Recommended Front Mount Hitch 2 Bike Carrier for 2011 Ford F-350

Question:

I have a 2011 Ford F-350 pickup which I use with a slide in camper. I can not install a bike rack on the camper. I have installed a receiver that I purchased from etrailer on the front of my pickup. I need to know what carrier is recommended that mounts the bikes on the front of the truck as low as possible for visibility and stable. I am not looking for a cheap carrier but would prefer not to spend a fortune. My bikes are both dual track and my wifes has a lower bar used to be called womans bike style. I drive to Florida in March each year, as well as other short trips during the summer which I would like to use the bike carrier.

asked by: Paul H

Expert Reply:

What I recommend using is the Swagman Chinook 2 Bike Platform Rack # S64683. It comes with an anti-rattle rack lock and bike locks so that you can secure your bike rack with less rattle to your hitch, and your bikes to the bike rack to help deter theft. The Chinook also has a folding feature which will allow you to gain more clearance at the front of your Ford when you don't have the bikes loaded up. Since it has the hooks that drop down to secure your bikes, it will secure almost any style bike frame. A platform style rack like this one will keep the bikes at the same height above the ground, but may allow the bikes to sit higher in your field of view.

One last thing to keep in mind is that the bikes will be blocking some of the airflow to your engine, you will want to make sure that enough airflow is getting through to make sure that your engine doesn't overheat.

I have attached a demonstration video for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jon G