What Swing Away Hitch Adapter Do You Recommend for the Shortest Shank Length?

Question:

I am trying to get a Kuat vs. Thule vs. Yakima swing away hitch adapter, which is as close as possible to the rear door, as it will have a cargo rack and I do not want it hanging out so far. Trying to shorten up the vehicle pin hole. It appears Thule restricts the vehicle pin hole with a side bar. It appears Yakima restricts the vehicle pin hole with a bend in the tube. It appears the Kuat uses an angled side plate to restrict and loose 2 inches. Seems they are all built over long on he vehicle side, for hatch opening or tires, which I have none of those issues. My vehicle has the end of the receiver flush to the end of the bumper, so need a much shorter receiver side tube. Any thoughts ?

asked by: Glenn

Expert Reply:

If you are trying to get the swing away adapter that is closest to the vehicle's bumper, here are the measurements to the closest part of the rack from the shank receiver pinhole:

Kuat Pivot 2 Swing Away Hitch Extender for Bike Racks # PVP20B: 5-3/16 inches
Yakima BackSwing Swing Away Hitch Extender for Bike Racks # Y02483: 8-1/2 inches
Thule Access Swing Away Hitch Extender: 5 inches

With these measurements, the Thule Access Swing Away Hitch Extender will have the shortest shank overhang for your flush hitch.

expert reply by: Bob C