Troubleshooting Bike Rack Failure on a 2001 Volvo V70 T5 Using a Hitch Extender

Question:

How might the rack properly fit a volvo v-70 T5 2001? On first attempt we used a hitch extender, and the first drive with 4 bikes, the rack broke.

asked by: Ben

Expert Reply:

I would not recommend using the Swagman XTC4 Bike Rack, # S64665, with your 2001 Volvo V70 T5 if it has a class I or class II trailer hitch with a 1-1/4 inch receiver. This is a pretty heavy bike rack at 65 lbs that was designed for 2 inch trailer hitch receivers only. You most likely have a 1-1/4 inch receiver, but if you have a trailer hitch with a 2 inch receiver, then I would not recommend using a hitch extender.

You can determine the size of your trailer hitch receiver by measuring the height and width of your receiver opening. I have attached an article that explains how to do this.

The hitch extender is likely the reason the bike rack failed. Any time you use a hitch extender the weight capacity of your trailer hitch is decreased by 50 percent. If you have a class I or class II trailer hitch, then the maximum weight capacity of your hitch will be approximately 100 lbs for a class I hitch or 175 lbs for a class II hitch. I have also attached an article that explains the trailer hitch classes.

The weight capacities of your trailer hitch should be indicated on the trailer hitch or in your owners manual if you have a factory installed trailer hitch. Four adult bikes can easily exceed 100 lbs and when you add the weight of the bike rack, you will most likely exceed the weight capacity of a class I or class II trailer hitch with a hitch extender.

The reason the weight capacity is decreased is because the weight of the load you are carrying is placed further away from the back of the vehicle which creates additional leverage. It is similar to adding a pipe extension to a wrench to break a rusty bolt. The trailer hitch, bike rack shank and bike rack hinges are not designed to handle the additional leverage that is created and the vehicle, trailer hitch or bike rack could be damaged.

If you have a trailer hitch with a 1-1/4 inch receiver, then I would recommend looking at a bike rack with a 1-1/4 inch shank. Unfortunately, platform-style bike racks for 4 bikes are not compatible with 1-1/4 inch receivers. You will also want to keep in mind that you can only carry a maximum of two bikes if you have a class I trailer hitch.

Instead of a platform-style rack, you may want to look at the Thule Hitching Post Pro, # TH934XTR, if you have a class II bike rack. This bike rack will fit directly into a 1-1/4 inch receiver and has anti-sway cradles to help keep the bikes from moving around. For bikes with alternative or step through frames, you may also want to look into the Thule Bike Adapter Bar, # TH982XT. I have attached review videos of the bike rack and adapter bar for you to check out.