Comparing Swagman XTC-4 and Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Clearance for 2001 Honda Odyssey

Question:

I have a 2001 Honda Odyssey onto which I installed your hitch Draw-Tite #75270. I want to be able to fold up my tray style 4 bike rack when the bikes are not on it. But I am concerned that the Swagman will hit the bumper. I believe that with the hitch I have, there is 5inch from the center of hitch pin hole to the edge of bumper. And I think the distance from the center of the hold to the edge of the folder up Swagman is 3.5. Can you confirm that? If that is the case, is it possible to use a hitch extender? If so, will that increase the jostling of the rack or can I use an anti sway bolt on the extender as well? And which extender would you recommend? Also, for the Hollywood HR1400, do you know what the distance is from the center of hitch pin hole to the edge of the rack when folded up? I couldnt discern that distance from your site.

asked by: Benjamin T

Expert Reply:

The Swagman Hitch Bike Rack # S64665 measures 12-3/4 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest part of the bike rack when folded down. When we installed hitch # 75270, which you referenced, on a 2000 Honda Odyssey, we found that the distance from the center of the hitch pin hole on the trailer hitch to the rear-most point of the bumper was 6 inches. This would give you 5-3/4 inches of clearance between your rear bumper and the closest part of the bike rack. You likely will not be able to fold up the rack since there is only 3-1/2 inches distance.

With the Hollywood Rack # HR1400Z the distance from center of hitch pin hole to closest edge of wheel hoop is 12 inches so you have have 6 inches of clearance. Folded up the closest part of the bike rack will be 6 inches, which means there will be very little clearance between bike rack and bumper.

You could use a hitch extender like # C45791, with an anti-rattle receiver lock like # 63232, but please note that using a hitch extender will reduce your hitch's overall capacity by half. This means that your bike rack and bikes cannot exceed 1/2 of the hitch's tongue capacity.