Comparing Swagman Hitch Mounted Platform Bike Racks For 2012 Navion RV Hitch

Question:

Im looking at 3 racks: Swagman Dispatch 2, XC-2, and XTC-2. Will carry two 29ers from NY to Montana. There is a significant price difference. Im leaning toward the Dispatch because it has a higher load capacity. But the price is highest. Please tell me if the other two would be comparable for my RV.

asked by: Eileen W

Expert Reply:

The Swagman Dispatch 2 Bike Platform Rack - 2" Hitches # S44FR has a 45 lb per bike weight capacity and has the combination hitch lock and cable to secure the rack to your vehicle and the bikes to your rack. The threaded hitch pin is an anti-rattle device that reduces movement in the hitch of your 2012 Navion RV.

The Swagman XTC-2 2-Bike Platform Rack for 1-1/4" and 2" Trailer Hitches # S64670 and Swagman XC 2-Bike Rack Platform Style for 1-1/4" and 2" Trailer Hitches # S64650 are both nice racks for car or truck use, but are not rated for RV use.

I can't recommend them for your RV hitch because the additional torque on the rack is something they aren't designed for. The large RV creates a different amount of movement than a passenger car or truck. The movement on the back of an RV is far greater and requires a different strength in the bike rack shank specifically, but also can have far less moving parts like tilt and fold.

expert reply by: Jason S