Can The Shank On The Benton LittleShift Bike Rack Be Flipped To The Drop Position?

Updated 06/02/2025 | Published 05/29/2025

Question:

Can this rack be flipped over so that the bend in the tube that goes into the receiver bends downwards instead of up? Im using this in the front of my truck and would like more visability. Driving a 2018 Ram 2500 with a Torklift 2inch Receiver attached to front.

asked by: JP S

Expert Reply:

Hello JP, good question. First time I've heard this one. Looking at the Benton LittleShift Bike Rack # B54VR it does not appear there would be a way to flip the shank into the drop position.

Take a look at the picture I included below. The top side of the shank has weld nuts used for installing the rest of the platform. If you were to flip the shank, the weld nuts would be facing down, making it impossible to assemble the rack. It will have to be used in the intended rise position.

It was designed with rear hitches in mind, and the rise in the shank is to help with ground clearance. This rack can absolutely be used in a front hitch, but there is really no workaround for the limited visibility.

What kind of bike do you have? Just curious.

Hit the reply button below and let me know if there is anything else I can do to help.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Benton LittleShift Bike Rack Example
(click to enlarge)

5/30/2025

I’ve got the Aventon aventure 2; the handlebars and the part they go into are a bit on the high side. I mount the bike with it facing the curbside and remove the seat, so I have 90% visability, so should work. I cannot use as rear holder most of the time as I tow a trailer.

Jesse M.

6/2/2025

@Jp Yes the Aventon aventure 2 will fit nicely on the Benton rack and should work fine with your front hitch setup. It is a super solid bike rack - it even doubles as a hitch mounted step.