What Swinging Bike Carrier and Cargo Box Solution do You Recommend for My 2021 Ford Transit Connect?

Question:

We have a 2021 Ford Transit Connect with a rear hatch door that lifts up. Will the swing base clear that door enough that it can open with bike loaded and Exo cargo box?

asked by: Megan P

Expert Reply:

I went ahead and reached out to my contact at Yakima, and they unfortunately do not have the measurement of the length of the Yakima EXO # Y34ZR when it is open to the full 90-degree swing away position.

However, I did some research on the overall width of your vehicle compared to the width of the 2020 Hyundai Tucson featured in the attached review video. The 2020 Hyundai Tucson measures 72.8 inches wide and has plenty of room to fully open the rear hatch while clearing the EXO system (see video). Compared to the Tucson, your 2021 Ford Transit Connect measures only 72.2 inches wide. With this vehicle width, you will have enough clearance with the EXO system to fully open your rear hatch.

As far as clearance with bikes loaded, the only caution would be if you have bikes with abnormally long handlebars. You may have to manipulate the handlebars and the angle of the swinging bike rack in order to fully open your hatch with 2 bikes loaded. If you have one bike loaded, I recommend adjusting the swing-away system so that the bike is loaded on the outmost position from the vehicle.

For a 100% definite fit for carrying your bikes, I recommend using the Kuat Pivot 2 Swing Away Hitch Extender for Bike Racks - 2" Hitches # PVP20B along with the Kuat NV 2.0 Base Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches # BA22B. The Kuat Pivot 2 has a larger angle of swinging capability (120 degrees) compared to the 90 degrees of the EXO.

If you choose to go with the Kuat Pivot 2 and the Kuat NV 2.0, you can always add a roof-mounted cargo box to your setup like the Yakima RocketBox Pro 15 # Y07192. If you have factory crossbars, this box will be able to attach. If you have flush mounted rails, I recommend the following compatible crossbar system for the RocketBox:

- Thule SquareBar Evo Crossbars - Steel - 53" Long # TH712400
- Evo Flush Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars - Flush Side Rails # TH710601
- Fit Kit for Thule Evo Flush Roof Rack Feet - 186032 # TH186032
- One-Key System Locks # TH450400

With this setup, you will be able to add cargo storage with your Kuat setup. With this particular roof rack system, you will be able to mount up to 110 pounds of weight capacity. In order to know for sure if your roof can handle this much weight, I recommend confirming with your vehicle's owner's manual.

To make loading cargo into the carrier easier, I recommend a telescoping ladder like the Telesteps # TE44FR. Also, if you need a hitch receiver for your setup, the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # C13167 will work great.