Will Swagman Dispatch Bike Rack fit 5th Wheel Trailer

Question:

I have a 2015 Bighorn 3875FB 43’. 5th wheel that doesn’t have a rear receiver hitch. The Curt expandable will work for the receiver. I like the Swagman Dispatch but don’t know if it will have a long enough tongue so the bikes won’t press against the rear body of the trailer.

asked by: Greg K

Expert Reply:

What you can do to find out if the Swagman Dispatch # S44FR has enough clearance to work for you is take a look at the frame on your 2015 Bighorn to see the furthest point forward you can install the brackets of the Curt Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch Receiver for RVs # 13703.

The center of the Curt's hitch pin hole will be roughly 7 inches forward of that and the distance from the center of the hitch pin hole on the Swagman Dispatch # S44FR to the closest part of the carrier is 12 inches. Basically, if you measure from the furthest point forward you can install the brackets of the Curt # 13703 to the edge of your '15 Bighorn's bumper and it is less than 19 inches you should be able to use the rack without the handlebars of your bike contacting the trailer.

I have added a photo of this rack with bikes loaded so you can see the orientation of the handlebars on a road bike. They do not go past the closest part of the rack, or if they do, just by a very small amount. This could be true for your bikes as well, but if you have a different type of bike they may extend further.

Additionally, please note that with this hitch, all non-trailer loads such as bike racks and cargo carriers need to be supported with Stabilizing Straps # 18050 to maintain the warranty.