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

[NY2LA]

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.

@dougparis Any more insights on the Thule? I'm interesting in using this with the 1up cargo carrier myself. I need the 350 pound rating of the Thule.

 

[Maxwell]

My current setup and a separate long-term solution. Current setup shown in image 1 and 2. Hitch extender plus the removal of the inner tray gives me access to the back without removing the rack. In image two, you can see I can position the rack so I can use my axillary back up light. I could also completely tuck the rack under for a pretty clean look ...didn't try it, but looks totally doable.

Third picture shows a potential long term solution: remove all four trays from the rack, bolt two trays to one swing arm replicating the fold stop plate. Mount the other two arms to the heavy duty bracket that currently hold the useless-to-me Jerry can holder (getting an auxiliary tank soon). The upper arms could easily fold down too ...and I might get something useful attached the rack to replace the Jerry can holder. Wife is pushing for outdoor shower/bike washer.

 

[NY2LA]

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 la

 

[NY2LA]

Update: purchased the Thule after testing fit at a local outdoor store today.

The Thule fits perfect!

No contact with the tailgate when the arm is open OR closed.

1up racks interface perfectly as well.

The Thule is rated to 350 pounds and is solid and rattle free. Even the pin doesn't rattle. I love it.

 

[RyanR]

Great thread! I have the 1UP HD rack that I have been using on the back of our fifth wheel and will be moving over to our new 200 series. I like the tilt down function, I removed the two allen head stops on ours and could fold the bikes down 45 degrees and actually drop the back deck on our toyhauler with the rack still loaded with bikes which was awesome. I like the Thule swingout option for rear cargo access!

 

[eskimoke]

Update: purchased the Thule after testing fit at a local outdoor store today.

The Thule fits perfect!

No contact with the tailgate when the arm is open OR closed.

I had a happy accident where my RakAttach arm got bent and it now works perfectly on an LC200 (not recommended). Looks like the Thule does that out of the box = nice.

I'm also pretty happy with my Kuat NV for normal bike duty, but no way would I trust that or any rack that solely relies on the 2" hitch for extended "overlanding". The departure angle is not large enough and the thing would eventually fatigue and break off if you bounced it around hard and long enough. Does anyone know of a rack that sits way high and out of the way and doesn't hang off the back like a giant tail?

 

[MTKID]

I had a happy accident where my RakAttach arm got bent and it now works perfectly on an LC200 (not recommended). Looks like the Thule does that out of the box = nice.

View attachment 2621601

I'm also pretty happy with my Kuat NV for normal bike duty, but no way would I trust that or any rack that solely relies on the 2" hitch for extended "overlanding". The departure angle is not large enough and the thing would eventually fatigue and break off if you bounced it around hard and long enough. Does anyone know of a rack that sits way high and out of the way and doesn't hang off the back like a giant tail?

I can’t speak exactly to the amount of reduced departure angle but I can tell you that the engineer and manufacturer (just one guy) from Recon Racks enjoys off-roading tremendously and continually bounces his own design around a lot for shuttles and “testing”

 

[eskimoke]

Thanks, I wasn't aware of Recon. I also can't use the upright "North Shore" shuttle type as I also need to carry road racing bikes (i.e. do not have front shock/suspension).

 

[MTKID]

Thanks, I wasn't aware of Recon. I also can't use the upright "North Shore" shuttle type as I also need to carry road racing bikes (i.e. do not have front shock/suspension).

He is currently working on a new wheel “basket” design, so you may reach out and ask him about compatibility. I believe his last design allowed for road bikes to be carried safely but I just have MTB’s.

 

[jkodali]

Hi. Did you ever try to tilt the

I recently received the 1up hitch rack, and it is very well made. Installed the rack in the 2, 3, and 4 bike configurations to check everything for proper fitment. I didn't take a picture, but in the 2 bike setup empty, the tailgate slightly contacts the rack. Now if bikes were in the tray's, you would have to use the tilt feature to gain access to the back of the truck. I'm unsure the tilt will be adequate in the 3 or 4 bike to clear the hatch alone.

View attachment 2495701

Still learning the rack, but I think I'll be missing the swing away feature of the Yakima hitch mount it replaces. That said, I'm wary of the added stress any attachment that adds distance to clear the tail gate. Just

Did you try to tilt the rack down to open trunk while loaded with 3 or 4 bikes. I tried but it was so hard not to crush fingers with the EZ pull as it was hitting the hands and hard to lift it back up as there is proper leverage.

I recently received the 1up hitch rack, and it is very well made. Installed the rack in the 2, 3, and 4 bike configurations to check everything for proper fitment. I didn't take a picture, but in the 2 bike setup empty, the tailgate slightly contacts the rack. Now if bikes were in the tray's, you would have to use the tilt feature to gain access to the back of the truck. I'm unsure the tilt will be adequate in the 3 or 4 bike to clear the hatch alone.

