Ground Clearance Troubleshooting on Front Mount with Swagman XC2 Bike Rack

Updated 06/09/2015 | Published 06/08/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Replacement 1-1/4" and 2" Shank for Swagman XC Series Bike Carriers

(29)

$30.23

Curt Multipurpose Ball Mount with 2" Receiver for Bike Racks and Cargo Carriers - 7,500 lbs

(232)

$70.92

Swagman XC2 Bike Rack for 2 bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(1953)

$181.62

Question:

The top edge of the opening on my front receiver is 8-5/8inch from the ground. The Swagman XC2 has only about 6inch of ground clearance at the farthest point from the truck due to the stock shank being straight ... no upward curve. Three questions: 1 is this 6inch what you would consider an adequate clearance and 2 If not, is this shank Code P306 a viable solution? and 3 If not, should I seek out a high/low hitch adapter? Thanks for any help!

asked by: Walter B

Expert Reply:

6 inches of ground clearance would be enough clearance if you were only planning on traveling on very smooth roads without hills or steep driveways. If your current rack # S64650 has the straight shank on it the # P306 would give it an additional 3 inches of rise so you would be up to 9 inches of clearance.

The # D210 would give you an additional 6 inches of rise, but would also push the rack out an additional 7-1/2 inches. You will need to consider the roads you plan to travel on to determine what would be enough ground clearance. Normal circumstances 6 inches of clearance is pretty low.

expert reply by: Jameson C