Swagman XTC2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

Nice rack and easy to put together. Feels well built. A bit challenging for loading these kind of bikes on there but it worked. The kind of bikes I am using this rack for are not like the usual ones that are previously posted. I plan on using this for my stretch custom beach cruisers also. I will post more pictures once I load those up. I only had time to do my lowrider bikes today.910985

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

This is a great bike rack. I have had this for a year now with no problems. I would definitely recommend this bike rack

Joseph P - 11/12/2021

124643

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.860502

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

This bike carrier has held up well. Excellent product vs the cost. I just recently had to upgrade to a LARGER CARRIER as my HARDTAIL PLUS mountain bike tires 2.8 were too fat for this carrier.

Kerry i - 08/16/2021

119225

This Swagman rack does the job it’s designed for well. It’s installed with a Curt hitch and they are solid together. I see many of these racks attached to fellow bike club members. This seems to be a popular choice. I can open my trunk with a bike loaded closest to the car on my 2012 Sonata. I considered the more expensive choices available, but couldn’t justify spending the extra money. I’m pleased. Thanks etrailer. 801329

Click to Enlarge

I love my bike rack. It’s used all the time and is holding up well.

Robert - 05/23/2021

114245

The Swagman XTC-2 platform bike carrier arrived very quickly from etrailer and in good shape, the actual carrier box is inside another shipper box, which I'm sure helped with its condition. Assembly was relatively quick and painless, even though the instructions could be a little more thorough. Installing the carrier on the back of our Jeep Patriot also was quick, it helps to have an extra ratchet & 3/4" socket laying around for just this purpose.

Installing the bikes takes a little patience and trial and error the first time you try and put them on the carrier. It's easy enough to adjust the wheel holders to fit the wheelbase of your bikes, but for us at least, the challenge was trying to swing the vertical support bar up into position after putting on the first bike (closest to the Jeep). We couldn't angle the bike enough toward the Jeep to have the bar clear the bike. We learned that the easiest way to secure the first bike was to remove the ratcheting frame hooks altogether, put the bike in the carrier, swing up the vertical support bar, put in the pin, and then slide one of the frame hooks down on the bar. The outside bike is much easier because you can set the bike in the carrier at whatever angle you need, not being limited by the back of the vehicle. One thing we did to protect the bike frames was to use some foam pipe insulation as cushion between the frame hook and the frame (see pictures).

Once you get a system for installing the bikes, it is very quick to load/unload them. The rack seems to be well made and doesn't wiggle excessively when traveling. All in all a good product for a good price, would definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a platform bike carrier.
137937

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Question, we have two Townie comfort bikes, one male the other female. Our problem is attempting to lock down the female bike. I have attempted to slide the locking arm all the way down to the bottom cross bar without success. If I leave it higher it will pinch the chain guard. How do you get the lock slide down to the cross bar on the bottom of the frame. Other than that it is a GREAT rack. Thanks,Ray

-- comment by: Ray - 07/26/2014

5921

Show Replies

For very low step through frames like your women's Townie bike, an adapter bar is the best option to use, even for platform bike racks with the center frame post. I recommend the Swagman # 64005. This bar will connect between the handlebar gooseneck and the seat post, providing a bar that the center frame hook will secure around. This will keep you from pinching the chain guard. It is easily removable, and will only be needed during transport, leaving your the step through frame functional.

-- Rachael H - 7/28/2014

Can you access the hatch with the bikes on the rack?

-- comment by: Chris H - 11/01/2015

15750

Depending on the pedal position of the bike closest to the rear lift gate, you can open it a few inches to reach in and get something. This of course depends on far under the back of your vehicle your hitch is located.

-- comment by: Kevin K - 11/04/2015

15791

I own a 2009 VW GTI 4 door. The fact that I have a 4 door GTI may be significant to the 2 door GTI drivers out there because I tend to need to access my rear hatch less frequently since I just put things in the back seat.

I did not want the standard hanging bike rack because my bike got scratched up badly, my brake cables became loose, and my bike pump cage got broken when using a 4 bike hanging rack with my brother and his family. I also do not like the idea of the weight of my bike resting on top of my bike cables in the hanging bike rack cradles. However, if you are frequently putting different types of bikes on your rack like my brother does, a hanging rack may work better for you. The platform racks need to have the wheel holders adjusted for different bikes. Not hard, but it is a little more cumbersome.

