Carrying Bikes at the Front of a Travel Trailer

Question:

The Swagman Dispatch is a great bike rack but the bar is way to long . Too much distance between the bikes and tire. Was thinking about the straddles which goes over the gas tanks. But you do not suggest a bike rack for that set up. I would rather have more weight on my younger than all the weight on the back. I like the fact that the bikes are not just hanging but tires are in a cradle.

asked by: Susan L

Expert Reply:

You could use the Swagman Straddler # S80503 if you want to. However you have to stay within the capacity of the Straddler which is 100 pounds. That means the combined weight of the bike rack you use and the bikes cannot exceed 100 pounds. The Swagman Dispatch # S44FR weighs about 51 pounds by itself meaning the combined weight of the bikes cannot exceed 49 pounds.

You could instead go with Swagman rack # S64663 which weighs about 30 pounds. You would not use the hitch part that comes with this rack and instead insert it directly into the Straddler. I have linked a video of the rack but it shows the typical installation and not with the Straddler.

expert reply by: Michael H