Can Bike Rack Be in Hitch of Flat Towed Vehicle

Question:

I have an 2018 Edge and have it outfitted as a dinghy pulled my my class c motorhome. I’m considering adding a bike to my camping adventure. The edge has a class 2 tow package and would be very useful for mounting a hitch mount bike rack. My question is about possible drag created with the bike mounted on back of the dinghy. My dinghy is a little on the heavy side and I’m concerned about any additional significant weight issues that might be caused by the wind drag. I do have a swagman RV hitch mount bike rack and the instructions indicate an adapter can be added to the bumper to use the rack attached through the adapter. I would just use that option however worry about the line of sight issue that may occur if the bike blocks the taillights that the patriot needs for remote braking. Would a hitch mount bike rack on the dinghy add weight to the load of the tow bar capacity?

asked by: John C

Helpful Expert Reply:

A bike rack installed on the hitch of a vehicle being flat towed would not cause significant additional weight or drag. If you were in a situation where a bike rack would cause a problem you'd already be on the verge of a significant problem as-is. Easiest solution is to use the Swagman RV approved bike rack in the hitch of your Ford Edge and you'd be totally fine.

expert reply by: Jameson C