I had been using Yakima roof mounted racks for 17 years on 5 different vehicles...until one of the roof clips popped loose on the interstate and my road bike did a wheelie and dented the roof of my GTI. Could not get my Yakima roof clip to lock in place again after that, so I moved to a hitch mount.

I bought the Curt Hitch #11074 and can be seen in the photos. Not really noticeable, but I think it looks better than the Draw-Tite and Hidden Hitch designs.

For platform racks, I looked at several designs with the following criteria in mind.

- Ease of use
- Ability to access the rear hatch
- Extension from bumper

I naturally started with Yakima, but found that their racks seemed overly cumbersome and extended far behind the car. The Thule racks seemed the same, and both brands were over $300. They did offer the ability to tilt the rack up when not in use, but this still blocks my access to the rear hatch.

The Swagman rack has a simple, minimalist design. First is that it is very narrow, only one row of support arms to carry two bikes. Thule and Yakima have two support arms, one for each bike, which causes the rack to extend farther behind the bumper. The Swagman seems plenty beefy to handle two bikes.

The support beams are easy to tilt up and down. Maybe not quite as easy to tilt up as Yakima and Thule, but still pretty easy. But until I watched the eTrailer video before buying this product (WATCH THE VIDEO!), I did not realize that the center upright also folds out of the way if you need access to the rear. This is what sold me. The ratcheting upright supports are easy to use and work as shown in the etrailer video. The rubber straps do their job just fine.

The other manufacturers seem to have an easier method to move the rack out of the way of the rear hatch, but as I mentioned, I have a 4 door GTI, so this was less of a concern for me.

The main selling points were: simple design, easy to use, fit a GTI, upright moves to access hatch, etrailer video, lots of good etrailer customer reviews with pictures, and of course...price.141045

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Easy to assemble. This carrier will be used on a 2012 Nissan Sentra using the Draw Tite 24794 hitch. After the installation on that hitch, there is about 2 inches clearance between the rearmost projection of the rear bumper to the frontmost portion of the wheel carrier of the rack. It is easy to put the bikes into the rack. The trunk lid cannot be opened with the bikes mounted on the rack. The rack seems to be stable and doesn't wobble or bounce much.26666

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

I looked at a lot of different hitch racks, priced from $100 up to over $500 and for the price the Swagman XTC-2 hit the mark. I've been using it now for a couple of months with absolutely no problems. First trip was 1600 mile round trip from TX to KS and it performed perfectly. Bike is easy off/easy on. Rack is a bit heavy but balanced enough to make it no problem with taking off and on. Etrailer.com was great to work with and rack arrived exactly as stated. 143303

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

After a years use, this rack is still performing like new. No issues to report and would still recommend as a good economical choice.

Brett T - 07/29/2015

13714

It was a toss up between this and the cheaper XT. I got this one cuz they said the wheel brackets are better and it was only a little more. I'm glad I got the XTC. Can't compare to the XT since I never saw one. But I like the XTC a lot. Easy to put it together and it fits the 1.25" hitch tight and nothing moves when you drive. I had no idea Sunday when I was driving around with my mountain bike that it was even there. Quality is good. Just HEFT the thing in your hands...it is pretty heavy duty. I appreciate the attention to detail on this. Holds the bike TIGHT. I would drive across the country with this with two bikes no qualms whatsoever. 58352

Click to Enlarge

Could not be happier! Love the hitch and Swagman. That Swagman is most secure bike rack in the industry. I have travelled thousands of worry free miles with it. Love the dual hitch feature so it fits both size receiver hitches. I would sorely miss it if someone made me give it up. I am thoroughly impressed with long term quality. Thing still looks and operates as new. Very happy.

