Recommended Bike Rack Compatible With Lowered Tailgate On Ford F-150

Question:

I want to use the Saris Bones Hitch 3 bike rack fit on on my Ford F150 pick up truck. If I bring the rack forward will I be able to open and lower the truck tailgate? I have a snap-on cover over the bed of the truck so if I leave the cover on and want to access the rear of the truck bed, by lowering the tailgate, will I abe able to do this when the bike rack is in the swing-down position?

asked by: Sariah S

Expert Reply:

The Saris Bones Hitch 3 Bike Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting - Steel # SA883 will not allow your Ford F-150 to drop the tailgate completely. The tilt will allow you to access some of the items in the far back of your truck without completely dropping the tail gate, but you will need to manuever around the angles to protect your tailgate and your bike rack. If you choose this rack, I recommend the anti-rattle hitch lock # SA3022 along with cable lock like # SA981. This is a very nice bike rack, but may not give you the access you were looking for.

If you want to be able to have complete access to your tail gate, I recommend the Thule Apex Swing 4 Bike Rack for 2" Hitches - Swinging # TH9027XT. This rack will carry 4 bikes and give you complete access to your truck bed through the tailgate with the cover in place. This bike rack has an integrated cable lock and hitch lock with anti-rattle device.

With any hanging bike rack I recommend using an adapter bar like Swagman Deluxe Bike Frame Adapter Bar for Women's, Children's, and Alternative Frame Bikes # 64005. This gives you a hanging point similar to a top frame rail for level travel and greater ground clearance.