Recommended Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack to Use with Truck Camper and Maintain Rear Door Access

Question:

Is there any way to use this on a truck camper without having to remove it in order to get in the camper since it blocks the door? Also I notice it comes upward after it slides into the hitch which would create a problem for truck camper use, can it be adjusted to come straight out?

asked by: John

Helpful Expert Reply:

I may have a solution for you, however the Thule EasyFold XT 2 Electric Bike Platform Rack # TH903202 referenced in your question isn't the best option for your particular application. With the carrier mounted to the hitch there is not a way to move the base out of the way so that you could easily access the rear door on your truck camper. As you also mentioned, the shank on the bike rack features a rise to provide better ground clearance but there is not a separate part or adapter available that would eliminate this so that the carrier comes straight out from the hitch receiver.

A better option will be with a swing-away rack like the RockyMounts BackStage # RKY10002. This is a wheel-mount, platform-style rack like the EasyFold XT but it also features a hinged arm at the base that allows the rack to completely swing to the side of the vehicle with the bikes still loaded so that you can enter the camper through the rear door when needed. It can handle 2 bikes of up to 60 pounds each and the shank doesn't have the same kind of rise as the EasyFold.

I have attached a short video demonstration that you can also check out.

With any hitch-mounted rack you will likely also need to use an extender so that the rack clears your truck camper. These are available in various sizes such as the 8 inch Curt # C45791 or the 18 inch # C45796. I have attached a link that will take you to our available selection of extenders that you can look through.

Please note though that using an extender will reduce the tongue weight capacity of your trailer hitch by 50 percent. For example if your hitch has a tongue weight capacity of 350 pounds it will be reduced to 175 pounds when using the adapter. You will need to be sure that you remain under the reduced limit with the combined weight of your carrier and loaded bikes.