5055 · Mar 23, 2007, 10:36 PM

We use the 3 bike Swagman Bike Rack.

These usually need a little "extra" clearance between the receiver and ball, so you may find you need a longer drawbar. I did not have any problems with the safety chains or electrical cord.

mjdfarm · Mar 24, 2007, 01:21 PM

Yes I Figured On The Longer Draw Bar. I Wanted To Know If You Guys Were Happy With The Rack. I May Install A Front Hitch For The Rack. Has Anyone Done That On A Chevy Truck? I Think I Found One In Jc Whitney Catalog With "no Drilling Required".

Thanks...

tknick · Mar 25, 2007, 07:17 AM

Quote from: Tim5055We use the 3 bike Swagman Bike Rack.

These usually need a little "extra" clearance between the receiver and ball, so you may find you need a longer drawbar. I did not have any problems with the safety chains or electrical cord.

I think your Niagra is about the same size/weight as our bayside and you are towing with a full size pu where we have a full size suv. I was interested in the rack, but concerned about exceeding the TW my TV. I'm just guessing you haven't had any issues with it. I am looking to carry 4-5 bikes and don't want to pay $400+ for a rack.

thanks
travis

fourgonefishn · Mar 25, 2007, 08:14 AM

Quote from: mjdfarmYes I Figured On The Longer Draw Bar. I Wanted To Know If You Guys Were Happy With The Rack. I May Install A Front Hitch For The Rack. Has Anyone Done That On A Chevy Truck? I Think I Found One In Jc Whitney Catalog With "no Drilling Required".

Thanks...

If we are talking the same "hidden hitch" for the front, I installed one on our 99 F250. Very beefy no drilling, you will need 2 people as bumpers are heavy, couple of jacks help. I also went to hardware store and bought longer grade 8 bolts to make things easier to reassemble.
It's nice having that hitch up front, lots of uses.

mjdfarm · Mar 25, 2007, 09:59 AM

Ok thanks. I will be looking into that. I see lots of uses for that front hitch...

mjdfarm · Mar 25, 2007, 10:10 AM

Quote from: tknickI think your Niagra is about the same size/weight as our bayside and you are towing with a full size pu where we have a full size suv. I was interested in the rack, but concerned about exceeding the TW my TV. I'm just guessing you haven't had any issues with it. I am looking to carry 4-5 bikes and don't want to pay $400+ for a rack.

thanks
travis

The weight has not been a problem. The truck handles it great. My wife drives a 99 expedition. We have not towed the camper with it but those fords are hard to beat. Im sure it would be no problem there either. (I like a good truck be it a ford or a chevy) I really need to carry 5 bikes but the expense goes way up after the 3 bike carriers.

tknick · Mar 26, 2007, 08:57 AM

Quote from: mjdfarmThe weight has not been a problem. The truck handles it great. My wife drives a 99 expedition. We have not towed the camper with it but those fords are hard to beat. Im sure it would be no problem there either. (I like a good truck be it a ford or a chevy) I really need to carry 5 bikes but the expense goes way up after the 3 bike carriers.

thanks for the response. sounds like that is the way to go for us.

travis

wynot · Mar 28, 2007, 02:52 PM

Quote from: mjdfarmOk thanks. I will be looking into that. I see lots of uses for that front hitch...

I installed a front receiver on our Tahoe - we use it primarily for the bike rack when towing although I also have been known to use it to scoot around the trailers when I want to see exactly where things are going in tight spaces.

As another said, it's HEAVY. Install is straightforward, probably under an hour if you are familiar with installing hitches, may take a bit longer if you are trying to figure out what you need to do. You probably will have to cut into the plastic apron. Also, at least my hitch required me to decide whether to install higher or lower. If you are using for a bike rack - let me present the dilemma.

Crawl under first and figure out what you will be doing, then go think about it...

mjdfarm · Mar 28, 2007, 06:40 PM

I bought the "hidden hitch". Another site I went had the installation instructions online for my truck. Looks like you remove the tow hooks and mount it there. 4 bolts. Although as I know nothing is as easy as it looks...The front valance will probably just be removed. Its a 4wd hunting/camping truck. Im surprised the plastic is still there.....Thanks for the advice!

wynot · Mar 29, 2007, 12:05 PM

Quote from: mjdfarmI bought the "hidden hitch". Another site I went had the installation instructions online for my truck. Looks like you remove the tow hooks and mount it there. 4 bolts. Although as I know nothing is as easy as it looks...The front valance will probably just be removed. Its a 4wd hunting/camping truck. Im surprised the plastic is still there.....Thanks for the advice!

Decide whether you want to install up or down, Before you start installing. Especially if you are going to use it for bikes. It is indeed 4 bolts and removal of the tow hooks.

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