How Far do Arms of Curt and Swagman Towing Bike Racks Extend?

Published 04/27/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Clamp-On Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - 2" Ball Mounts

(78)

$132.91

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

(826)

$35.00

Brophy Ball Mount - 3" Rise, 4" Drop - 14-5/8" Long - Aluminum - 8,000 lbs

(147)

$96.72

Question:

According to Swagman, the Swagman Original 3 Bike Towing Rack S64600 measures 15" from where you attach it on the ball mount to the end of the arms. I also contacted Curt and they told me that the arms on the Curt Clamp-On 3 Bike Rack # C18013 measure 17" from end to end. Both of these bike racks would indeed work with Ball Mount # EA40 that you referenced. When using a hanging rack such as the Curt or Swagman, it's possible you'll need bike frame adapter bar # 64005 if your bikes are dual-suspension, have a step-through frame or you want to carry a small children's bike. The bar will give those bikes a horizontal mounting point so they can be carried by the rack. I've added a link to a video review of the adapter so you can see exactly how it works.

asked by: Walter H

Expert Reply:

The Curt bike rack you referenced is for use with a 2" ball mount and not for a hitch extender; additionally, the hitch extender would reduce the tongue weight capacity of your hitch by 50 percent. Do you not have the required 1-1/2" of space on your ball mount's shank to use the Curt bike rack? If you let me know the issue and what you are trying to do I may be able to help you find a solution.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Walter

4/27/2018

I have a short tongue on my trailer and want to have more space. I'm now looking at part #80232 instead. How far out do the arms on the bike rack extend? I want to make sure I will have sufficisn't clearance to my trailer with the above mentioned ball mount and the bike rack. Also what is the length of this rack Item # S64600, from the point where you attach it on the 2in ball mount to the end (most rear) of the arms carrying the bikes? And would both of these bike racks work on the following ball mount item #80232

Kyle S.

4/27/2018

According to Swagman, the Swagman Original 3 Bike Towing Rack S64600 measures 15" from where you attach it on the ball mount to the end of the arms. I also contacted Curt and they told me that the arms on the Curt Clamp-On 3 Bike Rack # C18013 measure 17" from end to end. Both of these bike racks would indeed work with Ball Mount # 80232 that you referenced. When using a hanging rack such as the Curt or Swagman, it's possible you'll need bike frame adapter bar # 64005 if your bikes are dual-suspension, have a step-through frame or you want to carry a small children's bike. The bar will give those bikes a horizontal mounting point so they can be carried by the rack. I've added a link to a video review of the adapter so you can see exactly how it works.