Trailer Hitch and Swinging Bike Rack for Great West Conversion Van on 2003 Dodge Ram Van Chassis

Updated 03/18/2016 | Published 03/16/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Curt RV Bumper 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver

(837)

$121.71

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

(231)

$699.95

Question:

I have a 2004 Great West Van with the tire mounted on one of the back doors. Is there a rack made to fit and still enable the doors to open?

asked by: Frances

Expert Reply:

To be able to use a bike rack and be able to open the rear spare and hatch doors (which look like they open towards the left side of the vehicle) I recommend installing a trailer hitch and using a swing away bike rack.

Your 2004 Great West was built on the 2003 Dodge Ram Van chassis so for a trailer hitch I recommend # 75140. This is a Class III hitch with a 2 inch receiver. For a bike rack that swings off towards the passengers side of the vehicle I recommend the Thule Apex, # TH9027XT, which will allow you to swing the bike rack over, with or without bikes loaded, so you can open the rear doors. I have linked a video showing how it works.

expert reply by: Michael H