# 1
Swagman XC2 Bike Rack for 2 bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
The whole experience is worth 5 out of 5 Stars! Everyone I spoke with at E-Trailer was very helpful and the product that was recommended fits fine and is a good value. There is only one thing about the Swagman XC bike rack that I'm not happy with and that is the ratchet locking on the clamp down arms. The release mechanism is hard to activate so if someone with out strong hands - like my wife for example - tried to release the arms to remove the bikes they would have lots of trouble. Swagman may want to consider changing this locking mechanism to a hand wheel so strong hands aren't required for release. I'm enclosing photos of the rack installed on my 2005 Acura MDX.
Well made, sturdy product. Easy to assembly and travels well with two bikes installed. Only minor issue is it was a little difficult to find a lock that would work well with the rack. But all-in-all a good 4+ Star purchase.
# 2
Swagman XTC4 Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
Solid unit; fairly easy to put together. Placing 4 bikes (2 adults, 2 kids) on rack is tight, but workable with adjustments to wheel hoops.
# 3
Swagman XTC2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
So far so good. It is exactly what I thought it would be... So far no surprises. I received it and had it installed within 15 minutes. It's installed on the front of a Ford E350 van which is built out as a Coleman RV. I was worried about clearances but as the pictures show that is not a problem at all.
First-time rack buyer / owner / installer. The rack arrived in a timely fashion, maybe a day or 2 ahead of schedule. It was well packaged. I’m LOVING this bike rack. It was easy to put together and to mount on my new Honda Passport. Thus far, no squeaks in my 2” receiver. Hardest part of initial set-up is figuring out the best way to position two bikes. Trial & error and some patience. The directions weren’t clear as to where the 2 left-over screws went. I found the answer in another review and have posted a pic in case others have the same problem (photo with pen pointing at screw). These screws go in the underneath side of both of the folding arms. They appear to keep the wheel wells from sliding off in case in you drive with an empty, un-folded rack, and forgot to tighten down the wheel wells. The folding arm push / pull pins can be difficult at times. I coated the tips with some lube. That and a little jiggling seems to solve that issue. I guess it’s better for the pins to be snug vs popping right out. I added a small Master lock to the hitch pin (in lieu of the provided cotter pin) as a theft deterrent. I read that a 3/16 shackle lock will fit into the bike clamp down arms to also act as a deterrent. I had an old 3/16 lock that did snugly fit and appeared to be locked. HOWEVER, I yanked on the lock and it came open as there isn’t quite enough clearance for the shackle to lock. I discovered that longer 3/16 shackle locks are hard to find. Have attached a photo of the lock that actually fits and works (Ace Hardware). One lock on the upper clamp down arm will secure both arms as the lower arm can’t be removed without removing the upper arm. The clamp down arms appear to be coated to prevent damage to your bike. I’ve tried a simple rag and ultimately settled on pool noodle pieces as a precautionary measure. I CAN NOT open my tailgate (regardless of whether or not the rack is fold up and in the bike carry position). If that’s a concern for you, then spring for the more costly titling version. My back-up camera still functions.
What our customers are saying:
"Sent out an e-mail to you earlier this week asking which hitch woudld be the best choice for installing on a 2000 Venture van for hauling a bike rack with two bikes. You suggested the one that would be easiest to install..received in a matter of days..installation went great ..very well thought out instructions. Everything went smooothly and the hitch is up nice and snug..doesn't stick out..looks great."