Bought a SoftRide Access DX bike rack for the trailer hitch for the 80s a few weeks ago. As is the case with a lot of hitch related stuff, it needed to be modified for the 80's shallow hitch receptacle (stuff hits the spare before full insertion). I drilled an identical hole to the factory hole so it lined up with the hitch pin hole before the tip of the rack hit the tire. Then slide the nut inside the tip of the rack so it lines up with the "80 hole". Slide back to other hole for other vehicles. I nearly sawed off the tip of the rack before realizing then it may not be secure if used on a friend's vehicle, etc so the 2nd hole is the better way to go.
Great rack. You can carry 4 bikes back there with complete access to the tailgate and upper hatch due to its unique design. They both open fully when the rack is pivoted rearward, leaving plenty of room to sit on the tailgate and put on shoes, eat or whatever. Includes a lock to the truck, and a lock cable for the bikes, and also tightens in the receiver so the hitch can't sway or clunk. The DX lets you extend the rack using your foot to release it, but they have a version that costs $20 less where you have to bend down to pull a pin.
Rejected the types that swing to the side for hatch access as needlessly fiddly, prone to rattling (multiple joints) and swinging 4 bikes around may not be possible in a crowded lot or if you're next to a lamppost or parking meter at the curb. Rejected the types that swivel down out of the way as then the bikes are resting awkwardly on the ground at a wheel bending angle (especially if someone gets in or out of the truck while they're on the ground like that).
I'm kinda picky about bikes and so are my bike wienie friends, and today we had some seriously pricey delicate road bikes on there and everybody was pleased. No affiliation - check out Softride.com for more info and pictures.
DougM
Great rack. You can carry 4 bikes back there with complete access to the tailgate and upper hatch due to its unique design. They both open fully when the rack is pivoted rearward, leaving plenty of room to sit on the tailgate and put on shoes, eat or whatever. Includes a lock to the truck, and a lock cable for the bikes, and also tightens in the receiver so the hitch can't sway or clunk. The DX lets you extend the rack using your foot to release it, but they have a version that costs $20 less where you have to bend down to pull a pin.
Rejected the types that swing to the side for hatch access as needlessly fiddly, prone to rattling (multiple joints) and swinging 4 bikes around may not be possible in a crowded lot or if you're next to a lamppost or parking meter at the curb. Rejected the types that swivel down out of the way as then the bikes are resting awkwardly on the ground at a wheel bending angle (especially if someone gets in or out of the truck while they're on the ground like that).
I'm kinda picky about bikes and so are my bike wienie friends, and today we had some seriously pricey delicate road bikes on there and everybody was pleased. No affiliation - check out Softride.com for more info and pictures.
DougM
