Which Swing Away for Bike Racks Would You Say is Beefier in Design the Kuat or Swagman?
Updated 05/19/2025 | Published 04/26/2025
Question:
Hello Im planning a cross country mountain bike trip with my family. We will be bringing our four bikes on our existing oneup bike rack, but since we will be sleeping in the back of our truck, need to swing the bikes out of the way to have access at night. Which swing away hitch adapter that you carry is the strongest? Ive looked at the kuat pivot 2 and the swagman swivel. On paper, the swagman seems to be the beefier unit. I am looking for the strongest unit available since we will likely be going off road at times with roughly 250 pounds of rack and bike weight hanging off the hitch adapter. Thank you for your time.
asked by: Andrew M
Expert Reply:
Hello Andrew,
Well that sounds like quite the fun trip, what state or states will you be traveling through?
You're asking a really important question, especially since you're planning a cross-country trip with about 250 pounds of bikes and rack weight, and some off-road driving involved. Between the Kuat Pivot v2 and the Swagman Swivel, both are rated for around 250 pounds, but there are some key differences worth considering. The Kuat Pivot v2 # PVD20B is extremely well-built, with tight machining, high-quality materials, and a premium finish. It's a very refined piece of equipment that performs smoothly and fits precisely. However, Kuat does not officially recommend it for heavy off-road use, it’s intended more for highway driving and mild gravel or dirt roads.
The Swagman Swivel # S86SR, on the other hand, is noticeably heavier in construction. It uses thicker steel and has a bulkier, "farm-tough" feel compared to the Kuat. On paper and in real-world handling, the Swagman feels more rugged and may be better suited to occasional rougher roads simply because of its beefier materials. That said, like the Kuat, Swagman does not officially market the Swivel for aggressive off-road use. Both options will work well if you're sticking mostly to pavement and light dirt roads, but if you expect regular, rough off-road conditions, it’s important to know that neither was specifically engineered for that kind of stress.
If it were me, I would go with the Swagman Swivel # S86SR, the bracket with the pin and the clamp down (please look at picture I attached) make it more secure when all locked up.
Ron F.
5/19/2025
Kate I recently purchased the Swagman swivel, I noticed it has a threaded hitch pin hole. What size pin do you recommend, or should I use a nut & bolt that fits the thread size, and if so do you know that thread size?
Kate F.
5/19/2025
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Swagman Swivel Hitch Extender - 2" Hitches - Dual Side - Swing-Away Hitch Adapter
- Hitch Adapters
- Swing-Away Hitch Adapter
- Bike Racks
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 300 lbs
- Swagman
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Swagman Swivel Hitch Extender - 2" Hitches - Dual Side - Swing-Away Hitch Adapter
- Search Results: swing~away hitch adapter hitch adapters
- Video: First Look at the Swagman Swivel Hitch Extender
- Shop: Kuat Pivot 2 Swing Away Hitch Extender for Bike Racks - 2" Hitches - Passenger's Side
- Shop: Kuat Pivot XD Heavy Duty Swing Away Hitch Extender for Bike Racks - 2" - Passenger
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Saris Swing Away Hitch Extender for Bike Racks - 2" Hitches
- Search Results: hitch cargo carrier
- Q&A: Recommended Locking Hitch Pin Compatible w/ the Threads on the Swagman Swivel Hitch Extender
- Search Results: swing away hitch
- Shop: etrailer Anti-Rattle Hitch Collar for 2" Hitch Receivers
- Q&A: Arm Dimensions for the Swagman Swivel Hitch Extender
- Shop: Benton Basic Hitch Cargo Carrier for 2" Hitch - Modular Rack - 300 lb Capacity
- Search Results: accessories and parts
- Video: A Look at the Benton Basic Hitch Modular Cargo Carrier on a 2023 Ford Bronco
- Shop: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for Hitch Accessories - 2" Hitches
- Search Results: swing~away carrier hitch cargo carrier
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Will the Swagman Swivel Hitch Extender Swing Out to 180°?
- Search Results: hitch adapters
- Search Results: swagman swivel
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Q&A: Recommended Hitch Adapter for a 2025 Jeep Wrangler With 35" Wheels
- Q&A: Will Swagman Swivel Hitch Extender # S86SR Clear Spare of 2025 Jeep Wrangler JL
- Video: Test Fit: Kuat Pivot 2 Swing Away Hitch Extender for Bike Racks on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Q&A: Will the Swagman Swivel Hitch Extender Work w/a 4-Bike Bike Rack?
- Video: 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Kuat Pivot 2 Swing Away Hitch Extender for Bike Racks: Complete Installation
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Thule Arcos Tilting Platform with Large Cargo Box
- Video: A Closer Look at the Benton Basic Hitch Modular Cargo Carrier
- Q&A: Is There Back to Hitch Opening of Swagman Swivel Hitch Extender
on Hitch Adapters
Andrew M.
4/29/2025
Thank you for your detailed response Kate, it's much appreciated. Based on your information, I have already placed an order for the swagman swivel on e-trailer. Thanks again for having great customer service!