Are There Swing-Away Hitch Adapters For Bike Racks That Swing To The Driver's Side

Updated 08/03/2024 | Published 07/24/2024

Question:

Does this Bike Rack have the option to swing out to the left? I have a 2007 Lexus GX where the tailgate swings out to the right and I am searching for a one to two bike carrier that swings out to the left. RockyMounts BackStage Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2 Hitches - Wheel Mount Part Number: RKY10002

asked by: Kamal M

Expert Reply:

Hey Kamal,

All of the swing-away hitch adapters we currently offer swing to passenger's side aside from the Kuat Pivot 2 Swing Away Hitch Extender for Bike Racks # PVD20B. Since this is an adapter the capacity of the trailer hitch on your Lexus would be reduced by 50% when in use due to the extra leverage it places on the hitch.

What kind of bikes do you have? How much do they weigh, do they have fenders, are they step-thru frames, is there a price range you'd prefer to stay around, are there any specific preferences you have? Once I know more I can look for the right bike rack to fit your needs.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Kamal

7/26/2024

I have one bike, it is a gravel bike, under 30 lbs. No fenders. Not a step through. I just double checked, a bike rack that swings out to the passenger's side will work too, must swing out b/c my Lexus GX has a swing out tailgate. A compact rack that does not stick so far away from the vehicle is my preference. A rack that holds the wheels in place from rotating during movement. A sturdy, strong rack. It is cold in Montana, a rack whose plastics will hold up to the temperatures. Price preference is around the $1,000.

Kevin C.

7/29/2024

@Kamal Based on that I have to recommend the RockyMounts AfterParty Swing Away Bike Rack # RKY37ZR. This bike rack is made of aluminum and steel so you won't have to worry about the weather making any plastics brittle over time. RockyMounts makes their swing-away attachment with two pivot points so the rack can get further out of the way compared to other brands. This rack has a 60lb per bike capacity, can fit tires up to 3" wide, and secures the bike with two hinged arms that grip the tires and prevent any movement. It includes a threaded, locking anti-rattle hitch pin to prevent any movement of the rack in the trailer hitch which doubles as a theft deterrent. When laid down to haul the bikes it will stick out approximately 34" from the center of the hitch pin hole to furthest part of the rack.

Helpful Links

tv-review-rockymounts-afterparty-swing-away-2-bike-rack-rky37zr.aspx

Kamal M.

8/1/2024

@KevinC Thank you for the information. Do you know of a light kit that I may add to this carrier?

Kevin C.

8/3/2024

@KamalM Since the arms that hold the wheels fold up along side the trays there really isn't a good light kit to fit this bike rack. You could use a set of tow lights # TL21RK with a magnetic base and attach them to the roof for better visibility.