Will Swagman Trailhead Bike Rack Work on Car With Trailer Hitch Recessed Under Bumper

Question:

I have a 2012 Volvo C70. I have a Curt Class 1 1-1/4 inch hitch installed. This hitch opening sits pretty far in under the bumper. In the video on installing the hitch, they demonstrate that there is 9 inch of clearance between the center of the hitch pin hole to the rear of the bumper. I am looking at the Swagman Trailhead 2 bike rack to install on this hitch. In the specs for the bike rack it says Distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the back of the upright bar: 11 So wondering if that will be enough clearance, since the 11 inch refers to the distance to the BACK of the upright bar. Is the upright less than 2 inch deep?

asked by: David C

Helpful Expert Reply:

There will absolutely be enough room for you to use the Swagman Trailhead 2 Bike Rack # S63360 on your 2012 Volvo C70.

You are correct that the linked install video of the Curt Trailer Hitch # C11065 on a '12 Volvo C70 shows the distance from the center of the hitch pin hole to the bumper being 9 inches, which is enough because the back of the upright bar on the Swagman Trailhead is actually going to be the part closest to your vehicle. That means there is 11 inches from the hitch pin hole to the closest part of the Trailhead, which I've demonstrated in the accompanying diagram.

The Trailhead will be a great way to haul bikes with your Volvo, though I do recommend protecting your investment by adding the Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock and Cable for Swagman Bike Racks # S64031; if you just wanted the bike rack lock by itself you would need the Locking Anti-Rattle, Threaded Hitch Pin for Swagman Hitch Racks # S64029.

Additionally, please note that when using any hanging rack like the Trailhead you'll need bike frame adapter bar # 64005 if your bike is dual-suspension, has a step-through frame or you want to carry a small children's bike. The bar will give those bikes a horizontal mounting point so they can be carried by the rack.

I've added a link to a video review of the Swagman Trailhead # S63360, as well as the adapter bar and locks for you to take a look at.