Options For Swing-Away Bike Rack For 3 Bikes in 2 Inch Hitch

Question:

Can I add the 1 Bike Add-On for RockyMounts MonoRail Solo and MonoRail for 2 inch Hitches - Wheel Mount # RKY10005 to the RockyMounts BackStage Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2 inch Hitches - Wheel Mount Item # RKY10002- swing-away rack? This will go on my 2020 F-150 truck as this platform rack has the nice swing away system needed as I also need full access to my tailgate to load the pickup box area as well. I will need the additional one bike option for a third bike. Didnt see a RockyMounts BackStage Bike Rack for 3 Bikes - 2inch Hitches - Wheel Mount swing-away version.

asked by: Marc R

Helpful Expert Reply:

While we have a couple of options that can work, the RockyMounts MonoRail add-on is not compatible with the BackStage, which I confirmed with RockyMounts. So to carry three bikes and have a swing-away rack, there are a couple things you can do, since there isn't a swing-away 3-bike rack. One is to use a swing-away 4-bike rack, from Thule:

- Thule Apex Swing XT Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Swinging # TH9027XT

The Apex Swing XT # TH9027XT is a 4-bike hanging rack, so you would just not use one of the spots for the bikes. It is super easy to use, installing in your hitch with just the twist of a knob. It is a hanging rack so while tire size won't matter, it does have a lower weight capacity of 37-1/2 lbs per bike, and if you will be carrying a child's bike or bike with a step-thru frame you'd need Bike Adapter Bar # 64005.

The other thing you can do is use a swing-away adapter and a 3-bike platform rack:

- Yakima BackSwing Swing Away Hitch Extender # Y02483

- Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Rack for 3 Bikes # KU24FR

This will give you a dedicated 3-bike platform rack that has a bit of a higher weight capacity at 40 lbs per bike, and wouldn't require an adapter bar. It fits bikes with tires up to 3 inches wide with up to a 50 inch wheelbase and 18 - 29 inch diameter wheels.