Bike Rack Compatibility with Motorhome While Flat Towing a 2015 Kia Soul

Published 05/10/2019

Products Featured in This Question

EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(89)

$375.64

Replacement Shank for Gen-Y Adjustable Ball Mount - 2" Hitch - 10" Drop/Rise - 10K

(14)

$259.95

Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter, 2" or 10" Drop/Rise

(931)

$233.15

Question:

Can I use RM-077-10 instead of 325-GH-305? The RM-077-10 will give me the 2 inch I need to keep my Roadmaster tow bar level and raise the bike rack an additional 10. This should give me adequate clearance between bike rack and tow car when making turns. FYI, when hitched to my motor home, the distance between the receiver on the motor home and the front bumper on the tow car is approx. 52 inches.

asked by: Frank

Expert Reply:

The Swagman Dispatch 2 Bike Platform Rack - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount # S44FR will be about 33 inches from the hitch pin hole to the farthest point of the rack. You will need to measure your tow bar to see how much actual clearance that will give you for turning clearance. This rack does have a shank rise of 6-1/4 inches, so that will possibly help with hood clearance as well.

I recommend using a shank like the Replacement Shank for Gen-Y Adjustable Ball Mount - 2" Hitch - 10" Drop/Rise - 10K # 325-GH-305 which will allow you to use your tow bar at the correct height and then also use the bike carrier at a different height.

Another option is to use the bike rack on the back of your 2015 Kia Soul with trailer hitch # 306-X7326. This would also allow you to take your bikes on trips without your motorhome while still having a bike rack strong enough for compatibility with being towed.

expert reply by: Jason S

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Frank

5/10/2019

Jason S.

5/10/2019

The Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter, 10" Drop/Rise # RM-077-10 can be used instead of the Gen-Y # 325-GH-305 for your application. This adapter has a tongue weight rating of 400 lbs so it will be able to be used for flat towing and a bike rack like the Swagman Dispatch # S44FR we discussed. The rack even with bikes loaded will be well under the tongue weight capacity of the adapter and your trailer hitch. Just a note that your trailer hitch tongue weight is probably less than the adapter is rated for normally at around 350 lbs. I've added a video that helps with the overall length of the bike rack being about 34 inches from the hitch pin hole.