Solution for Using Bike Rack and Cargo Carrier Together

Question:

Hello, I want to carry 2 bikes and some cargo. I’m wanting to know if there is a way I could use a dual hitch receiver adapter to add a hitch mounted cargo carrier? and a bike rack.Which I do not own either yet. 2002 Ford sport Trac 2wd. Truck sits about 2” higher than stock model. The bike rack will hold 2 bikes at 40lbs each The cargo carrier would need to hold 70-100lbs Is this even a possibility? Would I need an extension as well to clear the bike rack? Thank you

asked by: Jey

Expert Reply:

We do have a solution for a bike rack and cargo carrier; your best option would be to use the Yakima EXO Swing Away 2 Bike Rack w/ Enclosed Cargo Carrier - 2" Hitches # Y34ZR because this has a 40 lb per bike capacity and the carrier has a 100 lb capacity, which suits your needs perfectly. The cargo carrier can also be removed from the rack and can be used on its own. This cargo box is enclosed. We also have this combination with an open cargo carrier Yakima EXO Swing Away 2 Bike Rack w/ Cargo Carrier - 2" Hitches # Y54ZR. This has all of the same capacities except the cargo carrier capacity increased to 110 pounds.

These options are much better than using something like the Dual 2" Receiver Tube Adapter # D-192 because adapters will reduce the tongue weight of the hitch on your 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac by 50 percent. The two trailer hitches that fit your truck, the Draw-Tite # 75112 and Curt # 13407 each have tongue weights of 500 lbs so that means the weight of your bike rack, bikes, cargo carrier and cargo would need to weigh a combined 250 lbs or less.

I have added links to a couple video reviews of these products for you to check out.