Will Vertical Receiver Adapter Work With Hitch-Mounted Bike Racks

Updated 05/07/2015 | Published 05/06/2015

Question:

5013 Curt Vertical Receiver Adapter I am interested in this item as a way to extend a hitch mounted bike rack higher off the ground such that the trailer lights remain visible. Is this feasible? What mb racks would you recommend for this? Thanks,

asked by: Nick

Expert Reply:

Using an adapter like part # C45013 would place the shank in a vertical position and would not work with a hitch mounted bike rack, which are designed so that the shank is inserted horizontally.

There are hitch-mounted bike carriers that have a shank with a rise. One hanging bike rack I recommend is the Swagman Trailhead, part # S63360. This carrier will hold 2 bikes, and is designed to fit either 1-1/4 or 2 inch receiver openings. This carrier has a shank rise of 3 inches.

If you want to let me know what the year, make, and model of your vehicle is I can make some recommendations that will work for you. Also, if you want to let me know what type bikes you plan to carry and how many it helps finding the right items for you.

You may wish to consider carrying bikes on the roof of your vehicle.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L