Is there a Shorter Shank to Move Bike Rack Closer to Trailer when Using the Jack-It

Question:

My camper has a short tongue. Do you have the part number for the ZERO setback coupler? This puts the V portion directly over the frame. I have seen pics, but can’t find the part number

asked by: Bryan M

Expert Reply:

I checked with Lippert, manufacturer of the Jack-It # LC429756 and they do not list an alternate shank. The only thing I can think of is that people are modifying it to fit their needs. You could instead use the Bike Bunk, # CC-275, with the Swagman Trailhead, # S63381. This will allow you to place the Bike Bunk on the A-frame at a spacing as narrow as 12 inches and as much as 52 inches (and basically anything in between).

expert reply by: Michael H

Kevin R.

7/29/2020

I bought the Jack-It 2 bike rack for a 32' tow behind travel trailer that I used to own and installed it on the tongue but never had the chance to use it before I traded in the trailer for a 38' tow behind travel trailer. I removed the Jack-It and transferred it to my new camper and used it for the first time last weekend. With the wings toward the front of the trailer the bottom posts were nearly touching the front of the camper and there was no way to put bikes on the rack without them damaging the camper. I turned the wings around so that they faced towards my tow vehicle (a pickup truck with a cap on the back) and the bikes fit but the wheels hit the door of my cap when the truck and trailer were too far out of alignment in one direction or the other. I don't understand the reasoning for the 11" offset and why the wings can't be more in line, vertically, over the bottom of the unit. I read through the Q&A for this product and someone else mentioned the same issue. Jack-It should offer those middle link pieces in different offset lengths to accommodate different trailers. As it stands I will probably end up cutting the middle link, shortening it then welding it back together. On another note, it is much easier to load the bikes on the rack before you hitch up your trailer and tow vehicle.

Jon G.

8/7/2020

That offset is in place so that you have more room between the tow vehicle and trailer during tight turns. Typically the offset will place the bikes above the propane tanks which you can see in pretty much every photo of this product installed. With that being said, this is a general fit and so there are instances, like yours, in which it simply won't work. That's the one downside to there being multiple different trailer designs on the market; one thing that works for one application might not work for another application.

Kevin R.

8/7/2020

@JonG Since there are indeed multiple trailer designs, why not offer multiple (or at least a few) different offset options? Seems like a simple solution. I would rather buy a new factory piece in a shorter offset than have to cut and weld a "one size fits most" piece. Thanks.