Anyone running a 1Up Rak Attach on their 200 series? (1 Viewer)

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Jan 11, 2019
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Natick, MA
Hey all,

Recent convert from a '19 4Runner ORP to a '15 200 series here.

Went to install my 1up hitch rack and a (medium size) 1Up Rak Attach to my Cruiser, and realized the Rak Attach is in the way of the tail gate (when dropped, tail gate would hit the pivot point of the Rak Attach).

My question is, has anyone here tried the size Large Rak Attach with success on a 200 series land cruiser? Does it allow you to drop the tail gate when the rack is swung out of the way? Here's a link to the product, FYI.

In searching this topic, I saw Wilco Offroad makes a similar product, but at almost 2X the cost of the 1Up...I'm hoping maybe the Large 1Up would work.

Appreciate any feedback you have!
 
I use the Yakima version as i tried all of the others and the Yakima worked the ‘best’. Love the ability to swing my Kuat 2 and 4 bike racks out of the way.

Still had to put a pad on the swing lock handle and it still dented my tailgate. Oh well.
 
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Hey all,

Recent convert from a '19 4Runner ORP to a '15 200 series here.

Went to install my 1up hitch rack and a (medium size) 1Up Rak Attach to my Cruiser, and realized the Rak Attach is in the way of the tail gate (when dropped, tail gate would hit the pivot point of the Rak Attach).

My question is, has anyone here tried the size Large Rak Attach with success on a 200 series land cruiser? Does it allow you to drop the tail gate when the rack is swung out of the way? Here's a link to the product, FYI.

In searching this topic, I saw Wilco Offroad makes a similar product, but at almost 2X the cost of the 1Up...I'm hoping maybe the Large 1Up would work.

Appreciate any feedback you have!

I run a standard 1Up 2 bike unit (no Rak Attach) on my LC with no problems. The 1Up folds down and allows complete access to the cargo area, even with 2 MTBs loaded. The Rak Attach would certainly be easier to use as lifting the 1Up while loaded takes effort, but it’s doable. Hope this helps....
 
I’ve been waiting patiently for 2 different restocks of the 1Up, so will be following.
 
I run a 1up and a modified Recon (I fabricated a pneumatic strut assist so that I can lower and raise with one hand when fully loaded with 4 bikes). The 1Up is a single with an add a tray, but I really only use it when travelling to races (often in my VW R so the low weight of the single is great). Really like it though, best tray rack on the market.

I have seeing how that swing out would work. With only one pivot point wouldn't the rack hit the body as it swings open? I see a stopper at 90 degrees but still, the 200 is wide. I used to run a similar swing arm that had two pivot so that it would extend straight back and then over. It was heavy and a little awkward to use but the concept was great. Just needed some refinement. I still have it but don't need it with the Recon or 1Up.
 
I believe all the dimensi of the various sizes are online. Have you seen them? I have been looking at this combo too and been using measurements to see if it will work on my 100 series with a Slee rear bumper. Good to know the medium won’t work on the 200.
 
I believe all the dimensi of the various sizes are online. Have you seen them? I have been looking at this combo too and been using measurements to see if it will work on my 100 series with a Slee rear bumper. Good to know the medium won’t work on the 200.

Thanks for the feedback, all...

Yes, you're correct, the dimensions for the swing arms can be found here https://www.1up-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/150041-FITMENT.pdf ...and based on comparison to the medium measurements, I think a Large could work...but would rather confirm if possible!
 
what stonepa said. no problems with the swing out Yakima.
 
1UP


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Guys, thanks all for the 1UP rack recommendations, but I already know mine will fit.

To clarify, what I am asking about is a 1UP swing arm called the Rak Attach. It allows you to swing your hitch rack away from the tailgate so you can access the trunk for gear, etc. I had the size Medium one that hit the tail gate when dropped. I *think* the size large will fit based on the dimensions, but hoping to validate from others who might be using this setup "in real life."

Cheers!
 
I ordered the 1up several weeks back to replace my roof rack bike mounts, and an aging Yakima hitch rack that cannot hold most modern bikes by the top tube. The Yakima hitch mount rack can swing away from the tail gate/hatch and I use it frequently.

