2" Rack (2 bikes) Where I Can Still Access Rear SUV "Trunk" Area
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2" Rack (2 bikes) Where I Can Still Access Rear SUV "Trunk" Area
Seeking a 2" hitch type rack where I can still access the back "trunk) area via the SUV door. The rear door swings upward.
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance!
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There are two routes you can go with this. The first is to use an swivel extender. Like this one.
The other way is is most quality racks have a pull down mechanism that pivots the bikes away from the door towards the ground. I own a Thule and it pivots down but there are others.
Watch the eTrailer videos on YouTube on the model you want and they quite likely have a demonstration.
With the extender there may be limitations on the number of bikes you can use so keep that in mind.
While Google may be your friend as the esteemed writer points out above, nothing beats the friends on Bike Forums that can easily give the information.
Good luck with whatever model you purchase.
The other way is is most quality racks have a pull down mechanism that pivots the bikes away from the door towards the ground. I own a Thule and it pivots down but there are others.
Watch the eTrailer videos on YouTube on the model you want and they quite likely have a demonstration.
With the extender there may be limitations on the number of bikes you can use so keep that in mind.
While Google may be your friend as the esteemed writer points out above, nothing beats the friends on Bike Forums that can easily give the information.
Good luck with whatever model you purchase.
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As blakcloud wrote, a hitch-mounted rack will generally pivot downward to allow hatch access. Even with a couple bikes mounted, you're taking advantage of leverage, so it's not that hard to move the bikes out of the way and then back up again.
When I was buying a rack, I found it helpful that the shop guy had the same one on his car -- we just went outside and I got a demo. If you go to a large shop, someone will have a rack on a vehicle outside and give you a demo - and then be able to explain the differences with other models. Pro tip: then buy the rack from that shop.
When I was buying a rack, I found it helpful that the shop guy had the same one on his car -- we just went outside and I got a demo. If you go to a large shop, someone will have a rack on a vehicle outside and give you a demo - and then be able to explain the differences with other models. Pro tip: then buy the rack from that shop.
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They’re expensive, but it doesn’t get any better than a rack from 1Up USA bike racks. Pivots down to allow access, and loads and unloads bikes securely in seconds. Not a great choice if you have bike fenders.
IMPORTANT NOTE: I actually have this rack, and use it with a vehicle that has a hatch. (Just for you blakcloud, just for you! )
IMPORTANT NOTE: I actually have this rack, and use it with a vehicle that has a hatch. (Just for you blakcloud, just for you! )
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I have the earlier version of the Kuat Transfer 2. It swings downward to access the rear hatch (I have it on a '18 Nissan Rogue and the hatch clears the bikes in the down position). It's been a very solid platform carrier, at about half the price of the 1Up. The new version can be expanded to carry at third bike with an optional additional piece, if your needs change in the future.
Although it's not recommended for bikes with fenders, I use it on my Forza that has SKS chromoplast fenders without issues. The front fender is flexible enough to simply push down and hold. The rear wheel straps down at the bottom, so the fender is not an issue on that wheel.
Kuat Transfer v.2
Although it's not recommended for bikes with fenders, I use it on my Forza that has SKS chromoplast fenders without issues. The front fender is flexible enough to simply push down and hold. The rear wheel straps down at the bottom, so the fender is not an issue on that wheel.
Kuat Transfer v.2
Last edited by Altair 4; 04-14-21 at 02:16 PM.
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Thule T2 Rack
The Thule T2 will pivot away from the vehicle to allow the hatch to open.
It will even do it when using the add-on +2 bike extension. (4 bikes total) if you have a class 3 hitch.
No Class 3 hitch, your limited to just two bikes.
BTW the T2 IS heavy. I don't even try to install or remove it with the +2 attached.
But I never worry about the security of having 4 bikes back there!
Barry
Last thought... The T2 grabs the bikes by the wheels.
Because there is no frame contact, it's safe for both Carbon and butted/thin Aluminum frames.
It will even do it when using the add-on +2 bike extension. (4 bikes total) if you have a class 3 hitch.
No Class 3 hitch, your limited to just two bikes.
BTW the T2 IS heavy. I don't even try to install or remove it with the +2 attached.
But I never worry about the security of having 4 bikes back there!
Barry
Last thought... The T2 grabs the bikes by the wheels.
Because there is no frame contact, it's safe for both Carbon and butted/thin Aluminum frames.
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If you can find a Softride...
https://realtruck.com/p/softride-acc...ent-bike-rack/
https://realtruck.com/p/softride-acc...ent-bike-rack/
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Barry2 makes a good point and it made me remember that checking the rack weight was part of my decision-buying, along with price and bike attachment method. The T2 (2 bikes) weighs 50#, the 1Up 2" Heavy Duty weighs 46#, and the Kuat Transfer 2 weighs 37#. The weight makes a difference to me since I don't leave the rack on all the time. Saris and Yakima also make platform carriers worth checking out.
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