Recommendations for Carrying 5 Bikes on a 2006 Z71 Chevy Suburban 1500 Pulling a Travel Trailer  

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Expert Reply:

Yes, the Swagman XTC4 # S64665 bike rack that you reference will fit a 2 inch receiver on a front mount hitch on your 2006 Chevy Suburban. If you do not have one yet, I recommend the Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch # 31302. Before you put such a large rack on the front of your vehicle, there are a couple of points to take into consideration.

The first consideration is when carrying bikes on the front of a vehicle they will cover your head lights and probably obstruct your line of sight, especially if your bikes need the adapter bar which raises them and provides a level ride. Also if you happen to be driving in poor weather and have them covered, that cover could block the air flow to the engine.

I understand wanting to utilize all available carrying methods, however, if you are going to carry bikes on the front of your Suburban, I do not recommend putting any more than two bikes on the front of your vehicle. Bike racks that hold more than two bikes will extend out way too far for comfort.

I also understand wanting a platform rack because this will impede your vision the least, so to accomplish this I recommend using the Swagman Platform Bike Rack # S64663. The Swagman Platform holds 2 bikes and it should not block your vision like a hanging rack would. This rack has a weight capacity of 40 lbs for each bike.

For your other three bikes, we have three possible options - either roof mount, towing, or on the back of the travel trailer. If you do not have a roof rack, I recommend the Malone AirFlow2, part # MPG216. This roof rack will allow you to mount all three bikes on your Suburban. When you mount the bikes alternate them with two on the outside facing one direction and the one in the middle the opposite. This will maximize your room.

I have attached a brief installation video of this rack on a similar vehicle.

For a roof mount, frame mount, bike rack I recommend the Yakima Raptor # Y02093.

Your next option is the Swagman Towing Rack # S64675. This bike rack holds 4 bikes and mounts on the shank of the ball mount on your Suburban. Although this rack has rotating cradles, you may still need an adapter such as Swagman Easy-Out Adapter # 64005 to carry your bikes level. I have also attached a video with this towing rack.

A very important fact to take into consideration if you decide upon the towing rack is that the weight of the carrier and the bikes will reduce your tongue weight for pulling your travel trailer.

I understand your reluctance about carrying bikes on the back of your travel trailer, however, it is really safer than carrying all of them on the front of your Suburban. As a last resort, if you decide you do want to use the back of your travel trailer, I recommend the Swagman Dispatch # S44FR. If you have a continuously welded steel bumper on the back of your travel trailer you can have a hitch to hold a bike rack. The Swagman Platform that I recommended for the front of your Tahoe comes with a bumper hitch that you can use on the back of your travel trailer. (this will save you money) Again, with the Swagman XP, even though it has rotating cradles, you may still need to use the adapter bar # 64005.

I have attached brief videos on the Swagman XP and the Swagman adapter. I have also attached a FAQ article covering basics about bike racks, carriers, and accessories.

For the security of your investment, some of the bike racks come with locks and some do not. If the one you want does not come with a bike lock, I recommend the Swagman Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock and Cable # S64030. This combination comes with an 8-1/2 ft cable that can weave through your bikes and a hitch anti-rattle lock. This can secure your investment when it is unattended.

expert reply by: Lori W

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