I'm now wondering, like the OP, will I need a swing away device like the Rak Attach? Any additional 1st hand feedback would be appreciated.
 
I have the Kuat Pivot. Basically the same thing. I think RakAttach might actually make it for Kuat. Anyway I cannot drop the tailgate on my 200 without interference From the pivot when I swing my rack all the way out. I only need a few more millimeters and it would clear. No issues on my pickup. I was super bummed. The Kuat Pivot only comes in one size so I’m not sure if it would be considered a medium or large compared to the RakAttach. Hope this helps.
 
I had the same problem, and the Yakima backswing fit.

I wanted the Thule and the Kuat versions, which I read somewhere were using the RakAttach design/patent (and they look very similar), to fit, but there was contact between the tailgate (‘09 LX) and the passenger side hinge bolt. It’s a lot easier than using the pivot down feature on an old Thule T2, especially with bikes.
 
I looked at a lot of options and ended up with the Saris MTR, since the trays pivot I feel I get a similar effect as a swingout to get closer to the tailgate, and everything still clears well. The rack is a beast. My only real complaint is the hitchpin is a mother**** to actually install because someone thought building in a bottle opener was a good idea (doesn't easily clear space between hitch and bracket). That being said, Saris sent me a replacement pin that is just a standard bolt and all is good. The rack has seen some minor off-roading and has held up quite nicely. Let me know if you have any questions.

If you're set on a swingout approach, look at the Rocky Mountain Mounts Backstage rack, it is tray based with an integrated swingout.
 
Here's what I know about swing away hitches.
I own the Wilco Hitchswing and used it on my Suburban. It's a beast of a swing away hitch. The problem is the design. When you drop the tailgate it will hit the swing arm receiver where the bike rack goes in. If you swing the arm out about 4" all is good. Tailgate contact point is right above the license plate.
If you go with the hitchswing always swing the arm out 4" so you can fully drop the tailgate and definitely add a permanent foam protector over the bike rack receive for extra protection.

As mentioned above the Yakima works but the swing arm release lever hits the tailgate so that's out.

Next, don't go with a rakattach. Rakattach developed one for Kuat which is the Pivot V2. The Pivot is longer than the large rakattach by almost 2". The Pivot has a better antirattle setup and swing arm locking mechanism as well. Unfortunately as pointed out above seems when the tailgate is open it will hit the Pivot V2. I have one on order from my bike store and will try it out just to double check and see if anything can be modified.

Finally the Thule 9037. This is also a beast of a swing away hitch. Thule says the 9037 has a load capacity of 350 lbs. This is great for those of us who own dirtbikes and have the single dirtbike hitch setup. Looking at the specs on the Thule seems it should work. The only issue is the pin you pull to release the swing arm. Looks like it sits up about an extra inch and may hit the tailgate. You may have to modify that pin so it's not so high. I'm heading to my bike store in a couple of days and I believe they have one so I'll give it a try.

For bike racks I use a 1Up USA when either transporting 1 or 2 bikes. I just sold my North Shore 6 and will be purchasing a North Shore 4 which is ideal when transporting more then 2 bikes.
 
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I have a Yakima backswing. I modified the latch so it doesn't hit the tailgate. It's not structural and still completely usable. The backswing is solid, I use a yakima holdup and holdup evo +2. The rack is terribly heavy and with 4 bikes is even worse. not really happy with the evo +2 but the backswing is really good so far.
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I have a Yakima backswing. I modified the latch so it doesn't hit the tailgate. It's not structural and still completely usable. The backswing is solid, I use a yakima holdup and holdup evo +2. The rack is terribly heavy and with 4 bikes is even worse. not really happy with the evo +2 but the backswing is really good so far. View attachment 2460369
Sweet idea. I will have to take a look. Right now i have paddling on the latch but still dimple dented my tailgate. I use the Yakima with my Kuat NV every day with 2-4 mountain bikes on the back.

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Yes, nothing like getting a brand new part and taking an angle grinder to it! Just make sure you cut enough away, the tailgate sags a little more with weight on it. I think I skimmed a little more off the bottom after that picture.
 
I run the Yakima swing attachment. For a while I installed it upside down to remedy the interference, but then I just removed the latch, which I haven't missed one bit.
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