Question:
Guys, Very interested in pickup truck usability- specifically if I can still open my tailgate and use my bed extender in my f250. All coolers of sufficient size are too tall to allow me to rear-mount a cooler and still my tailgate.
asked by: Daniel
Expert Reply:
The Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE2 Platform 2 Bike Rack w/Cargo Carrier # HR1450Z-85 that you referenced has a shank rise of 7 inches. If you add about another 1/2 inch that will give you the resting place of your cooler. You will want to measure from the top of the inside of your trailer hitch receiver to the bottom of your tailgate to see if there is enough clearance. The side rails on the cargo carrier sit 6 inches high so you can check that height (13-1/2 inches) as well if you think there will be clearance issues.
If you are going to have clearance problems then you can use a front mount trailer hitch receiver, like the Draw-Tite # 65049 which is confirmed to fit 2010-2016 Ford F-250s, and either just the cargo carrier # HR1485 or the bike and cargo carrier # HR1450Z-85.
Going this route will block your air intake so you might want to get an additional transmission cooler to ensure that your engine doesn't overheat. I have linked our selection of coolers. You just have to select your vehicle and which one will fit. I have also attached a helpful article about transmission coolers that you can check out.
Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
15x52 Hollywood Racks Hitch Cargo Carrier for Sport Rider SE and SE2 Bike Racks - 2" Hitches
Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE2 Bike Rack w/ Cargo Carrier for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches
