Is the Tilting Feature on a Bike Carrier Worth The Extra Cost

Published 05/08/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Swagman XTC4 Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(1660)

$409.90

Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Small - 22-1/2" - 30" - 35 lbs

(827)

$48.99

Thule Apex Swing XT Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Swing Away

(221)

$699.95

Question:

I am wundering if the tilting feature on a platform type bike rack is a make or break? More specifically the tilting feature when bikes on the rack to give acces to cargo area without removing the bikes. There is quite a shift in pricing in order to get that feature on a rack and was wundering if it is worth the extra dollars? Thanks in advance for your answer

asked by: Jean-Philippe

Expert Reply:

Whether or not a tilting feature is worth the extra cost for a bike carrier that has that feature is ultimately up to the customer. Also I should note that just because a carrier can tilt doesn't guarantee that you would be able to open the rear hatch on a vehicle. That depends on several factors including the bike carrier in question and the vehicle.

Also, if you consider the weight of 4 bikes plus the carrier it is a 2 person job to get a platform style carrier to tilt down and back up. If you need access to the rear of the vehicle with bikes loaded the best solution is a carrier that swings out or tilts out differently.

The Thule Apex # TH9027XT is a great example of a carrier that swings off to the side of the vehicle allowing complete access to the rear of the vehicle. I have linked a video showing how it works.

For hanging racks like these if you will be carrying any bikes that do not have a top frame bar that goes straight across (like a typical men's bike would) then I recommend using bike adapter bar # 64005. This will allow you to carry those bikes more level and will provide better ground clearance. I have to use these adapters and without them my wife's bike would be at a severe angle and I would not be able to load my son's bike at all. I have linked a video showing how the adapter works.

expert reply by: Michael H