Platform-Type Bike Racks for 2012 Volvo XC70 with 2 Inch Receiver

Question:

Hi, I am trying to find a 2-bike platform carrier to go onto a 2012 Volvo XC70 with a 2-inch hitch. I need access to the back of the vehicle when the carrier is attached. Is there a carrier designed to allow me to open the back of my vehicle with the bikes loaded? I am guessing not and have therefore narrowed my choices to 3 carriers: Swagman XTC-2 - S64670 2-Bike Carrier for 1-1/4 inch and 2 inch Trailer Hitches Thule T2 Platform-Style Bike Carrier for 2 inch Hitches - TH83JV Yakima Holdup 2 Bike Hitch Mounted Folding Rack with Wheel Mount Cradles for 2 inch Hitch - Y02443 Can you verify which will allow me to open the back of my car when installed? They all seem to be highly rated. Do these models have specific pros/cons? Oh, one of the bikes is designed for women and the other for men so they have different frame heights.

asked by: Matt

Expert Reply:

If you like the platform type rack, the Thule T2 part # TH83JV and the Yakima HoldUp, part # Y02443 are both capable of tilting rearward while the bikes are loaded, and in most cases will allow the liftgate of a vehicle to be opened. Thule or Yakima cannot tell me for certain if the liftgate on your vehicle would clear the bikes when the rack is tilted rearward, and we do not have an XC 70 available for testing purposes. There are just too many variables at work to be able to hazard a guess.

The T2 Pro XTR # TH83JV will fit your XC70 if the hitch pin hole to furthest rearward point of the bumper is less than 7 inches. If this distance is less than 5 inches, the rack can be folded up at a 90 degree angle against the rear of the vehicle for storage. If this distance is 7 inches or less, the HoldUp can be installed as well as folded. Although pretty similar, I find the Yamika HoldUp is a bit easier to use, and I like the fact that the HoldUp includes a cable lock to secure the bikes to the rack. Either of these racks would work just fine with women's bikes, and you could choose either rack without feeling that you sacrificed anything.

I would suggest finding a local Thule and Yakima dealer, to see if they would let you do a test fit. If you are anywhere close to the St. Louis, MO area we would be more than happy to let you do a test fit.

The Swagman XTC2, part # S64670 will fit your XC70, but as the rack cannot tilt away from the vehicle, you will not be able to open the hatch with the bikes in place. The XTC2 is a very good rack that is one of our best sellers. It is considerably less expensive than either of the other two racks you mentioned, and might be your best bet, if you should decide that you can live with removing the bikes in order to open the rear hatch. A frame adapter, part # 64005 might be necessary to accommodate a women's bike.

To see some product demonstration videos and install details for the various racks mentioned above, click on the provided links.