Can Swagman XC Towing Bike Rack be Used with XTC Wheel Hoops

Question:

I have a travel trailer and would like to purchase a platform rack system for two bikes. One of the bikes has a long wheelbase. One idea was to purchase the Swagman Platform Style Towing Bike Rack and two XTC wheel hoops. Are these two products compatible? A second idea was to purchase the Curt Multipurpose Ball Mount with 2inch Receiver for Bike Racks and Cargo Carriers Curt part # D210 and a Swagman XC-Extended Platform-Style 2 Bike Carrier for 1-1/4inch and 2inch Hitches part # S64650-EXT. Would both of these solutions work? It seems as though the first option would be the most cost effective solution.

asked by: Chris T

Expert Reply:

Yes, you can put the XTC wheel hoops, # P318, on the XC model rack, # S64664. There is a version of this rack that has this set up already, # S64650-EXT, which you mentioned, but it is not a towing bike rack. With the XTC wheel hoops mounted the maximum wheel base accepted is 68 inches.

Using the multipurpose ball mount # D210, with extended rack # S64650-EXT, would work but in addition to costing more it would also make the rack closer to the trailer than the towing rack which would decrease the turning radius of the vehicle/trailer.

I recommend the towing rack with the XTC wheel hoops and then a long ball mount such as # BH20. This long ball mount will decrease the likelihood of interference between the trailer and the bikes/rack when turning.