Swagman Bike Rack Options that Offer Tailgate Clearance for a Honda Element

Question:

Is there any bike rack that will allow the lower tailgate of a Honda Element to be fully opened? Maybe one of the Swagman models? I have a 1.25 hitch installed. Thanks.

asked by: JiminKirkland

Expert Reply:

We have quite a few bike racks that will provide enough clearance for you to open your tailgate on your Honda Element.

The Swagman bike racks that I would recommend taking a look at are the Swagman XTC-2, # S64670, and the Swagman Titan 2 Bike Rack, # S63400. The XTC-2 is a platform-style bike rack that has a folding arm to allow for tailgate clearance and the Titan is a hanging-style bike rack that has a tilting feature to tilt the bike rack away from the vehicle to give added room for the tailgate. The bikes will need to be removed from the bike rack before tilting.

I have attached the installation instructions and videos of both bike racks for you to check out.

If you plan on carrying any womens, childrens or alternative bike frames, then you may want to pick up the Swagman Easy-Out Adapter Bar, # 64005. Some small or angled bike frames can be difficult to load on a bike rack and this adapter bar will allow you to load the bikes easily and safely.

expert reply by: John H