Ever feel like your tailgate is trapped behind your bike rack or cargo carrier? You load up your gear for an adventure, only to realize you can’t easily reach your trunk. That’s a common headache for many drivers who tow or carry extra items. Choosing the right Swing Out Hitch can solve this problem, but figuring out which one fits your vehicle and your needs can feel like a puzzle. There are so many different styles and features out there!
Don’t let a tricky hitch keep you from accessing your vehicle. This post dives deep into the world of Swing Out Hitches. We will explain what they are, how they work, and what to look for. By the end, you’ll understand how to pick the perfect hitch so you can get to your stuff without the hassle. Let’s explore how a Swing Out Hitch can make your life on the road much easier.
Top Swing Out Hitch Recommendations
- 90° SWING - FULL TAILGATE ACCESS. Swings a full 90 degrees to provide complete, unobstructed access to your trunk or tailgate. Never unload your bikes or cargo just to grab your gear again
- HEAVY-DUTY 400 LB CAPACITY - BUILT TO LAST. Outperforms the competition. Engineered with reinforced steel and superior welding, it boasts a 400 lbs weight capacity to safely carry heavier loads of bikes and gear with unwavering stability
- POSITIVE LOCKING MECHANISM - SECURE IN TRANSIT. Features a heavy-duty spring-loaded locking pin that delivers an audible "CLICK" for confidence. It won't vibrate loose, ensuring your rack stays securely in place during travel and only swings when you want it to
- The fastest setup on the market. Simply insert into your 2-inch receiver and secure with the included lock pin. No wrenches, no hassle—you're ready to roll in under a minute
- Seamlessly adds swing-away functionality to any standard 2-inch hitch receiver and is compatible with most bike racks and cargo carriers. The ultimate accessory for SUVs, trucks, and vans
- 【Dual-Side Mounting Support】 The swing away hitch adapter compatible with a wide range of vehicle models, this rack can be installed on either side of your vehicle, taking into account the exhaust pipe's positioning (whether on the driver or passenger side) to prevent blockage or overheating. Crafted specifically to ensure a comfortable travel experience and exclusively compatible with 2-inch hitch adapters.
- 【0-180° Smooth-Swing Hitch Arm】The hitch swing away arm effortlessly access your tailgate or trunk with this heavy-duty hitch accessory. The full-range 180° pivot with 105° self-locking high-torque pivot pin moves smoothly when needed and stays securely in place during transit – no locking mechanism required. Compatible with most hitch-mounted racks, it maintains clearance from your vehicle to prevent scratches. Ideal for pickup trucks, SUVs, and work vehicles where quick rear access matters. The upgraded durable design ensures reliable performance season after season. Simply swing when needed – it stays put when you drive.
- 【250 LBS Load Capacity, Stress-Free Loading】The swing away hitch built with durable 3.0 reinforced steel, effortlessly handles up to250 pounds! With the potential to accommodate up to 20 bicycles, featuring a 16mm reinforced steel pivot axis. Simply lift for the swing arm to open, and lower to securely lock it in place using the 304 stainless steel pins and fixed clamps, ensuring a robust installation at the rear for enhanced safety.
- 【Smooth Control】The hitch bike racks extended swing arm measures 25.8 inches per arm, extending up to a maximum open length of 49.8 inches, using a 3.15inch reinforced steel pivot axis. It remains stable even when fully loaded, providing seamless movement for effortless loading and unloading, ensuring a satisfying experience.
- 【Friendly Companionship 】: Our swing away hitch adapter comes with a 3-Year Factory-Services, If you encounter any issues with the swing away hitch mounts , please give us a-call. Our customer-service team will help you within 12 hours.
- EASY TRUNK ACCESS WITH SWING AWAY FUNCTION - Our swing away hitch pivots 90° for full hatch access without removing bikes or cargo, offering spontaneous adventure readiness.
- HEAVY-DUTY SUPPORT - This swing away hitch adapter robustly handles up to 250 lbs of rack plus bike weight, ensuring your gear stays secure wherever the road takes you.
- VERSATILE & COMPATIBLE - Universally designed for 2” hitch receivers, this swing hitch adapter enhances the functionality of your bike rack swing or cargo carrier.
- AMERICAN CRAFTSMANSHIP - Proudly made in the USA, this alloy steel hitch promises durability and reliability for all your road trips.
- EFFORTLESS INSTALLATION & PORTABILITY - Features built-in handles and a Hitch Tightener for a secure and easy setup. Foldable for compact storage.
- 【MAKE SURE YOUR RACK NEVER GETS IN THE WAY】:Our swing away hitch adapter rotate 90°, allowing access to the entire hatch without unloading bikes or cargo.
- 【HEAVY DUTY】:This swing away hitch adapter holds up to 400lbs of rack and bike weight to keep your gear safe and secure.
- 【HIGH UNIVERSALITY】:This swing adapter is universal for 2-inch hitch receivers and enhances the functionality of bike racks or cargo racks.
