Swagman Standard 4-Bike Fold Down Towing Rack (2" receiver)

I've had this rack for since 2002 - has worked well for carrying bikes whether towing my +2000-lbs popup camper or not. I've recommended it to friends, and would buy it again.

Don't use the swing-down feature often, as it's pretty heavy if bikes are loaded. The v-cradles for the bikes don't work as well for the oval tubes on some bikes - especially for really "tall" top tubes. I bought a "cheater" tube for adapting troublesome bikes (ladies frame, etc.) to fit the rack.

The three screws to fasten the top plate are a little tedious, but I can clamp it as tight as I want, can accomodate top tubes of varous diameters (the top plate flexes), and I have never seen them loosen even after several hours of highway driving.

Re: earlier comments on chains: I tow with a minivan (towing package including load-leveling). I had to get safety chain extensions so I could tow my popup camper. To kee the chains off the road, I use a bungee cord from the crossing point... Read more

Just returned from a 1200 mile trip using Swagman to haul our bikes and pull a pop up camper. Functioned flawlessly. Held bikes securely. Hauled the trailer firmly and quietly. As with any multiple purpose tool there are compromises. It's a little inconvenient to hook up safety chains and trailer lights with bikes on. OR . . . a little clumsy to load the bikes after the trailer/lights/chains are connected. However, considering the cost and the multipurpose nature I couldn't be more pleased.

This bike rack worked great driving hundreds of miles to the Mountains. It held the bikes firmly. We had the SUV packed so tight I could not see out the back window. But after stopping several times, to double-check things, it was quite evident the bikes were safely and firmly in place. Also like the ability to be able to tow a small trailer or camper behind this. It does have limitations on what you can tow from this, which would be lower than what you could tow directly from your vehicle. Another option might be, depending on your local laws and what else you tow, could be to put this bike rack on the back of what you tow. Based on the solid performance and versatility, this gets the highest rating. However, there are a few things to consider. For security, in other words to prevent your bikes from being stolen, there are a few things to be aware of. You will need a locking hitch pin, where this goes into your vehicle hitch. You will also need a padlock to lock the plates... Read more