Will the Swagman Might Rack Bike Rack Fit On a Hard Shell Tonneau Cover on a 2008 Dodge Ram

Question:

I am looking for a way to put a bike rack on the tonneu cover on the bed of my truck. The cover says it will old up to 600 lbs but trying to figure if the pop up swagman can work or you recommend to install a hitch on the front of my 2008 dodge ram 2500 4x4 HD mega cab for a regular 4 bike rack to be installed?

asked by: Paul

Expert Reply:

While it is possible to use the Swagman Mighty Rack, # S805500, on a hard shell tonneau cover, installation would require drilling into the cover and is probably not something you would want to do.

Though not ideal, a front mount hitch like # 65046 is an option. Be aware that the front axle will need to be rated for the extra weight, driver visibility will be reduced, and air flow will be restricted if carrying bikes in the front of the vehicle.

If you need an alternate location because you will be towing a trailer and cannot use a hitch mount bike rack at the rear of the vehicle, I may have another option for you. You may be able to use a dual purpose ball mount, # D210.

This ball mount can hold a bike rack in the receiver portion. The receiver portion has a tongue weight capacity of 350 pounds. The entire unit has a tongue weight capacity of 750 pounds and gross trailer weight of 7,500 pounds. The weight of a bike rack and the bikes loaded on it will count against that 750 overall tongue weight capacity.

expert reply by: Michael H