- 【QUICK SETUP】:This hitch adapter is designed for easy installation, so you can get on the road with minimal hassle.
- 【MULTI PURPOSE】:You can use this product when you go out riding or fishing, it will give you convenience and allow you to load more things on your vehicle!
- Versatile Cargo Storage: EXO SwingBase converts your 2-inch hitch into a versatile, foldable base to attach a wide range of Yakima accessories for easy and accessible storage.
- Easy Rear Access: Swing the loaded EXO SwingBase away from your vehicle with a simple motion, providing hassle-free access to your car's rear for loading, unloading, and packing up.
- Secure & Convenient: Included HitchLock secures the EXO SwingBase to your vehicle, while 2 SKS locks ensure your gear stays protected. Tool-free EXO Cleat system with locking SpeedKnobs enables quick, easy installation.
- Durable & Stylish Design: Crafted with premium materials, the EXO SwingBase boasts a rugged yet lightweight construction that can support up to 100 lbs, complementing your outdoor adventures with a sleek, modern look.
- Take It Easy: Since 1979, Yakima has worked to simplify the way people travel and transport recreational sporting equipment. We put safety, sensibility, and street smarts into every product design.
- Swing-Away for Easy Access: The Swing Away Bike Rack Hitch Adapter is designed to converts most 2 inch hitch products into a swing-away system. Swing away function allowing a full access to your vehicle’s back gates, tailgates or hatchbacks without removing your bakes or cargo, adds much more convenient to the adventure. (Bike rack not included)
- Easy Operation-Quick Release and Lock: Just pull out the thumb screw of the Bike Rack Swing Away Hitch Mount and then you can pivot the swing arm of the bracket arm to a 120-degree angle and lock it in place. When you need to close the Swing Away Bicycle Rack Hitch Mount Adapter, Lift the ring of the pin and lock it in place simply with the thumb screw.
- Widely Applicable & Enhanced Secure: Swing Arm Bike Rack Hitch Mount Adapter compatible with most vehicles equipped with a 2-inch hitch receiver, and works with a wide range of 2-inch hitch-mounted bike racks and cargo carriers. Secured with a robust steel bolt and double-latch mechanism for enhanced safety and stability on the road.
- Outstanding Durability: The Swing Away Hitch Mount Bike Rack built from sturdy alloy steel and designed with heavy duty construction. Ensuring a strong load capacity, don’t worry about bending or breaking even when fully loaded. Hold up to 260 lbs (rack plus gear). The full-body powder-coated finish offers excellent rust resistance, making it ideal for different weather conditions.
- Easy and Quick Installation: Back Swing Hitch Bicycle Rack can be easily install within just 10 minutes, comes with installation tools and detailed instructions. If you have any questions about products, please feel free to contact us and we will actively provide you with a prompt and suitable solution.
- HEAVY-DUTY KUAT SWING AWAY DESIGN - The KUAT Pivot XD is engineered as a premium swing away hitch that allows full tailgate access without removing your rack or carrier. With smooth passenger-side swing action and 90 and 120-degree positions, it delivers true convenience for loading gear and post-ride access
- 350 LB LOAD CAPACITY FOR SERIOUS HAULING - Built as a robust upgrade to the Pivot V2, the KUAT Pivot XD supports up to 350 pounds, making it ideal for heavy cargo carriers and approved vertical bike racks. When used with vertical racks, it supports up to four bikes with a reduced 150 lb capacity
- FORGED LATCH AND FLATLOCK HITCH CAM SYSTEM - Every KUAT Pivot XD features a forged latch design for exceptional rigidity under load, paired with a patented Flatlock Hitch Cam that eliminates play at the receiver. A custom-machined safety pin and included locking hitch pin work together to deliver best-in-class stability
- SMOOTH SEALED BALL BEARING PIVOT - A pressed, sealed ball bearing pivot creates a controlled and fluid swing experience, allowing the KUAT Pivot XD to open and close smoothly even when fully loaded. This precision pivot system ensures consistent performance, reduced wear, and long-term reliability in demanding conditions
- BUILT FOR ACCESSORIES AND LONG-TERM DURABILITY - Constructed entirely from steel with a Sandy Black powder coat finish, the KUAT Pivot XD is built to accept upcoming accessories including a molle hoop and spare tire mount. Compatible with cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and flat-towed vehicles, excluding trailers and motorhomes
- 250 lbs Heavy-Duty Load Capacity Built with solid steel construction and reinforced joints, this swing arm easily supports up to 250 lbs of total load. Perfect for carrying heavy e-bikes, cargo carriers, or other gear with total confidence on any terrain.
- Fully Pre-Assembled – Ready to Use Out of the Box No complicated setup or tools needed. The one-piece integrated design comes 100% pre-installed, so you can mount it in minutes and hit the road right away.
- 1500-Hour Salt Spray Tested & IP68 Waterproof Durability you can rely on. Each unit passes 1500 hours of salt spray testing and achieves IP68 waterproof rating, ensuring long-lasting performance against rust, rain, mud, and snow.
