Bike Rack Recommendation for Front of A-Frame Trailer and Trailer Hitch

Updated 08/26/2020 | Published 08/25/2020

Question:

I am new to towing, a retired lady, so Im learning. I now have a 2020 Expedition Aliner with 2 hard dormers 3500 lb capacity delvd weight 2289 lb dry hitch weight 240 lb and tow with a 2020 Toyota 4Runner 5000 lb tow capacity. 2- 20 propane plus marine battery are on the A frame. Another expert on your site stated the CC-275 weight is 47 lb. The 2 bikes are 35lb each so total 70 lb. I like the platform bike racks, but I have not bought a bike rack yet. Important that the bike rack can be removed and attached to the 4Runners hitch so we can go biking locations other than the immediate campsite, so did not like the Lippert Jack-it solution Bumper and rear tire are not an option as bumper is not 4X4. Looked at the ball mount S64664 but thought I might not be as secure when towing as it needed an extra long ball mount. The Swagman Straddler at 32 lb does not seem to fit close to the Aliner. Ive read alot but have no conclusion. Could you discuss my options to safely carry 2 bikes, but the bike rack can be removed and used on the 4Runner while camping? Thank you for your help!

asked by: Travel N

Expert Reply:

What's great about the Lippert Jack-It part # LC429756 is that you can actually adapt it to fit a hitch instead with the part # LC723359 so that it would cover both of your needs easily and reasonably. I think this is your best option overall as it doesn't require additional adapters and a more expensive bike rack as well.

If you check out the review video I attached for the Bump It you can see how easily it converts to being a hitch rack as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C