View Full Version : any body use a towable bike rack?
1redTA
05-07-2011, 06:31 AM
Who has used a towable bike rack and can tell me any gripes or pluses. I will be hooking my 81 Skier behind it so the 3500# capacity should not be a problem
I was contemplating something like this
http://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Bike-Racks/Swagman/S64975.html
The 08 sierra crew cab is itty bitty and after I put in some camping and boating supplies the bikes will not fit. I don't want them in the boat tearing up the interior.
Thanks Art
Bouyhead
05-07-2011, 07:39 AM
The tilt away option is nice if you need access to your trunk or tailgate but between a not so snug fit in the receiver & the tilt away option it gets a little wobbly. Still a pretty good system.
Mike
Jerseydave
05-07-2011, 08:40 AM
Even with the 3500# rating, not sure I would trust it towing anything but a jetski trailer.
On my chevy pickup, we installed a class III receiver on the front for the bike rack and it worked well. That way we could still use the slide-in camper and pull the boat plus bring the bikes!
CantRepeat
05-07-2011, 08:46 AM
Yup, we have one. It's a two bike model but I still put my daughters bike in the middel with out issue. Never had a problem with it.
Bouyhead
05-07-2011, 10:02 AM
Would this be a better option?
66319
1redTA
05-07-2011, 12:46 PM
I found this front mounted hitch
http://www.etrailer.com/Front-Hitch/GMC/Sierra/2008/65052.html?vehicleid=2008106753
it may be a good option as well
Dad 2 3
05-08-2011, 11:51 PM
TA,
I have almost the same one you have the link to in your original post. I got it from Etrailer 7 years or so ago. It's worked well. The pinned tilt option is a must have. The only thing I would say to be careful with is some bike's top tube is not long enough or straight enought to slide over the cradle. I have found some kids' bikes (20" wheel and below) sometimes will not fit. In addition some higher end mountain bikes with deep V top frame tubes (Specialized Stump Jumper for instance) or some with rear suspensions (depending on the geometry) will not fit. I'm not sure of any other styles would work better, but I would hate for you to buy something online only to find out it doesn't fit. My two cents...... Make sure it works for your bikes before you buy it.