Hitch racks that don't interfere with tailgate?

recon racks outta PNW. solid dude, cool product. I own(ed) 2 of his racks.

 

I purchased a Kuat Sherpa 2.0, based on the previous post here showing it clearing the tailgate. Also, I was a fan of the light weight and simplistic design. But unfortunately the tailgate hit my mountain bike when in the front tray with the rack hinged down, and there was no way to get my road and mountain bikes to fit together on the rack (I usually travel with both). So I returned it, which was a bummer since it was a really nice rack.

Right now I'm leaning towards the Rocky Mounts BackStage once REI has their 20% off sale. It seems like it fits my needs the best.

 

I have an older thule t2. clears the tailgate just fine.

buy used save a ton, those new ones are insanely expensive.

 

Good advice. Does it clear with bikes installed and the rack tilted down? My issue is I need to get the tailgate all the ways down so my dog can get in and out.

 

x2 on this - if you cannot find it used, you can still get the T2 with the old geometry - it is called the T2 classic. I have it and it works with the tailgate down when it is folded down(without bikes on it)

As far as folded down with bikes on it - it might work, but I have not tried that.

 

1up USA makes the best tray style rack for sure. Easiest to deal with interference issues between bikes. Very well made. Serviceable if needed can be made to work with fat tires but works with mid-fat as is. They also have a policy where you can try it without risk for a month or so. They will pay for return shipping and refund your money if not satisfied. I could go on. I have no affiliation with them.

If I were to get a stand up shuttle style rack I would go with the Recon. It is also a very nice rack. In my opinion the Recon is much better than the North Shore. That said for my needs I like the tray style. The 1up also gives a better departure angle and plays with the tailgate nicely.

I’ve used all of these racks with DH, XC bikes 26er, 27.5 and 29er on dirt roads, Moab, etc. I guess it also comes down to budget. The tailgate method works ok too. The advice to look for a used Thule T2 is good. I would stay away from a used Yakima as they don’t stand up as well with use. The Kuats are nice but I’ve seen those get sloppy too.

 

http://www.northshoreracks.com/index.htm

 

Can you confirm that the tailgate, when opened, doesn't hit on the bike or 1Up rack when the rack is angled down/back? Your last picture makes it seem very close.

 

I can confirm that it doesn't hit with mine though it is very, very close.

It will depend on your particular bike and how far in/out you have your rack in the receiver though.

 

1UP. https://www.1up-usa.com/?gclid=CjwK...x41mU7VhJsPpy2_FokIcAoZubcl_rxchoCDyYQAvD_BwE

 

Show a pic with the bike tilted back and the tailgate open!

 

I don't currently have one, but will take one once I return from this work trip!

 

mine does not hit, but is also close... i'll try to get a pic next time i have the bike on the rack

 

Following this - I have the 1.25" Sherpa 2.0 with a 2" adapter as I came from a sedan - the geometry of this rack is different and it won't clear the tailgate. This can be seen in their guide here: http://www.kuat.com/wp-content/uploads/products/guides/fit-guides/sherpa-2-fit_guide.pdf - just posting to alert anyone who might be trying to go that way.

 

Bump on the 1up system. Stout and worth every penny.

 

I love the system you have built!

 

Sorry to quote you on a post from 2016, but I recently picked up the same Yakima HoldUp 2 and I can't figure out how yours clears the tailgate.

Mine hits in both the laid flat and the tilted position. I've not seen anyone else say it clears either. I thought from 2014ish and up the HoldUp 2 (the black and red one) are all the same until they released the Evo awhile back.

Give us your secrets!

 

The Kuat Hi-Lo should solve the clearance problem. Seems like it adds enough length to clear the tailgate and/or it can drop it enough to clear it.

 

Did you need to do anything other than standard receiver to get loaded rack in tilt position and open tailgate? Ie a hitch extender, or something?
I have 2022 Tacoma TRD off road

 

My bikes go in the bed now but when I drove a cruiser I used my 1up double rack paired with the 1up RakAttach swingarm. It’s very heavy duty and swings quickly and easily out of the way for full access to the rear of the vehicle.

(Photos are not my truck)