What is the Weight Limit for the Kuat Pivot 2 Swing Away Hitch Extender for Bike Racks when Closed?

Updated 08/05/2025 | Published 07/31/2025

Question:

I have a 98 pound vertical bike rack, will this hitch extender work while closed, if I have 6 bikes on the rack and the total rack plus bike weight exceeds 250 pounds? I understand the weight rating is likely for when this extender is open, not closed, but that isnt disclosed by the manufacturer. Thanks!

asked by: Zach

Expert Reply:

Hello Zach,

The weight rating for the Kuat Pivot 2 Swing Away Hitch Extender for Bike Racks - 2" Hitches - Passenger's Side # PVP20B is 250 pounds whether it is opened or closed. The swing away is to only be used to get into the back for your vehicle, you can only drive while it is closed.

Since your vertical bike racks weighs 98 pounds, that would give you 152 pounds for the weight of your bikes.

How many bikes are you hauling on such a heavy duty bike rack? What brand bike rack do you have?

expert reply by: Kate F

Zach

8/4/2025

Thanks Kate, I'm using a Velocirax 6 max bike rack. This company out of UT makes really good racks, it's kind of wierd that no independent manufacturer makes a swing out extender that will support the weight of a 100lb rack + the rack's bike limit rating of 300lb's +/-. Seems like the Swagman is the closest that etrailer stocks, but even then the load limit would be around 200lbs. Cheers- Zach.

Kate F.

8/4/2025

@Zach Thanks for sharing the information on that rack, it is really cool! I already forwarded to see if we can maybe get it added to our site. The shock for slow steady release, the garage mode, and camp mode are super awesome! We do have a Swagman that is rated for 300 pounds, the Swagman Swivel Hitch Extender - 2" Hitches - Dual Side - Swing-Away Hitch Adapter # S86SR. Wasn't sure if you saw that one or not.

Helpful Links

tv-first-look-swagman-swivel-hitch-extender-s86sr.aspx

Zach

8/4/2025

@KateF They are probably one of the best racks around for sure, very easy to load/unload and they have minimal play in the linkage. You can give me credit if they want to be added to etrailer.com (LOL)! Yes, that's the swagman extender that referenced, it's just that the 300lb limit basically limits the weight I can carry on the Velocirax rack to 200lb's even though the rack is rated for 300lbs. Hopefully some company comes up with a higher rating, that's gonna be great for the vertical bike rack users out there, cheers! Zach.

Kate F.

8/5/2025

@Zach If I am able to get it on the site, I will make sure you get the credit Zach. Yes, hopefully one of the companies can come up with a higher rated swing-away sometime in the near future.