Recommended Swagman Bike Rack for Use on Trailer

Question:

I am looking at fixed bike racks for the back of my travel trailer which does not have a spare tire. Questions. S-63381... has fold down arms which are nice but do they cause bounce. S-64152-2... this has a bolted vertical shaft. Are their stability issues with the bolt connection. S-64400 is the 3rd I am considering. Do all of these have the same distance on stinger from bolt hole to vertical shaft? Do you have recommendation?

asked by: Marshal A

Helpful Expert Reply:

The most important aspect of the Swagman Trailhead # S63381, Original 3-bike # S64152-2, and Original 4-Bike # S64400 is that they are all rated and approved for use on a trailer like what you have. Because of the extra bounce and stress that is put on a bike rack at the back of a trailer when compared the back of a standard passenger vehicle, only some racks are designed for this use and these all meet that requirement.

Between these three option, I recommend going with the Swagman Trailhead # S63381. As you mentioned, this carrier does feature folding arms that offer convenient storage when not in use. The arms will be secured in place, whether in their upright position for use or down for storage, with the included pin. This will prevent the arms from moving around too much with them folded down during travel. This should not be an issue.

The bolted vertical shaft on the Swagman Original 3-Bike # S64152-2 and 4-Bike # S64400 is not cause for concern either but I do like the cradles on the Trailhead a bit better, as they feature an anti-sway design that will hold the bikes at 3 different points. The distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the back of the upright bar on the Trailhead is right at 9-1/2 inches.

I have attached a short video demonstration on this bike rack that you can take a look at as well.

I do recommend adding the Locking Anti-Rattle Threaded Hitch Pin # S64027. This will not only lock the carrier to your trailer to help deter theft, but it will also help to eliminate any movement inside the hitch receiver to further reduce rattle and bounce during travel.