Faty J - 05/16/2014

4238

by: Carrie12/10/2021

I ended up getting a different rack (1up heavy duty). After I installed the Swagman, I was disappointed with how flimsy it was. I called etrailer to discuss because I noticed the Swagman site at the time did not say it was RV approved but etrailers website said it was. The etrailer representative checked with Swagman and they confirmed it was RV approved BUT there was no way I was using it. The quality is not close to the 1up. I never returned the Swagman, it was more trouble than it was worth especially since I had to pay to ship back."1221669

This bike rack can be safely used on the back of a motorhome. It cannot be used on the back of a fifth wheel, travel trailer, or a flat towed vehicle. For a sturdy bike that can be used on the back of fifth wheel, travel trailer, or a flat towed vehicles I recommend part # KU84FR
Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
$449.00. It is a great two bike platform style rack that can hold two sixty pound bikes.

-- Jenny N - 12/13/2021

127413

Helpful Link

by: Vicki05/24/2017

I purchased the Swagman two-bike carrier, the long version, for carrying my recumbent bicycle. In the majority, the carrier works well, but I have an issue that makes the carrier almost unusable and a pain in the neck.

I do like that my Tour Easy long wheelbase recumbent bike fits, although I have to use a small wheel to keep it from sticking out too far on the sides. I used a shim at the hitch attachment to try to help with movement. I also purchased straps to attach to the car to help prevent sway. I do feel that my bike is safe when mounted on the rack. The bike will not fit inside my current vehicle and the rack is the only way I can carry it. This rack is good value for the money. It was easy to set the rack up to fit the bike and I feel confident that the bike is safe.

I did put some reflective tape on the rack as people who walked close to my car barked their shins on it and I heard a man comment that the thing should be folded up, which is not possible. I believe the tape helped and I haven't hit my shins.

The issue I have that is quite problematic is that the pins that have to be removed and replaced in order to stand the center support upright and lay it back down are not durable or are even defective. Before I could use the rack, I had to get one replaced. etrailer was not able to provide the replacement part, but did help me contact the manufacturer.

The second time I used the rack I almost could not remove one of the pins. The button was stuck and I could not sink it back in to remove it. Finally, after about 45 minutes, I was able to remove it. It is tethered to the rack and I left it hanging. Fortunately, I had another pin that fit and was able to use the rack.

I have no idea why these pins are an issue. I have never had a problem with them on other devices, even the ones that the buttons can be a little hard to push in. I hope that a pin failure doesn't happen at a critical time. I have tried to think of an alternative to the pins but have not come up with anything yet that I would feel safe entrusting my bike to. I am going to look into pins that do not have a button to see if that would be easier to use. In the photo, you can see the three pins. They have all given me fits, but it is the center one that is critical to use of the rack.

384366

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

by: Karen 08/15/2022

The only reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5 is because I am a petite senior female and have difficulty lifting my bicycle up to the platform. I tried the technique suggested by customer help, but didn’t improve much.
It is a very good quality bike rack otherwise! I would recommend for most people!1359157

by: Steven04/28/2021

Nice, quality bike rack. Bolts tend to loosen, so keep an eye on them. Rack wobbles a bit, so wish I had bought the 2 inch receiver model instead.1024114

Working ok, but one strap has cracked and the bolts holding the cross piece to the hitch bar cant be tightened enough to stop the hitch from swaying. Wish I had bought the sturdier 2 inch receiver model.

Steven S - 05/16/2022

139076

Show Replies

I have contacted the manufacturer and they have suggested that you contact them for them to walk you through correcting this issue.

-- Katrina B - 6/23/2022

I have a 2015 GTI and have been challenged to haul my 29er and additionally a kids 24" bike. I was looking for a rack that was form fitting not extend too far beyond the car to keep the weight closer to the car to assist the Class 1 trailer hitch i mounted.

I ended up going with the Curt C1142 Class 1 trailer hitch for the GTI and the Swagman XTC-2 bike rack. I think it was good solution for price, quality and fit for my requirements. The Rack is not heavy at all. It's very quick to put on and i leave my 29er closer to the car with the outer rails fixed for it. The other rails i put the smaller bikes further on the rack since they would be lighter. There is little movement when driving. On longer distances or with two bikes use the Curt trailer Strap and that helps in movement.

The clearance is what i was really worried about. I needed a rack that would promptly start rising upon exiting the hitch pin. The Swagman rack does just that. It immediately ramps upward to 3" at its peak giving me more clearance to avoid the virgina roadkill. I do wish that etrailer would give the profiles of the bike racks as that would been way easier than countless hours spent on the internet looking at other's pictures for a best fit for my car.

