Carrying a 40 Pound Bike on a Trailer Hitch Receiver Mounted Bike Rack With a 2012 Mazda 3

Question:

The Swagman XTC-2, part # S64670, won't be able to carry a 40 pound bike. The weight maximums of the racks are very much set in stone, as the location of the weight of the bike changes the physics of the bike rack's ride and can cause damage if exceeded. Instead, I recommend the Swagman's Chinook, part # S64683. This rack adds a few features to the rack and an increased capacity to 45 pounds. Specifically over the XTC-2, it adds integrated hitch and bike locks, tilt away and fold up features to make it easier to store against the vehicle. I've included a video review of the Swagman Chinook so you can get a better idea of its performance.

asked by: Lisa O

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Swagman XTC-2, part # S64670, won't be able to carry a 40 pound bike. The weight maximums of the racks are very much set in stone, as the location of the weight of the bike changes the physics of the bike rack's ride and can cause damage if exceeded.

Instead, I recommend the Swagman's Chinook, part # S64683. This rack adds a few features to the rack and an increased capacity to 45 pounds. Specifically over the XTC-2, it adds integrated hitch and bike locks, tilt away and fold up features to make it easier to store against the vehicle.

I've included a video review of the Swagman Chinook so you can get a better idea of its performance.

expert reply by: Jacob W

Lisa O.

10/24/2017

Jacob W.

10/24/2017

A lot of customers find the Curt Stabilizing Strap, part # 18050 a great option for adding stability and safety to their racks. For most of the Curt hitches, its actually a required part of the warranty, but an overall good idea for any hitch mounted accessory. I've included a video that demonstrates the installation and performance of the Curt Strap. As far as a lighter rack, there's a couple of options out there at a variety of price points. If you're looking to pick up a few extra features and really drop the weight of the rack, one of my favorite racks is the Saris Freedom 2, part # SA4412B. This incredibly adjustable rack weighs only 22.5 pounds. It is able to carry two bikes up to 60 pounds each with wheelbases of up to 48 inches. Its fully adjustable wheel cradles and frame clamps can adjust to almost any bike you can throw at it. The only bike I haven't been able to fit on here is my nephew's 10 inch step through push bike. This is a value-focused, made in the USA rack that includes hitch and cable locks for the bike. Saris also covers all of its racks with a lifetime warranty on the steel frame and all parts, giving you an extended peace of mind. Another great option that comes in at only 47 pounds is the Kuat Transfer, part # KU74FR. This is a premium bike rack that offers folding and tilt away features a unique U-Frame that lets you step into the bike rack when loading, making it extremely easy to load bikes. It is less adjustable than the Freedom, and can only accept bikes with wheels between 20 and 29 inches. I've included video reviews of all of these racks so you can compare their features and performance a little closer.