How to Get More Clearance When Using Swagman XP 3 Bike Rack on 36-Foot Trailer

Question:

I purchased the Swagman bike rack 649103. I have a 36foot Big Country and the receiver on the rear is located under the trailer @ 6. What I need to know is there a longer receiver piece available so the bikes handle bars wont be banging against the back of the camper? If not, Ill have to go to a machine shop to have one fabricated. Thanks, the rack itself seems very sturdy and I look forward to getting it mounted and on the road.

asked by: Ted W

Expert Reply:

First, thank you for your recent purchase from etrailer of your Swagman XP Bike Rack for use on the rear of your trailer.

This rack offers a good amount of clearance from its hitch pin hole - 13-1/2 inches. Few RV hitch bike racks offer more clearance between the hitch pin hole and the upright mast of the rack. The Swagman Original # S64152-2 provides 14-inches.

The trouble with using ANY type of adapter or extender in a hitch is that this action will have the unavoidable side-effect of cutting your hitch capacity IN HALF. There is no way around this issue.
No adapter of any type can give you the extension you're looking for without costing you half of your hitch tongue weight capacity.

If your RV hitch has enough capacity such that when it is cut in half by use of an adapter it still is enough to handle the combined weight of all the bikes plus the weight of the XP rack (29-lbs) then you can use an adapter. If not a better and safer route is to replace the rack with the NV2. If, that is, those extra 4-inches get you the clearance you need.

Brophy offers their # HE06 extender for 2-inch hitches that will give you 7 more inches of clearance.
Curt offers a similar 14-inch extension, part # C45795.

If you elect to use an adapter, I strongly urge you to add some stabilizing straps to help absorb some of the road shock that will be transmitted to the hitch. Curt offers their # 18050 but other cargo control items can work. I have included a link to cargo control items.