Didn’t realize with a lot of these you can’t swing them away loaded without spending at least $300-500 on something like the Thule vertex or apex.
Make sure to check Craigslist for bike racks.
Got the Swagman XTC-4. Putting it together now. I’ll post a review when I get some experience with it.
Alright so I took my Swagman XTC-4 on its first trip.
- Oracle 36
- Kona full size mountain bike
- 20" kids bike
- 16" kids bike
The 16" bike didn’t easily fit in the wheel loops, but I had extra space, so I just stuck it in the back. The rest of the wheels fit great. I tried some different things with the 36, but settled on putting the wheel in one loop then using a bungie cord to secure the seat and post down to the other wheel loop.
I had one issue, which is that apparently I bottomed out on a pretty steep gravel road and bent one of the empty wheel hoops. It’s pretty strong metal so I am going to have to take it to a shop to see if they can bend it back. A new set costs $40. I don’t blame the rack for that; it’s just something to watch out for when going up steep non-paved roads.
All the bikes were very secure. Putting together the rack took a few hours. The hardest part was getting the bolt through the ratchet arms, but it was all-in-all pretty easy.
Access to the rear is limited when both ratchet arms are up. You’ll have to take the bikes off the arm closest to the tailgate to get access to the rear of the car.
The thing is quite heavy, so it’s a bit much to take it out if you are only hauling one bike or uni.
I’ve never had another hitch rack, so I have nothing to compare it to. But I am satisfied with this. I like the flexibility of the platform type of rack. It seems well suited for unicycles.
That is exactly how I put my 36ers on my Swagman XTC 2. The hook (big ones that ratchet up and down the main post) hits the big 36" wheel close enough to center. Add a couple of HitchMate velcro straps to secure the wheel at the hook and of course the factory rubber straps at the bottom to see that the wheel stays in the tray. Glad to hear your XTC 4 is working out.
Remove the main post and it carries my wife’s ElliptiGO.