My other choice was the Kuat Transfer 2. it also has a rapid rise giving 6" maximum. However, it also extends about 12" in the back of the car which i was worried the longer run of the rack was going to have clearance issues on some driveways. In the end, the Swagman was $100 less than the Kuat transfer and i think for my purpose it's a better fit for this little car.



442622

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

The Swagman XTC 2 bike platform carrier was mounted on a 2010 Subaru Outback equipped with a 2" receiver. I will also use the bike carrier on a 2008 Saturn Vue. Ordering from etrailer was straight forward, shipping was fast with continuous texts from etrailer as to shipping status. Impressive. The bike rack works perfect for my wife's extended wheel base-pedal forward Townie bike and my Giant Sequoia trail bike. Bike positioning is important, but not difficult. Retaining hooks ratchet into place easily, and rubber straps secure the wheels. The anti-rattle receiver mount with threaded locking hitch pin works well. No slop there. The only concern we have is the flexing of the receiver bar. With no bikes on board and the carrier arms in the vertical positing, you can watch the minor 'dancing' of the vertical members. Put 2 bikes on the carrier and you can see a little more wobble of the bikes. I suspect the receiver arm of the carrier needs to be sturdier to eliminate this movement. When you read the warranty, you will notice Swagman will void the warranty if the bikes are carried on a 5th wheel trailer or on a vehicle that is taken off road. That tells me they know the receiver arm needs beefing up. Oh well, it works for my interstate transport. I would recommend this carrier for normal day to day transport of 2 bikes. 150284

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

I bought this bike rack to transport our two bikes. We have Trek Pure's. Once male, one female. The rack went together nicely. It fit very snug in the 2" receiver hitch and tightened down very well with the included hardware. Once assembled, I did have to add and remove the bikes several times to get them the way I wanted them so both frame locks would lock properly. My OCD probably kicked in a little demanding perfection. With everything locked in place, the bikes are very solidly in place within the rack. They don't move whatsoever. After loading the bikes, we took the car around the block. There was some bounce, but that's to be expected. All hardware remained tight after our test ride. I'm confident this bike rack is solid. We will definitely get our monies worth from this purchase.178613

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

The Swagman XTC2 Bike Rack performed well with my first use of it. Easy to assemble and well-built. Loading my bike onto the rack was easy and quick. The load of the bike rests on the tire cradles (a feature I specifically wanted in a bike rack) and the rubber securing straps for the bike tires are hefty. The top-slide securing-hook (which descends onto the bike frame) is constructed very well and does the job. With the bike loaded and secured, I drove on surface streets and an area freeway in an urban environment. Everything worked as advertised, and I'm thus far pleased with my purchase of the Swagman XTC2.1299767

Just got the platform rack yesterday. After fast shipping at no charge. I put it on today. I must recommend putting it on your vehicle before you set out to ride. It takes a little time to make adjustments or at least in my case it did. Have to maneuver different things try putting bikes on in various positions so that brackets will fit snugly. It took me about two hours to be satisfied. My wife's is a ladies style, and it was presenting a problem with bracket due to the chain guard getting in the way. Then I switched them around and then the bracket would not go down on mine.
Perhaps you wont, have these issues. Depending on the style and make of your bikes.
I will be going out tomorrow and i may leave a follow up comment after driving to location.
I did buy a little lock for the hitch bolt. And I am going to buy locks for the brackets at the discount store. The suite case type locks work well. 538507

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Ordered the Swagman XTC2 and a receiver hitch from etrailer earlier this week. Paid for 2 day shipping, and received it THE DAY AFTER I ORDERED IT! Can't ask for any more than that. Completed hitch installation today, and then assembled and mounted the XTC2. It slid right into my 1.25 hitch, and the included rattle-proof hitch pin cinched things down very nicely!