- Effortless Rear Access for SUVs, Vans & Off-Road Vehicles Easily swing your rack to the side to open your trunk or rear doors without removing the rack. No more blocked tailgates or storage compartments — get quick access to your gear anytime, anywhere.
- Universal Fit & Modular Design for Future Upgrades Works seamlessly with most 2-inch hitch E-bike racks, bike racks, and cargo carriers. The modular design supports future add-ons like locking systems or support arms, giving you more flexibility and room to grow.
The Essential Guide to Choosing Your Swing Out Hitch
A swing-out hitch is a game-changer for anyone who tows a trailer but also needs easy access to their truck’s tailgate or rear cargo area. This device lets your spare tire carrier, bike rack, or cargo basket swing away from the rear of your vehicle. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a swing-out hitch, several features really matter. You want something strong and easy to use.
- **Weight Capacity:** Check the tongue weight rating. This number tells you how much weight the hitch can safely support. Make sure it matches or exceeds your trailer’s tongue weight.
- **Swing Mechanism:** Look at how smoothly it moves. Some models use simple pins; others have robust locking mechanisms. A good mechanism locks securely when closed to prevent rattling while driving.
- **Receiver Size Compatibility:** Most hitches fit standard 2-inch receivers. Confirm your truck has the right size receiver installed already.
- **Adjustability:** Can you adjust the distance from the vehicle? Some swing-outs offer different mounting positions for accessories like spare tires.
Important Materials and Durability
The material determines how long your hitch lasts and how much weight it handles.
Most high-quality swing-out hitches use heavy-duty steel. Steel provides excellent strength. Look for hitches that have a durable finish. A powder-coated finish resists rust and chips very well. Avoid hitches with flimsy plastic parts near the pivot points. Those parts will break quickly under stress.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality varies a lot between brands. Good quality means safety and less hassle.
What Makes a Hitch Better?
- **Tight Tolerances:** When the parts fit together snugly, you get less wobble and noise on the road.
- **Grease Zerk Fittings:** These small grease fittings allow you to easily lubricate the pivot points. Regular greasing keeps the swing smooth for years.
- **Robust Hardware:** Look for thick, high-grade bolts and pins.
What Lowers the Quality?
- **Loose Fit:** If there is too much play in the pivot mechanism, the hitch rattles constantly.
- **Thin Metal:** Weak metal bends or breaks when carrying heavy accessories.
- **Poor Sealing:** If water gets inside the main hinge, rust starts from the inside out.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about why you need this. Are you carrying a heavy spare tire or just need space for a cooler?
If you frequently access your tailgate—maybe you have a dog kennel in the back—a swing-out hitch is essential. You simply unlock the mechanism, swing the entire assembly out of the way, and open your tailgate completely. This is much easier than unloading a bike rack every time you need something.
For long road trips, user experience depends on noise reduction. A well-designed hitch stays quiet. A poorly designed one vibrates and clunks, which gets annoying fast. Always check user reviews regarding road noise before you buy.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Swing Out Hitches
Q: What is the main benefit of a swing out hitch?
A: The main benefit is gaining full access to your truck’s tailgate or rear door, even when a heavy accessory like a spare tire or bike rack is attached.
Q: Do I need a special tow package for this hitch?
A: Not usually. Most swing-out hitches connect directly to your existing standard 2-inch receiver hitch. You must ensure your truck already has a receiver installed.
Q: Will a swing out hitch cause my accessories to rattle?
A: Good quality hitches include anti-rattle mechanisms or very tight tolerances that stop rattling. Cheaper models often rattle more, especially over bumpy roads.
Q: How much weight can a typical swing out hitch hold?
A: Capacity varies greatly. Standard models often handle 300 to 400 pounds of tongue weight, but always check the specific product specifications before loading it up.
Q: Is installation difficult?
A: Installation is usually simple. You attach the swing mechanism to your existing receiver hitch, then mount your accessory (like a tire carrier) onto the swing arm itself.
Q: Can I still tow a trailer with this hitch installed?
A: Yes, many swing-out hitches are designed to tow. However, you must verify the tow rating and ensure your specific setup allows for trailer hookup while the swing mechanism is locked in the towing position.
Q: What is a “pivot point”?
A: The pivot point is the hinge where the accessory arm swings away from the vehicle. This is the most important part; it needs to be strong and easy to lubricate.
Q: Does this hitch stick out much farther than a normal hitch?
A: Yes, they extend the rear profile of your vehicle slightly, usually by a few inches, to allow the attached accessory to swing clear of the tailgate.
Q: How often should I grease the swing mechanism?
A: If your hitch has grease fittings, you should grease them every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, or after driving in heavy rain or mud.
Q: Are there legal concerns about extending the rear of my vehicle?
A: In most places, as long as you are not exceeding legal bumper length limits and your lights/license plate remain visible (or are relocated according to local laws), it is fine. Always check local regulations.