How to use a Hitch Mounted Bike Rack While Towing a Vehicle on a Tow Dolly

Question:

On bike carrier Swagman Traveler XCS - Platform-Style 2 Bike Rack for 2 Ball, is there a riser like that for sale. I already have a Yakima bike carrier that I would like to elevate the reciever because I use the exsisting reciever to tow an auto dolly with a car. Having that square tube attached at the Motorhome reciever elevating to either a 2 inch or 1 1/4 for the bike carrier would be really be a great accessory

asked by: Jim B

Expert Reply:

The Swagman Traveler XCS, part # S64664 is really a unique item in and of itself, and though there is not a part directly like it, there are a couple options that will emulate the effect.

Depending on your tow dolly's setup, you can use the Curt Multipurpose Ball Mount, part # D210 or Curt Dual Receiver Tube adapter, part # D-192 . Both of these will reduce your total available tongue weight.

The Multipurpose Ball Mount is going to limit your tongue weight to 750lbs, but provides a 3-9/16 inch rise for the bike rack. You'll also need a hitch ball with a 1 inch shank like part # 63845 to further tow your tow dolly.

A Curt Dual 2 inch receiver tube will elevate the bike rack by 3-1/4 inches, giving you less clearance, and reduce your overall tongue weight by 50%. This will allow you to carry the bike rack in the top receiver and tow the dolly in the bottom one.

expert reply by: Jacob W