Recommended Hitch Mounted Hanging Bike Rack for Kids and Adult Bikes

Question:

I ordered the Reese rack. For the biggest of the three bikes I can barely get the bike on the rack by going between the two tubes. (The chain can’t quite get past so I have to put it on the outer of the four cradles). The other two bikes space between the two tubes is way too small. Would I be safe to put the bikes on the cradles using the bottom tube? I know they’ll be at a significant angle, but that’s not too big of a deal. I just want to make sure they’d stay up there securely!

asked by: Tricia R

Expert Reply:

The Swagman Original - 4 Bike Rack for 2" Trailer Hitches # S64400 will allow you to put your bike and 3 kids bikes on it. The bikes at a slight angle as you referenced, but with kids bikes it isn't as big a deal for ground clearances and level transport. If as they grow you want to level the bikes for safer transport, I recommend using the Swagman Deluxe Bike Frame Adapter Bar for Women's, Children's, and Alternative Frame Bikes # 64005. This creates a top frame rail between the seat post and the handlebars.

Finally, I recommend using a cable lock like # e98891 which can be run through the safety chain loop on your hitch and around your rack and bikes to secure them to your vehicle and deter theft.

For a nicer rack that will help stabilize the bikes so they don't make contact with your vehicle or each other, I recommend the Swagman Trailhead 4 Bike Rack for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting # S63380. These arms are only 11-1/2 inches apart so they will work well for smaller bikes as well as adult bikes. I recommend the hitch lock and cable # S64031 for an anti-rattle and lock option to secure your bikes.

expert reply by: Jason S

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Tricia

1/2/2019

Jason S.

1/2/2019

It is not safe with that Swagman Original to mount the bikes to the rack using the bottom tube. You will instead want to use a bike adapter bar like # HRBA-PRO or # Y02531 which are shorter than the # 64005 I gave previously for smaller bikes. This will connect between the seat post and the handlebars to create a top frame rail tube that will allow you to safely transport the bikes. They are designed for this purpose. I've attached a video to assist. Then you will simply use a cable lock like # e98891 to secure the bikes to the rack and deter theft.