Swing Out Trailer Hitch Mount Bike Rack for a Roadtrek RV with Continental Spare Tire Kit

Updated 11/04/2013 | Published 11/01/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Thule Apex Swing XT Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Swing Away

(218)

$699.95

Thule Bike Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes

(350)

$51.45

Question:

We have a Roadtrek Chev 3500 series express van with continental tire. Which would be the best swing away bike rack?

asked by: Don C

Expert Reply:

Any trailer hitch mounted accessory you use has to come out further than the spare tire on the back of the Express van so you will need to take a measurement. Measure from the center of the hitch pin hole on your van straight back to the distance required to clear the spare tire. I have included a link to an FAQ article that will help.

The swinging Apex, # TH9027XT, measures 15 inches from the hitch pin hole to the back of the up right bar. And it measures 7 inches to the foot of the rack. This rack offers the most clearance of the swinging bike racks. If your pin hole to back of spare measurement is less than 10 inches then it will fit. I have included a link to a video review of the rack for you.

All swinging bike racks fit in 2 inch trailer hitch receivers. Make sure your hitch and vehicle are rated high enough for the combined weight of the bike rack and bikes.

If you will be carrying any bikes that do not have a top frame bar that goes straight across (like a typical mens bike would) then I recommend using bike adapter bar # TH982XT. This will allow you to carry those bikes more level and will provide better ground clearance. I have to use these adapters and without them my wifes bike would be at a severe angle and I would not be able to load my sons bike at all. I have linked a video showing how the adapter works.

expert reply by: Michael H