Bike Rack for Towing for GMC Yukon

Question:

I am looking for a 4 bike rack to use with my class IV hitch for Yukon XL. I would like the option of using it with hauling the trailer and without. Also would prefer using the hitch I have rather than getting a dual hitch if at all possible, possibly need some other attachment? I appreciate your advice.

asked by: Mark S

Expert Reply:

We have a few options to accomplish what you are wanting to do. You could go with a towing bike rack that features an integrated slot for a ball mount, like the Swagman Original towing rack, part # S64675. The only possible drawback to using a towing bike rack is the fact that when towing with it, the tongue weight capacity of the rack is pretty low, 350 lbs. This includes the rack, the weight of the bikes on it, and the trailer tongue weight. If you have a very small trailer with a low tongue weight, this will not present a problem.

If your trailer has a higher tongue weight, you would be better off using a Multi-Purpose Ball Mount, like the Curt part # D210. You could use the bike rack of your choice in the receiver, and tow with the integrated ball mount. The multi-purpose ball mount has a 750 lb tongue weight capacity, which means that the tongue weight of the trailer, the bike rack and the bikes mounted on it can weigh no more than 750 lbs and the bikes and bike rack can weigh no more than 350 lbs in the upper receiver. The Swagman Trailhead that you looked at, part # S63380 would be a great choice.

For womens bikes or bikes with sharply angled top tubes or step-through frames, 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 is not carried at an angle.

expert reply by: Mike L