Swagman XC Cross-Country 2-Bike Hitch Mount Rack (2-Inch Receiver)

This is unusual in this day and time, for it's heavy steel, quality construction. Only plastic on this is the thumbscrew tighteners on the adjustable wheel cradles. Almost completely assembled, and it was a snap to install on the SUV trailer receiver. I was able to adjust to fit a small sting ray type bicycle, and a large 28 speed cruiser, to carry at the same time. Don't purchase this if your're looking for a lightweight, but I expect it to last forever. Definitely recommend

I just purchased one of these along with the locking 5/8 hitch pin in what I thought was a nice package. However, now that I've actually received the rack the combination is useless. They have changed the design of the attachment to the hitch. Instead of a standard 5/8 pin, it uses a proprietary threaded bolt which is too small to allow the use of a hitch pin. The advantage is that the rack can be attached tightly to the hitch. The (major) disadvantage is that it now requires a wrench to install and remove. Had I known this I probably would have bought a different model, and definitely not bought the locking pin. When I called Swagman to complain they tried to blame Amazon for having outdated information. However, Swagman's own support website has the old design in the instructions, which do not match the product I received. The representative tried to convince me it was an improvement, I don't agree.

I purchased this rack to carry two mountain bikes on my Ford minivan. As others have said on their review, this is a great value. My only issue with this rack is that once I installed the two bikes, the handlebar of the mountain bike installed closest to the car comes dangerously close to the glass (with only about 1/8" clearance of the glass on the rear trunk door. Needless to say, I'm concerned about hitting a bump on the road and shattering the glass. I don't know if the location of the hitch in my car is too far back, as I don't see others having this problem, they even mention having enough clearance installing it with a rear spare tire on their car. I could have used a longer receiver bar on mine. I'm keeping the rack because most of the time I'm going to be carrying just one bike which I will install on the outside, but when I have to carry two bikes I will have to place some kind of padding on the handle bar of the bike closest to the car, or purchase a longer receiver bar that will work.
What I really like about this rack is that I can easily remove it and store it inside my car, it isn't extremely heavy or cumbersome and it will save me having to purchase the two locking pins needed to prevent theft of the rack. If you are planning to go on a long trip and leaving your bikes unattended you will not only need to purchase two locking pins for the rack, but also a set of 2 swagman locking knobs for the wheel trays of each bike and a cable bicycle lock to secure your bikes to the hook holders, this will prevent someone from lifting your bikes off the rack. Each hook holders has a hole on the side through which one can place a cable with a lock.

Great Rack. Easy to assemble. Easy to load bikes. No unwanted movement once mated to receiver and holds one or two bikes securely when traveling.
Nicest feature is that it folds up for storage when not in use.

The only problem I had was with the nuts in the hardware kit for securing the wheel mount brackets. They cannot be tightened enough to securely hold the wheel brackets in place. Best to go to your local hardware store and get four replacement 3/8x1.25" carriage bolts with matching nuts and lock washers BEFORE you put this rack together. It'll save you a lot of frustration and wasted time.

The rack is easy to set up, although the initial set up will take a bit longer since you'll need to work out the best orientation for your bikes. Tip: put the smaller bike on the inside, and alternate the direction. It keeps the bikes locked down pretty good, and you can lock the ratchet and rack using standard receiver locks so nobody can mess with it. It's very easy to load and unload, and to disconnect from the receiver.

I own a Toyota FJ Cruiser and was concerned that the rack might not have enough clearance behind the spare tire, but our mountain bikes fit with no problems. Of course anything back there will reduce your ground clearance, but on the FJ Cruiser with a factory 2" receiver, it's up high off the ground.

A great value!