Can the Yakima HangTight Bike Rack Be Tilted with Bikes Loaded or Be Used with a Swing Away Arm

Updated 05/29/2023 | Published 05/25/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima HangTight Vertical Bike Rack for 6 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Tilting

(5)

$1098.95

Yakima EXO SwingBase Swing Away Hitch Extender - 2" Hitches

(18)

$698.95

Question:

Can the hangtight be tilted down slowly, carefully with a bike or 2 loaded? If still no, why not? Why does the hangtight not work with the Yakima SwingAway attachment? Will the hangtight work with another brand swing away arm?

asked by: TJ

Expert Reply:

The Yakima HangTight Bike Rack for 6 Bikes # Y39GR is only meant to be tilted with no bikes loaded. That is how the rack was designed and tested. Could you potentially tilt it with only a couple loaded, yes. But that is not recommended and will void any warranty claim should something happen. There is also a chance the rack will not tilt fully before the wheels on the bikes come into contact with the ground.

The HangTight does not work with the Yakima EXO SwingBase Swing Away # Y34VR or other swing away arms because of the weight and distribution of that weight. With the HangTight going more vertical, it adds more downward force and when extended away from the vehicle it cannot be properly supported. Most swing away arms also cut your hitch tongue weight capacity by 50%.

expert reply by: Scott S