What Bike Rack Won't Interfere with a Real Tailgate on My 2021 RAM 1500?

Question:

looking to see if this hitch rack will allow the tailgate of my truck to be opened once I take the bikes off the rack. I currently have a Rocky Mounts westslope 3 and a 2021 ram 1500. when mounted to the truck the rack is to high up and the tailgate can only be opened 2/3s of the way before it hits the top of the bike rack.

asked by: Robert M

Expert Reply:

For a solution that will avoid any incurring costs of buying another bike rack, I recommend the Yakima BackSwing Swing Away Hitch Extender for Bike Racks - 2" Hitches # Y02483. With the Yakima BackSwing, you can mount your WestSlope 3 # RKY10223 and swing it 90 degrees away from the truck tailgate for it to open. I went ahead and attached a video to this answer that shows a truck tailgate opening with the BackSwing attached. If you are worried about the measurement of the BackSwing clearing the tailgate of your 2021 Ram 1500, the BackSwing measures 22-3/4 inches to the side from inside edge to inside edge. If your truck bed measures less than 22-3/4 inches from the hitch receiver pinhole to the farthest edge of the truck bed (passenger's side), you will be good to go.

If you need a longer measurement for clearance of your tailgate, I recommend the Kuat Pivot 2 Swing Away - Passenger's Side # PVP20B which can swing away 120 degrees compared to the BackSwing's 90 degrees and has a slightly longer arm.

expert reply by: Bob C