Compatibility of Bike Bag for Front Mounted Bike Rack on 2003 Chevy Silverado

Updated 12/10/2018 | Published 12/08/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Swagman Bike Cover for RVs - Large - 2 Bikes

(135)

$179.99

Derale Snap-In Radiator Adapter Fitting for GM

(274)

$16.69

Derale Electra-Cool Combo Engine and Transmission Cooler Assembly w/ Fan, -8 AN Inlets - 4 Pass

(1)

$279.95

Question:

I would like to protect our bikes mounted using a front receiver. Would this stand up to the 70 mile an hour wind encountered at the front of a 2003 Chevy Silverado truck? Would it block the air flow to the radiator causing the truck to overheat?

asked by: Lyle

Expert Reply:

The Swagman 2 Bike Bag for RV's # S24FR will work to protect your bikes, but it is only to be used on the back of an RV. It will not hold up to the wind in the front without the RV protecting it.

Even though you can't use the bag, when you use anything on a front hitch that blocks the truck, you will want to consider the air flow as you stated. You most likely wouldn't have an issue with overheating if you are using in the colder months and you have constant air movement. The issue would be to use that rack in warm to hot climates where there is a traffic backup so your air flow is stagnant because further blocking your radiator could cause an issue.

To mitigate that issue you can use the Derale Electra-Cool Combo Engine and Transmission Cooler Assembly w/ Fan, -8 AN Inlets - 4 Pass # D15220 along with the Derale Remote Engine Oil Cooler Installation Kit w/Thermostat Fan Control # D15752 and the Derale Snap-In Radiator Adapter Fitting for GM # D13035. This will allow the remote cooler with fan to continue to cool your engine fluids to protect your vehicle so using the bike bag won't be an issue.

expert reply by: Jason S