What Can I Use to Get Enough Clearance to Open the Tailgate with My Bike Rack Attached?
Updated 07/25/2026 | Published 07/20/2026
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Question:
I bought a hitch receiver bike mount to use with my 2019 F150. It is the Kuat NV 2.0 base. It does not sit low enough to open the tailgate fully and I need a solution. I ordered a Kuat hi-lo pro from the place that sold me the rack. I don’t think this is the right choice, I do not need any extension, so 10” is going to be more than I want. I’m struggling to find a hitch receiver with a few inches of and minimal extension. There are just so many products available on your website. The best I found was a 4” extension but it is a preorder product from velocirax, I’m not sure that is a brand you carry either.
asked by: CHRISTOPHER C
Expert Reply:
Hi Christopher,
The adapters that we have to give you enough drop also come with a decent extension. I'd also be concerned about decreasing the ground clearance between the bike rack and the ground with more drop. If you're not wanting more extension like the 10" that comes with the Kuat Hi-Lo Pro part # KU37FR, your best option would be to use a swing away adapter. The Kuat Pivot V3 Swing Away Adapter for Bike Racks part # KU38CR will allow you to swing the entire bike rack away from the tailgate to the passenger's side so you can completely open the tailgate without any clearance issues. It has two pivot positions, 90 degrees and 120 degrees, and is rated for 250lbs up to 28" from the accessory's hitch-pin hole to the furthest point and 150lbs at 28"-40" from the accessory's hitch-pin hole to the furthest point. I've attached a photo that shows the rack in use at its full swung away position and a video showing the rack being used for you to check out. If you prefer the rack to swing to the driver's side, Kuat also has the # KU98CR that has the same features.
What kind of bikes do you carry with your Kuat NV 2.0 Base?
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Kuat Pivot v3 Swing Away Hitch Extender for Bike Racks - 2" Hitches - Passenger Side
- Hitch Adapters
- Swing-Away Hitch Adapter
- Bike Racks
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 250 lbs
- Kuat
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