What is the Best Option for a Bike Rack with a Camper that Extends 17 Inches on the Back of My Truck

Question:

Hello! I need a tray bike rack to carry 1 -2 electric bikes on the back of our truck camper that I can also use when the camper is not on the truck. The biggest issue is that the camper extends beyond the 2-inch hitch about 17”. I was looking into a hitch extender, but realized that would decrease the racks weight limit by 50. What are my options that won’t cost an arm and a leg? Thanks!

asked by: Stephanie

Expert Reply:

I have a solution for you. If you use a long hitch extender like the Draw-Tite Hitch Extender for 2" Hitch Receivers - 18" Long # HE18, the weight capacity of your bike rack will remain the same. However, it is the hitch that will have the decreased weight capacity by 50%. If you are looking for a solution that will allow you to carry bikes on the back of your vehicle while your camper is installed and when it is not installed, The Draw-Tite extender is your best option. The additional length of the bike rack's shank will give you additional length as well to clear the camper.

However, if you want a creative solution that does not require a hitch extender, you can always go with a front-mounted hitch. A bike rack can be attached on the front the same way it can be transported on the rear of the vehicle. If you need a recommendation for a front hitch, I would be happy to assist you if you provide the year/make/model of your vehicle.

For the rack itself, I recommend the Swagman E-Spec Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 2" Hitches # S94FR. It has an impressive 70-pound maximum per-bike weight capacity and involves a frame-mount attachment style which is beneficial if your bikes have front or rear fenders.

expert reply by: Bob C