Will the Swagman RV and Motorhome Bike Rack Part # S64663 Clear the Spare Tire on My RV  

Question:

Expert Reply:

To determine if the Swagman RV and Motorhome Bike Rack, part # S64663 will clear your spare tire, you will need to take some measurements.

If you already have a receiver at the rear of your RV, measure rearward from the hitch pin hole to determine the distance needed to clear the spare tire. An easy way to to this would be to stand a long, straight piece of lumber like a 2 by 4 flush against the rear of the spare. Then measure the distance between the 2 by 4 and the hitch pin hole. You will need a rack that has a shank (measured from the hitch pin hole to the closest portion of the rack) that is longer than the distance needed to clear the spare tire.

The receiver included with the # S64663 is intended for use with a 4 by 4 inch continuously welded steel bumper (not an aluminum or spot welded bumper). When installed, the hitch pin hole of the bolt on receiver will fall approximately at the midpoint of the bumper, so you would measure rearward from that point.

The distance from the hitch pin hole in the shank of the # S64663 is 10-1/2 inches away from the closest portion of the rack. If the measurement you take from the hitch pin hole to clear the spare tire is less than 10-1/2 inches, the rack should work well for you. The 10-1/2 inch clearance is pretty generous, and should clear your spare.

You will need to ensure that the weight of the bikes and the approximately 40 lb weight of the rack do not exceed the capacity of the rear bumper.

Although the rack includes an anti-rattle hitch pin, I would recommend the optional locking hitch pin, part # S64027. The ratcheting frame hooks can be locked by using padlocks with a 3/16 inch shackle, like part # 131D.

To see install details for the # S64633, click on the provided link.

expert reply by: Mike L

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