Will the Surco 2 Bike Carrier for Vans and RVs Work While Flat-Towing

Updated 12/02/2019 | Published 11/30/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Surco 2 Bike Carrier for Vans and RVs - Ladder Mount

(157)

$135.40

Blue Ox Hitch Extender for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 12" Extension

(103)

$144.17

Blue Ox Hitch Extender for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 6-3/4" or 8-3/4" Extension

(91)

$123.37

Question:

Motor home is a 2000 Monaco Dynasty 40’ Tow vehicle is a 2004 Jeep Liberty 4WD Auto Trans. Towing bar is Blue Ox. 4 wheels on road Question is: clearance to Jeep when turning corners to the right ladder on right side of MH with two bikes mounted on the rack. Jeep Liberty has spare tire on back swing left to right door. A platform hitch probably won’t clear spare tire with bikes mounted on it. That would be my preference though. My bikes are: mountain bike w/ 18” frame Ladies hybrid w/ 14” frame Thanks for your reply in advance. PS. Just replaced entry step motor and controller upgrade on MH from eTrailer .Works great.

asked by: James G

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Surco 2 Bike Carrier for Vans and RVs part # SP501BR as you mentioned could potentially create turning clearance issues with a toad vehicle. However, you can use the Blue Ox Hitch Extender part # BX88265 or part # BX88264 in order to extend the connection point therefore allow for room to make turns with the toad attached. In order to see which or if the above would provide enough clearance you simply need to make a sharp turn and measure the available space. That said, the Blue Ox Hitch Extender part # BX88264 would most likely provide enough for sharp turns.

If you want to use a platform bike rack on the back of the toad, the Saris Freedom 2 Bike Platform Rack part # SA4412B has been tested and will work with vehicles that have rear spare tires as the distance from the hitch pin hole to the wheel tray is 12".

expert reply by: Conner L