Recommended Bike Rack That Can Swing Away From Vehicle To Allow For Trunk Access

Question:

We camp out of our 2014 Honda Odyssey and need the bike rack to be able to swing away and not just tilt down. Any recommendations? Thanks!

asked by: Sonja P

Helpful Expert Reply:

The available swing-away hitch extenders, which would typically allow a bike rack to swing to the side for trunk access, will not work with the Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches # TH903202 since this bike rack requires an adapter to convert from 1-1/4" to 2" shank. These adapters also require a 2" receiver but even if you have one, the adapter would reduce the overall hitch capacity by 50% which would likely not work for the Thule EasyFold which weighs 45lbs and has a 60lb per bike weight capacity; you would also need to figure in the weight of the adapter which is 35lbs.

I think your best option is to install a 2" receiver such as etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Class III - 2" # e98862 if you do not already have one installed on your 2014 Honda Odyssey. Then you could install the RockyMounts BackStage Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches # RKY10002 which is a really nice bike rack that has the ability to swing away from the vehicle to allow access to the trunk. Check out the demonstration videos I attached for more insight.

expert reply by: Andrew N