Solved: Hitch Mount Bike Rack Interference

[QuesoEnFuego]

I've had a hitch mount bike rack (Kuat NV) for the last few years and love it. I had planned to keep using it but it turns out that when it's installed it interferes with the tailgate opening. (Tailgate can't lay flat even when bike rack is in flat position).

I didn't grab images of this condition specifically but here is an image of the rack on there.

Anyone have a hitch rack that sits a little lower and doesn't have this problem?

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[Cutta]

I think a hitch extender or dual hitch extender from Harbor Freight could solve your problem and let continue using your Kuat NV

 

[coreyvisto]

my 1up standard does the same. I keep tailgate cables in upper position so I don’t accidentally forget and let it fall onto the rack.
The 1up equip d may allow the tailgate to go down all the way when racks set to lowest position. Looking at the diagrams/specs it sits an inch and a half or so lower. There’s someone on here who has posted their maverick and the equip d rack but hasn’t responded to questions regarding the tailgate unfortunately.

 

[mamboman777]

my 1up standard does the same. I keep tailgate cables in upper position so I don’t accidentally forget and let it fall onto the rack.
The 1up equip d may allow the tailgate to go down all the way when racks set to lowest position. Looking at the diagrams/specs it sits an inch and a half or so lower. There’s someone on here who has posted their maverick and the equip d rack but hasn’t responded to questions regarding the tailgate unfortunately.

That's a reasonable solution.

 

[93tilInfinity]

Equip-D allows the tail to lie flat as long as you don’t slam the rack into the hitch.

 

[QuesoEnFuego]

Equip-D allows the tail to lie flat as long as you don’t slam the rack into the hitch.

Thanks for the info.

Big Hieroglyphics fan?

 

[SkeeterB]

I use the Harbor Freight bike rack. Put a pool noodle on it where the tailgate hits. Gives me ease of mind if I need to open the tonneau when the bike is on board.

 

[dalola]

I have a Rage hitch rack that sits much lower, and also will drop down to clear hatches & tailgates. Don't have my Mav to try it on yet, but has worked well on my F150 & Honda Pilot.

 

[QuesoEnFuego]

Update here:

I ended up putting a 9 inch hitch extender on. It allows me to maintain the ground clearance and open the tailgate without interference. It definitely makes the overall vehicle length pretty long but I don't run the rack full time and this is best compromise I have figured out without buying a new rack.

 

[SpaceyMac]

Swing away adaptor could also solve issue. Example would be Yakima Backswing.

 

[QuesoEnFuego]

Swing away adaptor could also solve issue. Example would be Yakima Backswing.

Agreed, for me though those things are expensive AF for what they are. I'd sooner pony up for the One Up rack the fits before going this route.

 

[djb_rh]

No 1up fits, though. I already have an Equip-D single *and* a 2 place Superduty and the tailgate can hit either one, even folded down.

An extension like you used works, and a shorter extension with a drop works, but both leave the rack behind the tailgate and in the way for sitting on the tailgate. I also wanted to *leave* my rack on most of the time because I use it a LOT. In trying to find other options, I noticed 1up sells this:

https://www.1up-usa.com/product/add-on-hitch-adapter/

I already had two add-on trays for my Superduty and rarely use them, so I bought it. As expected, it also didn’t work. But if you look close at how it’s made, it’s not too hard to make new side plates for it. So I had a fabricator friend do that for me and this is what I now have:

Untitled by djb_rh, on Flickr

Untitled by djb_rh, on Flickr

It seems to work great. It’s not nearly as low as my receiver adapter that had a drop to it, so it’s less likely to drag than that would have been and seems fine in this regard. It also doesn’t stick out very far, so it’s just not really in the way even though it doesn’t fold like the other 1up options. And I can easily add my second tray to it if I want, but then it will stick out when the gate is down (but won’t touch it still). But for now I can unload my bike, fold the gate down, and then sit on the gate to change shoes and whatnot. Also much easier to reach my gear bag, which I put in the back since I have the camper shell.

The camper shell presents its own problem with the tailgate, too, because that opening is NOT very tall when the tailgate is closed. Like, you can only sorta barely get your head and torso in there to grab something. So it’s REALLY nice to be able to open the gate, too.

The custom side plates were $140, but worth it to me. Note that they are not “just” flat plates cut to this shape and drilled, they have to have an pocket machined on the inside where the two hex bolts go through. That takes the sheer load off the hex bolts quite nicely, but also means you need an actual milling machine to re-create these, not just a way to cut, drill, and tap aluminum.


—Donnie

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