Using a Hitch Extender on Pop Up Camper To Carry a Bike Rack

Question:

I have an Opus OP4 popup that has a 2inch hitch in the rear for an accessory like a bike rack, but I also have a swing out spare tire. In order to put a bike rack, Id need the 32inch extender like Curt Hitch Extension and Reducer for 2-1/2inch Trailer Hitches - 24inch to 34inch Long Item # C45048 If I use that extender, will it hold a Yakima bike rack with 4 bikes? Or is it only rated for towing?

asked by: Andrew B

Expert Reply:

While the Curt Hitch Extension # C45048 can be used for bike racks, it is also designed to fit into 2-1/2" hitch receivers and then create a 2" hitch. If your hitch on your popup camper is 2", then this extender will not fit on it.

We have other 32" long extenders that fit into 2" hitches, but they do tend to be pricey like the TorkLift SuperTruss Hitch Extension- 36" Long # TLE1536. The SuperTruss Extensions are priced that way since they fit into a special hitch and have to be extra heavy-duty to maintain heavy towing capacities throughout that extension. There isn't really a selection for 2" hitch extenders that long because road sway and bumpiness get exponentially worse the further away from the hitch you are. This reality compounded with the extra sway that is already there from being on a trailer and not the lead car would make me very cautious about putting 4 bikes on an extension that long if there was one.

Have you considered a roof rack option instead? It looks like your pop-up camper has some sort of roof rack set up already. If you already have crossbars, you can put four bike racks up there like the Swagman Fork Down Roof Mounted Carrier # S64710. This might be the best option to deal with the recessed hitch plus swing out spare tire on your camper.

expert reply by: Evangeline M