Recommendation for Bike Rack with Driver's Side Swing Away System

Question:

Most camper vehicles have the majority access on the right side of the vehicle, and while parked thats where the majority of the in/out happens, so it would be helpful to NOT have the bikes swing out to the right, but to the left instead, so we arent working AROUND the bikes to access the back of the vehicle. Does your current design allow the rack to swing to the left and right, or only right? This is something you might like to look at in future designs. When any camper is parked for camping, space for using the swing feature usually isnt an issue. Also, I am a single woman with a heavy e-bike. Any suggestions for a model that is low or can go low for loading? Thank you.

asked by: Leslie A

Helpful Expert Reply:

The RockyMounts BackStage Bike Rack # RKY10002 uses the swing arm that rotates out to the passenger side only. I do have an alternative solution for you but I just wanted to explain the reasoning behind this. While the swinging racks are a fantastic solution for camper vehicles like what you have, people use these for passenger-type vehicles as well. When parking in the city you want the bikes to swing to the passenger side so you can safely load and unload the rack and not be out in the way of traffic.

Since you'd like something that swings to the driver's side you'll want to use the Kuat Pivot 2 Swing Away Hitch Extender # PVD20B with a separate hitch mount bike rack - this is the only way for you to get a bike rack that swings out to the driver's side.

For a bike rack that uses the same design as the BackStage yet offers an easier loading solution I recommend checking out the Kuat NV 2.0 Base Bike Rack # BA22B which looks sleek, uses the wheel mount configuration, and has the ability to use a ramp when you pick up the Access Ramp # ANVBRB.

For something that has the ramp integrated into the rack system you need the Yakima OnRamp # Y36FR but then for a cost-effective solution that doesn't have the ability to add a ramp we have the Kuat Transfer V2 # KU84FR.

I'm attaching some review videos of these different racks and setups for you to check out. The video for the Pivot 2 is one that I made of the swinging arm and the upgraded NV 2.0 rack which just comes with the bike repair stand included. The NV 2.0 Base that I recommended doesn't come with that repair stand.