The wheel rack trays are fairly easy to adjust: I just parked my bike behind it, eyeballed about where the trays needed to be to fit the tires, slid them into place, then plopped the bike in. A couple minor adjustments to the racks, and they were ready to cinch down. My wife's bike went on the outside slot. With the dropping frame tube, I had to shift the trays for her bike to the left a bit so the frame clamp hit at the seat riser. Again this was an easy eyeball placement and adjustment, but proper placement results in the bike being shifted to the left a bit. The front tire protrudes about 4" beyond the side of the car, and I'll probably buy one of those bar extensions to remedy this.

Took the bikes out this afternoon, and drove about 4 miles to a nearby park trail. The rack didn't sway much at all through turns, and shaking was pretty minimum going over bumps. I've only used it once so far, but I already love the ease of use! I I have a 2017 Kia Soul, and the vertical rear hatch made a hitch mounted rack the obvious choice. I loved how etrailer's info and user reviews made part/model selection a no-brainer. Why would anybody shop elsewhere? Thanks etrailer!419869

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

We got the XTC2 to replace an old school rack. It was easy to put together and feels sturdy and well made. We will be using it on a 2016 Civic, 1999 4x4 Tacoma and a Casita Trailer. Looking forward to using it when the weather warms up. 442032

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Ive had no issues with the bike rack. Works great on camp trailer and two other vehicles.

Paul E - 10/12/2018

44552

I LOVE this bike rack! It was easy to assemble and is made of top quality materials. The adjustable top hooks are perfect for securing my women's frame mountain bike. E trailer received and shipped my order within 24 hours! I received my bike rack within three business days and e trailer reached out to me the same day my shipment arrived to ensure I was a satisfied customer!114125

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Quick OverviewI bought the hitch recently and very satisfied with what I got. I bought it to carry a bike rack and it works just fine. The hitch looks solid and reliable. I'm sure there are no any issues with pulling a small trailer too. I just don't think Hyundai Accent is a right car for pulling :) I ordered both - the hitch and the bike rack. Both came in time, packed well. No issues with the delivery. The installation procedure is very easy too - 4 screws and that's it. I did it by myself, no assistance. I had to use my kid's small stool for supporting one side while I was working on the other side. Of course, it could be easier if there is another pair of hands holding a hitch while you are working with the screws. Sorry for my English, but I think the idea is clear. Regards, Sergey. 34952

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

I must tell you, my excellent rating is based on the ease of putting the unit together, and how simple it was to attach to my Nissan Rogue. It is perfect for two bikes, even my wifes step through with a slant bar. But that's about all I can say, as the weather in the Northeast, and here in Buffalo, has been so crappy, the unit has done nothing but sit in my garage for 3 weeks! I'm sure it will be GREAT when I can use it, as I did a test ride of about 5 miles on pothole filled streets, and the bikes and rack were absolutely solid! I hope to get the rack in action before July. Joking...sort of!496648

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

by: Holly03/09/2022

Have been loving this rack for the past year. It installed easily with the video link to car-model-specific instructions. The only feedback I’d have for improvement is for the bolt NOT to be threaded. Isn’t the cotter pin enough to hold it in place? It’s super tricky/tight to get it threaded in AND out.1270749

The rack includes a threaded hitch pin and a clip that work with a built-in anti-wobble device in the shank to eliminate rattle in the hitch receiver during transport. Even though the thread makes installing take a bit longer, that thread is part of the built-in anti-wobble device.

-- Katrina B - 03/18/2022

134863

I love this rack! Very sturdy and you can have it a single bike rack if so desired, which I do usually only haul one bike. I was worried the gap between the vehicle and bike would be too close but that worry was short lived. I love the ratcheting top clamp, firmly holds down the bike. Adjustability of the wheel chocks is super, I worried about my 29 inch wheels fitting but again, no worries, fit's perfectly with the adjustable sliding chocks. Simply the best rack I've owned. 390152

Click to Enlarge

Click to Enlarge

Super! Love my rack

Scott W - 06/07/2018

39405

by: Andrew 07/29/2020

This bike rack is fantastic. Easy to install and quick on on and off with bikes. The only thing is you can’t put a locking pin thru bar. But I tighten the mounting bolt real tight. You need a socket wrench to get it off. 852483

It is fantastic! Easy to load bikes and very sturdy. I’m currently on vacation with bikes at the beach

Andrew - 07/30/2021

118228