Can Hanging Bike Rack Be Tilted With Bikes Loaded?
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Question:
Can this model or most top hanging type racks be tilted when the bikes are still loaded to open the trunk or hatch of a minivan? I never see this demonstrated in videos or pictures with bikes loaded.
asked by: Ray
Expert Reply:
The Thule Camber # TH9058 and other similar style hanging racks are not designed to be tilted with bikes loaded. There is an alternative in the Softride Hang2 2-Bike Rack # SR27041 which is designed for tilting away with bikes loaded. It actually has a mechanism that allows you to glide the bikes out and away from the vehicle, so there's very little effort involved. I've attached a video to assist.
You can also tilt the more economical Curt # C18085, with the bikes loaded, however, it will be more of a challenge to do so because the pin that needs to come out to tilt the rack is at the bottom of the center mast and not all that easy to get to if the rack is loaded. Also it can be difficult to raise or lower the rack when loaded due to the weight of the bikes.
The alternative option is to use a swing away rack like # TH9027XT for complete cargo access or a tilting platform rack like # TH69TX to keep bikes loaded. All of our swing away racks are for 4 or 5 bikes.

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