What Bike Rack and Cargo Carrier Combination do You Recommend for 2 Bikes?

Question:

Will this work with the Swagman Chinook 2 bike rack ?

asked by: Diane F

Expert Reply:

From your product searches, I am assuming you are asking about the # Y72VR, or one of the other Exo modular. I have a great combination bike rack and cargo carrier solution for you. Unfortunately, you cannot use the 23x60 Hollywood Racks Hitch Cargo Carrier with the Swagman Chinook 2 # S64683. This is because the cargo carrier is only designed to work with the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE and Sport Rider SE2 bike racks.

However, for a great solution that will allow you to have a 2-bike rack and a cargo carrier mounted at the same time on your hitch, I recommend the Yakima EXO Swing Away 2 Bike Rack w/ Cargo Carrier - 2" Hitches
Item # Y54ZR for an open basket carrier or the Yakima EXO Swing Away 2 Bike Rack w/ Enclosed Cargo Carrier - 2" Hitches # Y34ZR for an enclosed cargo carrier. With these combination carriers, you will have the benefit of loading up to 2 bikes as well as have room to store cargo. These racks will hold 2 bikes up to 40 pounds each, with wheel bases between 20" - 29", and tires up to 4.8" wide. The enclosed carrier can hold up to 100 pounds of cargo and the open carrier can hold up to 110 pounds of cargo.

If you have a 2" hitch mounted on your vehicle already, I recommend measuring from the center of the pinhole to the face of your rear bumper. If that length does not exceed 4 inches long, you will not have any bumper clearance issues for these combo carriers. These systems feature an amazing swing-away design that will give you full access to the back of your vehicle when in use. They do require a class 2" receiver, and cannot be used with adapters. You will also need to make sure that your hitch and vehicle can hold the weight of the carrier, bikes and cargo. With the bike and cargo rack together weighing 166 pounds(160.5 for the open basket combo), bikes up to a total of 80 pounds and 110 pounds of cargo. This total would be around 356 pounds. Check your hitch and vehicle and make sure you do not exceed the lower capacity of the two.

If you need a hitch recommendation, feel free to respond to this answer with the year/make/model of your vehicle and I will be happy to point you in the right direction.