Is a Hitch Extender Recommended for Bike Carrier to Clear Spare Tire on a Travel Trailer

Question:

Can I use this to extend my swagman bike rack 2 bike past my rear mounted spare tire. It is mounted to the rear bumper of my Jayco Jay Flight 22fb travel trailer. Will it over stress my bumper? My bike rack is designed to be used on a TT.

asked by: Mike A

Helpful Expert Reply:

Using a hitch extender such as # C45795 will reduce the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch by 50 percent. It will all add additional stress to the hitch and to where it is mounted on your travel trailer. I do not recommend using an extender.

Since you already have a bike rack that is compatible with the travel trailer the best solution would be to stow the spare tire in an alternate location. The benefit is that it won't cost you any money to do so and you will not have to worry about damage to the hitch or travel trailer.

expert reply by: Michael H