Comparing Swagman XTC-2 and Hollywood Racks Trail Rider Bike Racks for Honda Pilot

Question:

Looking at Swagman XTC2 and Hollywood HR200. Which do you recommend and why? I have a Honda Pilot. Thank you

asked by: Susan K

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Swagman XTC-2 2-Bike Platform Rack # S64670 and the Hollywood Racks Trail Rider # HR200Z referenced in your question are both great, platform style racks that can transport up to 2 bikes.

I recommend going with the Hollywood Racks # HR200Z for a few reasons.

First, the Hollywood Racks Trail Rider features a higher weight capacity of 45 pounds per bike, as compared to 35 pounds on the Swagman carrier. This will allow for a bit more versatility in terms of the type of bikes that the carrier can safely support. The Trail Rider also has a greater shank rise of 5 inches, which will result in better ground clearance with the bike rack mounted to the trailer hitch. This will allow for more peace of mind when traveling, especially going up and down steeper driveways or inclines. Lastly, the Trail Rider, when installed on your Honda Pilot, will have a greater distance of 12-1/8 inches from the hitch pin hole on the vehicle to the closest edge of the wheel loop. This will give you more clearance between the rack and rear bumper of your Pilot. This distance on the Swagman rack is 8 inches.

I have attached a video demonstration on the Hollywood Racks Trail Rider so you can see all of its features in action. I also recommend adding the Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock and Cable Lock # HRLHPTC to secure everything into place and help to deter theft.