Reversing the Cradles on the Swagman Current for More Clearance
Updated 08/28/2020 | Published 08/27/2020
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Just got my swagman current today. I am so excited to try it on. I am really satisfied with how it looks like when installed on my hitch. Just had a minor problem with the clearance from the bumper when in a folded position. So i tried to reverse the installation of the cradle. Is it ok if i put it that way? Is there a cons if i use it that way? Thanks
asked by: James N
Expert Reply:
Interesting solution you thought of there to get extra clearance. There should be no issue with the Swagman Current # S64678 when it is folded up, but when it is down and bikes are mounted, that's a different story. The reasons the wheel cradles are installed in the outward position is to minimize bike rocking and to increase the different wheel bases (length of bikes) it can carry.
If both cradles are facing each other, the wheels have more space to rock back and forth against the cradles like they're inside a boat. The frame mount does most of the work and the straps help keep them in, but there is more stress on the straps and possibly the spokes when you make quick and tight turns. In the outward position, when the bike wanted to slide left, the right cradle stopped them and vice versa.
Another con is that you have less length for bikes within the bike rack. I attached a picture showing how our fat bike's wheels extend past the rack because of the outward facing cradles.
All in all, while reversing the cradles is a quick fix, it has its cons especially in the long run due to the possible wear it can have on your bike. Another option is a hitch extender, but our shortest one is CR Brophy Hitch Extender for 1-1/4" Hitch # hes6 and extends 5 3/4".
Hope that helps!
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Swagman Current Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Frame Mount
- Bike and Hitch Lock
- 2 Bikes
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Electric Bikes
- Fat Tire Bikes
- Heavy Bikes
- Swagman
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Shop: Swagman Current Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: swagman current
- Video: Review of the Swagman Current Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes
- Q&A: Can Swagman Current Carry E-Bike with Step Thru Frame
- Shop: Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar - Large - 25-1/2" - 35" - 35 lbs
- Shop: Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Article: Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes
- Q&A: Recommended Swagman Bike Rack for E-Bikes with Easy Bike Loading
- Video: Does the Swagman Current Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes Suit Your 2014 Volkswagen Passat
- Search Results: curt hitch riser
- Search Results: hitch riser
- Search Results: swagman
- Search Results: hollywood
- Q&A: Why a Wheel Mounted Platform Bike Rack is Preferred to a Frame Mount
- Q&A: Recommended 2-Bike Carrier for a 2016 Hyundai Tucson with a 1-1/4 Trailer Hitch Receiver
- Q&A: Comparing Weight and Functions of Hollywood Racks Trail Rider and Swagman XC Bike Rack
- Q&A: Comparing the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE 2 and Swagman Chinook
- Q&A: Can Curt High Low Adapter be Used with Bike Rack
- Video: Swagman E-Spec VS Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Racks Comparison
- Video: All You Need to Know About the Curt High-Low Adapter for Tow Bars
- Video: Feature Review Hollywood Racks Trail Rider Bike Rack for 2 Bikes
- Video: A Closer Look at the Curt High-Low Adapter for Tow Bars
- Video: How to Choose the Right High-Low Adapter
- Shop: Curt 2 Bike Platform Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount - Tilting
- Shop: Thule Apex XT Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Shop: Curt High-Low Adapter for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 4" Rise/Drop - 8" Long
- Shop: Swagman XTC2 TILT Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Search Results: swagman hitch bike racks
- Search Results: 1 1 4 inch hitch extension
on Hitch Bike Racks
