Are There Bike Racks That Tilt to the Side or Have Folding Center Mast

Updated 07/24/2020 | Published 05/27/2020

Question:

Do you have a bike rack model that tilts to the side, instead of back? I have installed a couple of your hitches and one of the racks. - - very happy. The problem I have is that my Subaru Crosstrek 2019 detects the rack as an obstacle and engages the brakes when I attempt to reverse the vehicle. I would like to get it out of view of the camera as well, without having to remove it.

asked by: Roberto R

Expert Reply:

I'm certainly glad to hear you've been happy so far, and while there isn't anything that tilts to the side, there is a rack that may remedy the situation, depending on where the camera and sensors are.

The closest thing to a bike rack that tilts to the side is a swing-away rack, the RockyMounts BackStage 2-Bike Rack # RKY10002.

This rack moves all the way to the side, as you can see in the accompanying photo, which may eliminate your Subaru from detecting it as an obstacle. This would probably only be practical in reverse if you were going out of your driveway though. There is another potential option if you just needed a bike rack with a folding mast or wheel holders.

The BackStage has wheel holders that fold down to make it flat, but for a less expensive option that has a folding center mast and is very high in quality (but does not swing away) there is the (now discontinued) Thule Doubletrack 2-Bike Rack TH990XT.

As you can see in the other photo, this rack's fold-down center mast will allow it to clear the view of a camera as well. I have added a link below to a video review for you to check out as well of the RockyMounts BackStage # RKY10002.

expert reply by: Kyle S

click to enlarge

Steve

7/19/2020

i have a "nu camp cirrus 920" truck camper sits on the back of my chevy Silverado i have a 34" Reese extension hitch which i tow a boat with,which swing away 2 bike rack would work? I have a titan storage support leg mounted to the side of camper so i need about 48 inches from center of receiver hitch to clear side of camper.

Chris R.

7/24/2020

The RockyMounts BackStage # RKY10002 mentioned above actually has the largest extension when swung out to the side. From the center of the hitch pin hole to the closet part of the rack when it's swung out there's a distance of 45-5/8". It's obviously not quite enough to clear the support leg you mentioned but it's the best option we have available.