View attachment 2495701

Still learning the rack, but I think I'll be missing the swing away feature of the Yakima hitch mount it replaces. That said, I'm wary of the added stress any attachment that adds distance to clear the tail gate. Just thinking out loud.

 

[highfructose]

Don’t mind the waffle boards, I just balanced them there as a proof of concept that I could “expand” the platform to hold Jerry cans and an easy up should the need arise.

I don’t have a rakattach or one up, but this basket has a 4 bike rack system on it. I’ve had 3 bikes (one adult and 2 kids) on it and it worked well. I modified it somewhat to sit pretty flush to the vehicle with the Wilco hitch swing.

even when swung out the lights near the license plate rest on the Wilco just slightly. I’ve sat on the tailgate and it didn’t crack the light so I’m not worried about it. Even if it cracks, I’ll figure something out. 2011 lx570.

 

[Yossarian]

Hi. Did you ever try to tilt the

Did you try to tilt the rack down to open trunk while loaded with 3 or 4 bikes. I tried but it was so hard not to crush fingers with the EZ pull as it was hitting the hands and hard to lift it back up as there is proper leverage.

Sorry to report no use outside of the 2 bike setup. I've seen many this summer with a swingout added.

 

[cboyd]

With the 1,2 or 3 modular rack, if you pull on the rack after you have the hitch pin in, but before you tighten the wedge lock, then lower tailgate will not touch the rack with the rack in the carry position. I run with my single on quite frequently and have no issues getting f into both top and bottom tailgate with the rack mounted.

With bikes on, I have to tilt the rack. It’s not easy, but it is doable with 2 or 3. I would imagine it’s quite tough with 4 heavier bikes loaded.

 

[cboyd]

Hi. Did you ever try to tilt the

Did you try to tilt the rack down to open trunk while loaded with 3 or 4 bikes. I tried but it was so hard not to crush fingers with the EZ pull as it was hitting the hands and hard to lift it back up as there is proper leverage.

You do have to lift the rack slightly as you pull the EZ to tilt it down. It’s not really “EZ”

 

[jkodali]

You do have to lift the rack slightly as you pull the EZ to tilt it down. It’s not really “EZ”

Thanks. The problem I am facing is once it starts tilting down the handle I am holding is going to touch the ground so my fingers might get crushed at the bottom. And obviously pushing back up was equally hard to figure out.

 

[jkodali]

Thanks. The problem I am facing is once it starts tilting down the handle I am holding is going to touch the ground so my fingers might get crushed at the bottom. And obviously pushing back up was equally hard to figure out.

This is what I am talking about. With it tilted down the handle is hitting the ground.

 

[Maxwell]

This is what I am talking about. With it tilted down the handle is hitting the ground.

Looks like you might need a lift kit and bigger tires on that MDX

 

[yonah]

Update: purchased the Thule after testing fit at a local outdoor store today.

The Thule fits perfect!

No contact with the tailgate when the arm is open OR closed.

1up racks interface perfectly as well.

The Thule is rated to 350 pounds and is solid and rattle free. Even the pin doesn't rattle. I love it.

View attachment 2619695

Thank you for posting this photo and the direct user feedback regarding the fitment of the Thule 9037. After reading your above post, I decided to go with the Thule - it has the most capacity and I did not want to modify anything to make a swing-out fit without interference. I found one locally BNIB and scored it for a considerable discount off of retail - these also seem to be out-of-stock like everything else right now.

This evening I test fit it in the garage and can confirm no interference with the tailgate or any other component on the 200. Plenty of clearance all around. I’d also like to echo your comment on the rattle free design - it is absolutely solid with no rattles. If installed correctly, the 9037 feels like it’s welded to the hitch tube.

Once the weather clears up I’ll snap some detailed photos of the Thule 9037 + 1Up rack mounted.

-Steve

 

[yonah]

As promised, some shots of the Thule 9037 + 1Up Super Duty Double + Super Duty add-on single. Solid as a rock with no rattles. As mentioned above, the 9037 has plenty of clearance between it and the dropped tailgate. No modifications need to be made to the Thule to make this happen. The entire rack swings out of the way of the tailgate and rear hatch - no interference whatsoever with any component on the 200-series (tailgate, rear hatch, bumper, taillight, etc.).

Thanks for the discussion in this thread and for recommending the Thule. I’m very satisfied with this configuration.

 

[samster747]

As promised, Thule 9037 + 1Up Super Duty Double + Super Duty add-on single. Solid as a rock with no rattles. As mentioned above, the 9037 has plenty of clearance between it and the dropped tailgate. The entire rack swings out of the way of the tailgate and rear hatch - no interference whatsoever with the 200-series.

Thanks for the discussion in this thread and for recommending the Thule. I’m very satisfied with this configuration.

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Did you get the Thule recently? I can't seem to find it in stock anywhere.