What to do if Your New Bike Rack Doesn't Have Enough Clearance for Your Vehicle
Updated 01/13/2021 | Published 01/11/2021
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
The bike rack does not have enough clearance to be used on my Jeep.
asked by: Tony H
Expert Reply:
It looks like you ordered the Swagman XC 2-Bike Rack, part # S64650, and it's not clearing your Jeep well.
You can always look at exchanging bike racks, but I believe I have a better solution. You can use a hitch extender to give you the clearance that you need.
Normally, using a hitch extender is a worry because it will reduce your hitch's tongue weight capacity by 50%. However, in this case, the XC only weighs around 30 pounds and can only support 70 pounds for the bikes, making the most your hitch will have to carry 100 pounds. Most hitch's can handle this fine, even with their capacity reduced by 50%.
If you have a 1-1/4" receiver, I recommend the Curt Extender, part # D189. This will give you an additional 7".
If you have a 2" receiver, I recommend the Brophy Extender, part # HE06, which will also give you 7".
I've linked to video reviews of both of these for your consideration.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Swagman XC2 Bike Rack for 2 bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Hitch Bike Rack
- Platform Rack
- Folding Rack
- Frame Mount
- Locks Not Included
- 2 Bikes
- Class 2
- Class 3
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 1-1/4 and 2 Inch Hitch
- Swagman
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: hitch receiver cover
- Search Results: accessories and parts
- Search Results: extension
- Search Results: 1 1/4 hitch covers
- Video: Let’s Check Out the Trailer Hitch Extender for 1-1/4" Trailer Hitch Receivers
- Q&A: Distance from Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver to Rear of Bumper on 2022 Kia Seltos
- Shop: Roadmaster Quiet Hitch for 1-1/4" Trailer Hitches
- Shop: Curt Hitch Extender for 1-1/4" Trailer Hitch Receivers - 7" Long
- Shop: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for Hitch Accessories - 2" Hitches
- Shop: Curt Hitch Pin and Clip for 1-1/4" Hitches - 1/2" Diameter x 2" Span
- Shop: Trailer Hitch Extender for 1-1/4" Trailer Hitch Receivers - 7" Long
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Review C56040
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Feature Breakdown: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller
- Q&A: Installation Time for Blue Ox BX1128 Flat Tow Base Plate Kit for 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
on Hitch Bike Rack
