Bike Rack Tilt Hack

The most frustrating thing about a hitch mounted bike rack is the fact they are rigid and it is virtually impossible to access the rear hatch of a camper, van, SUV, or hatchback with the bikes mounted. This is frustrating on a trip when you want to remove luggage, etc. and leave the bikes fixed in place. This modification allows the bikes to tilt while you open the hatch, then re-secure them in place. All without removing them.

First, make certain you have a properly installed, frame mounted receiver style hitch that will support the rack. I bought a Sportwing bike rack with a 1,1/4" drawbar that fit my receiver. Before assembling it according to manufacturer's instructions, I made a new drawbar. I warn you this will violate the bike rack manufacturers warranty. Make sure you know how to weld, or get a certified welder to do it. Also, purchase proper hardened bolts and hitch pins.

You'll need 1,1/4" steel tube the same length as the supplied drawbar, some plate steel, and angle iron. Make a new mounting plate the same as the original. Drill it with the same size holes. Cut two pieces of the angle iron about 2" longer than the mounting plate and weld them to it so the steel tube fits between them and the iron has a 1" overhang at each end of the mounting plate. See the picture, the top drawbar is the supplied original. The bottom is the hack.

Fit the new mounting plate over the end of the tube and try tilting it till it stops at the angle you want. You'll have to slide it back and forth so don't be in a hurry to drill. When you have it right, drill in 3 places. Near the rear of the plate at a point where you get the proper tilt angle,near the front of the plate for the securing pin and at the other end of the tube. (This is for the hitch mount.) use a drill size that will accommodate your supplied hitch pin.

Attach the new mounting plate with a proper size bolt, washers and a Nyloc nut at the end of the tube and tighten till it can tilt, but is slightly stiff. Slide the hitch pin into the hole at the other end of the mounting plate and attach the retainer clip.

You could use another hitch pin to attach to your receiver but I suggest welding a captive nut inside the tube to match the hole. You can then use a bolt and lock washer to attach it. This totally eliminates any flex or shake when hauling the bikes. I'm a fuss budget though, so a hitch pin will work, after all that is what the manufacturer supplies.

Of course, you'll disassemble it all and spray it with a good matching paint like Tremclad. Put it all back together and haul bikes. I've used this on three totally different vehicles, a vintage VW camper, a Hyundai Santa Fe, and a Chevy Equinox. It performed well on all three and never shook or rattled. It's nice to know that you can get stuff out of the back without the hassle of removing the bikes.