What Trunk Mounted Bike Rack Can I Use with a 22 Inch Clearance for a Trailer Jack Handle?

Question:

I have a Ford Flex, 2012 and am looking for a trunk mount bike rack for at least 2 bikes - and I need to be able to use it while also towing a small pop-up RV with the Class III hitch. There is about 22inch clearance between the vertical hatch at the back of the Flex and the closest piece of the trailer handle for jack. There are also 40inch from the top of the Flex to the bumper. Will the subject rack work for me or do you have another suggestion. We will be carrying a 27inch mens bike and a smaller womens bike.

asked by: Steve S

Expert Reply:

I have a solution for you. Unfortunately, the length of the Thule Gateway Pro 3 from the lower support to the end of the bike rack is about 23-1/2 inches. This will most likely interfere with the RV trailer handle (especially factoring in overhang for rear bike's pedals). In addition, there are no 3-bike trunk racks that will be less than the 22 inches you need for the clearance of the trailer handle for the jack.

With that being said, I confirmed with my contact at Thule that the Thule Gateway Pro 2 Bike Rack # TH88VR has an arm length of about 18 inches. Taking into account the length of the pedals on the outside bike might be cutting it close to the 22 inches of space you need.

Another option is to use the Curt Multipurpose Ball Mount with 2" # D210 with a Yakima BackSwing Swing Away Hitch Extender for Bike Racks # Y02483. With the Curt Multipurpose Ball Mount with 2-inch receiver, you can carry a hitch bike rack on the receiver. For loading the bikes and adjusting the handle for your trailer jack, the Yakima BackSwing will allow you to tilt 90 degrees. Once you loaded the bikes or adjust the jack, you can then re-swing the rack bak to the end of your vehicle. The farthest end of the Yakima BackSwing while folded is 16-3/4 inches, which will allow you to add a rack to the end. Unfortunately, you won't be able to have bikes loaded to the rack on the Backswing and maintain a full range of the trailer handle. Also, it is important to note that using any kind of hitch adapter will decrease the maximum weight capacity of the hitch by 50%.

As far as the hitch bike rack recommendation, I recommend the Malone Runway Bike Rack for 3 Bikes # MPG2130. The Runway includes locks to deter theft as well as padded, anti-sway cradles with rubber straps secure bikes by the frame.

For a woman's bike with these racks, I recommend the Swagman Deluxe Bike Frame Adapter Bar for Women's, Children's, and Alternative Frame Bikes # 64005. This will ensure that you will have a straight bar to mount your women's bike on either the Thule Gateway Pro 2 or the Malone Runway.