Bike rack question

Photomom

We currently have a Thule bike rack that fits in our hitch receiver, similar to this one: http://www.thule.com/en-us/us/products/carriers-and-racks/bike-carriers/hitch-mounted-bike-carriers/thule-vertex-2-bike-9028-_-1260651

We're trying to think ahead to how we could take bikes AND tow a T@B. Would something like this be feasible? http://www.hitchsource.com/dual-receiver-extender-p-30399.html

I don't think the added weight would be an issue since our Highlander and the hitch are rated for 5000 lbs towing / 750 lbs tongue weight. 

jdargis

With the tongue weight capacity you have, it shouldn't be an issue.  The important point with all hitch extensions, is your tongue capacity is cut by 50%.  But the trailer tongue weight, bike rack weight and the two bicycles still keep you below  375 lbs.

Photomom

What is the 50% based on? Is that just a rule of thumb or is there a formula?

jdargis

Check out more information on etrailer.com under hitch extensions.

Photomom

Thanks. If I am reading correctly the towing capacity will also be reduced, i.e. 2500 lbs instead of 5000, yes?

jdargis

That would be correct.  But you can buy a fixed ball mount with a 2 inch receiver for a bicycle rack, then nothing changes.  The issue here is, they don't make them in different drop heights.  So, if your tow vehicle is high and your trailer is low, you can't buy one of these to work.

jcfaber1

Go to etrailer and check out the swagmanXP towing rack

Photomom

Our Thule bike rack is excellent and we would prefer not to buy another bike rack. 

jcfaber1

http://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Bike-Racks/Swagman/S64955.html

I understand not wanting to buy yet another Rack.  I found there was just not sufficient space with the T@B and our hitch Rack by how far out from the vehicle it was.  Even with the dual receiver. If you find you are in this boat, it is a cost effective solution.
John

Photomom

Thanks much!

Mike_in_Atlanta

Rather than a hitch extender which gives you two parts to wiggle around and does extend your ball away from the car you might look at one of these: http://www.harborfreight.com/multi-use-ball-mount-66966.html

mike

jdargis

Once again great, if the TV hitch and trailer tongue same height, otherwise good luck trying to find a drop model.

Lisa33

I finally bought a folding bike for my son after going through several iterations of bike racks (including using a similar hitch extension).  Just another thought for you to consider...

Verna

I changed to a folding bike, too. 7 speeds and it's closer to the ground!  It takes up
less space if left standing while folded, rather than laying down.

propus

That's similar to what I'm using.
http://www.etrailer.com/Ball-Mounts/Curt/D210.html
It requires a Jack-e-up or some other way to move the jack. The rack is a 1UP USA single bike rack at 23#. You can add additional platforms at 18# each. There is a turning restriction where the bike contacts the battery/propane cover. For my rig it occurs after 90deg of full lock turn. I figure if I get there I've already done something wrong. I can take the bike off and fold the rack up close to the car. No restrictions then. The rack will fold down, and I can open the hatch, even with the bike mounted.

Bandanaman

Mike in Atlanta--That looks pretty perfect.  I'm gonna try it as we have a good hitch bike rack as well.  Thank you.

source3

Go to a local fabrication shop and have them weld you up something. Use the below link to scroll through the photos to get some ideas how ISI Bicycle Carriers solved the problem.  Only look for the trailers, ignore the vehicle hitch mounts.

http://isi-carriers.com/customers/isi-bicycle-carrier-customers.html