Comparison Between Swagman Trailhead and Swagman Original Bike Racks  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Both racks are pretty similar in many respects, with similar weights and capacities. The Swagman Trailhead has a tilt away feature from the vehicle to allow access to the trunk or hatch of the vehicle once the bikes are removed. Both racks use hook and loop fasteners to secure the bikes to the rack. Each rack also comes with an anti-rattle arrangement to tightly hold the rack in the receiver, thus reducing movement of the rack.

The Swagman Trailhead # S63380 costs a little more, can be used on 1-1/4 inch or 2" hitches and uses two arms to suspend the bikes, while the Swagman Original #S64400 uses one arm, can be used on 2" hitches and is approved for motorhomes, fifth wheels, and travel trailers .

If you are interested in a bike rack for occasional use over short distances, either rack would work well for you, but the Translite would hold the bikes a bit more securely due to the distance between the arms. The hook and loop straps for securing the bikes and the lack of anti-sway cradles to prevent the bikes from swinging back and forth and striking each other or the vehicle would make either rack less desirable for frequent use or for longer trips in my opinion.

I would suggest going with the Swagman Trailhead, part # S63380 unless you are using it on a fifth wheel or a travel trailer. The Trailhead uses sturdy rubber straps to tightly secure the bikes to the rack, and includes anti-sway cradles. I think the 2 arms will add much more stability for your bikes and justifies the slight cost difference.

To carry women's bikes or bikes with sharply angled top tubes or step-through frames on either carrier, using a frame adapter like part # 64005 is recommended. The adapter spans the distance between the seat post and the handle bar gooseneck, and provides a level attachment point to the bike rack so the bike has greater ground clearance and is not carried at an angle.

I have linked you to some instruction links and product demonstration videos.

expert reply by: Mike L

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