How to Determine Clearance Needed for Swagman Hitch Bike Rack S64152-2
Updated 06/13/2019 | Published 06/12/2019
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Question:
I have an old version of this rack that Ive been pretty happy with for more than 10 years. But now I have a new 2018 Jeep Compass Trailhawk and the hitch has a 2inch receiver. I have an adapter for the old hitch, which was 1 1/4. Between the two, I have plenty of clearance to open the back hatch door, even without folding down the rack, as the adapter works as an extender too. But each connection has a fair amount of wobble. Wondering if I could just get a new rack that is meant for the 2inch receiver and eliminate one connection. Do you know if this will have enough length to clear the back door, since it doesnt fold down? The hitch is after-market, if that helps. Also, my old rack is pretty heavy, and I see in the reviews that this one is, too, but I dont see the exact weight in the specs. And how hard is it for a not-so-handy-woman to assemble? Thanks.
asked by: Colleen
Helpful Expert Reply:
It sounds like you have been using the 2-inch Swagman Original bike rack # S64152-2 with a 1-1/4-inch to 2-inch hitch extender/adapter like # HTAD or # HT5R. Both of these adapters allow 2-inch accessories to be used in a 1-1/4-inch hitch.
While these items do both adapt size and provide extension (and the # HT5R also adds rise for more ground clearance) all such adapters will add potential for more motion of the loaded accessory, just as you noted. The other downside to adapters like these is that they also reduce your hitch's rated capacity by 50% because they move the actual load further away from the hitch which increases leverage/stress on the hitch. You will definitely be better off using a rack that directly fits the hitch on your 2018 Jeep Compass.
As it happens, for this vehicle we have both 1-1/4-inch Class II hitches like # 36598 and # C12174 and also 2-inch Class III hitches like # 76144 and # C13363. All appear on the linked page.
The minimum clearance needed for a hitch rack to clear the back of the Compass can be determined easily with one simple measurement. Measure from the center of the hitch pin hole to the rearmost part of the car. You can refer to the linked video for 2-inch hitch # C13363 that shows at the 2-minute mark the installed position of the hitch. From the hitch pin hole to the rear edge of the car's bumper the distance is 4-inches. The Swagman # S64152-2 provides 14-inches clearance from the hitch pin hole to the rack's upright bar so it will fit with room to spare. This rack weighs 25-lbs and its assembly is simple (I own one!).
As long as you choose a rack with at least 1-inch more clearance than what is required to clear the bumper you'll have no interference with the rack. You can also refer to the linked article that illustrates how to take this clearance measurement.
If you'd like a recommendation for a new rack please confirm your hitch opening size and some details about how many bikes you have and their types and I'll be happy to offer suitable options.
