Bike Rack Needed to Clear Rear Doors of a 2016 Ram ProMaster

Question:

Okay, so I like this bike rack. A couple of questions I have a beach cruiserwith fenders. Will this rack work for me? Second, I travel solo. I cannot lift my bike up and over the rack. Is it okay to place my bike on the outside mount and leave the hardware off for a second bike? Thanks very much.

asked by: Eileen

Helpful Expert Reply:

When the center mast on the Curt # C18085 is folded down it measures about 10-1/2". This is from the bottom of the shank that goes into the receiver on your 2016 Ram ProMaster and was taken with the 2" adapter on. So if you have a 2" receiver just measure 10-1/2" from the bottom of your receiver opening but if you have a 1-1/4" receiver you will need to subtract about 3/4" which means you will measure 9-3/4" from the bottom of your receiver.

expert reply by: Jon G

click to enlarge

Eileen

8/31/2018

Thank you for getting back to me with my question. I measured the 10-1/2" height of the bike rack. It's slightly too high (less than an inch). Is it possible that you might be able to make suggestions for a hitch bike rack for my van? I don't want to lift the bike up high to reach a rack so I thought a platform rack would be great for me. I travel solo and I really want to take my bike this winter--I go where it's warm. Thank's for your time Jon,

Jon G.

8/31/2018

If you are looking for something in the same price range as the Swagman XTC-2 # S64670 then you may be interested in the Lets Go Aero BikeWing-2 # LGA54FR. This is a little different and falls in the categories of both hanging and platform style bike rack. The BikeWing-2 will work with your ProMaster because from the top of the receiver it has a 4" rise. The arms can easily be removed which means the highest point will be that bracket that the arm assembly rotates on. Since this is only a few inches tall that means the highest point of this bike rack, when in the tilted position, will only be about 6" - 7" than your hitch receiver. If you aren't quite as concerned with price then the best bike rack for your application is the RockyMounts BackStage # RKY10002. This is a platform bike rack that actually swings away. Not only will you have easier access to the rear of your ProMaster, you can leave your bike on the bike rack so this will save you the time and effort of removing your bike rack just to get something out of the back of your vehicle. I have attached some review videos for you to check out for both bike racks.

Eileen

8/31/2018

Jon G.

8/31/2018

I confirmed with my contact at Lets Go Aero that you can either tilt the BikeWing-2 before installing the bike or you can simply install the bike on the outside position for easier loading. Since you do have fenders though I am doubtful that it will be compatible with your bike. Since the BackStage # RKY10002 is a wheel mount it won't be able to fit with your fenders either, but if you use the Yakima BackSwing # Y02483 with the Swagman XTC-2 # S64670. The XTC-2 is a frame mount bike rack so it will not touch the fenders on your bike. The BackStage comes with a lock but if you wanted to lock the XTC-2 to the BackSwing and your bike to the XTC-2 then you would need the kit # S64031. Another option would be to go with the Swagman Chinook # S64683 which is a little bit of an upgrade plus it comes with locks and will be about the same price if you were to add locks to the XTC-2.