Hitch bike rack with 4x4 labs bumper

[whaler]

anyone use a thule hitch mounting bicycle rack or something similar with a 4x4 labs rear bumper (specifically with the spare swingout)?

I may buy a used rack and Im not exactly sure if the model will extend out enough to clear the 35” spare i have mounted.

 

[rockstate45]

You may have to do something custom as most likely it won’t fit past the spare. A hitch extender could work in a pinch for that type of rack pictured. The more “tolerance,” the more wobble in the rack.

I took an alternate approach since I wanted to maintain the departure angles and provide for a sturdy surface. I started a thread earlier this year that will answer some questions on what you’re looking to do.

Here’s a picture of the rack:

Note, I do have the ability to use the swingout (with trasharoo and fuel carriers on passenger side) and departure angle is minimally effected.

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS Jr]

I've done several different things to haul bikes. My hitch has been relocated higher up so it's probably about on par with the 4x4 labs location.

The first rack i had is exactly what you have pictured. I took the lower portion off that goes into the hitch and pivot point and built a new one that went back further and upwards. Only downside of this is that the folding point is much higher, and you you won't be able to fold it down to clear a single swing out arm if that's what you have. Double arms are generally no problem. This rack is now at home on one of my dad's 40s clearing a 35" spare and cooler. I'll try and find/get a pic of that.

Edit: found a pic but no swing out, but with some 2x2x3/16" square tubing, a drill, and welder a new lower price can be made to position the rack however you'd like.

Most of the time I use a northshore nsr4 and it really hugs everything on the back end considering it holds 4 bikes. Recon rack also has a bike rack of similar concept but can hold road bikes and children's bikes, whereas the northshore is mainly for mountain bikes with suspension forks. There's still several adjustments that can be made to move the rack further back or tilt it back, but I keep it as tight as possible.

I recently just built a two bike attachment that bolts to the base of my cooler basket swing out. Then two Yakima High rollers bolt to it. Not as sturdy as the northshore, but better departure and I don't have to fold anything down to open the swing outs since the bikes attach to a swing out.

 

[whaler]

Thanks, and yes, I think i saw your thread. Looks great.

I should just measure but I haven't seen the rack in person. The more I think about it the more i realize its not going to work; will need a hitch extender as a temporary fix. Id really only haul 2 bikes max at a time, not much weight.

 

[whaler]

Holy Guac, nice SC 5010. Always one of my favorite colors Santa Cruz did.

I think that second solution on the right swing out may be the most sleek way to do it.

I've done several different things to haul bikes. My hitch has been relocated higher up so it's probably about on par with the 4x4 labs location.

The first rack i had is exactly what you have pictured. I took the lower portion off that goes into the hitch and pivot point and built a new one that went back further and upwards. Only downside of this is that the folding point is much higher, and you you won't be able to fold it down to clear a single swing out arm if that's what you have. Double arms are generally no problem. This rack is now at home on one of my dad's 40s clearing a 35" spare and cooler. I'll try and find/get a pic of that.

Most of the time I use a northshore nsr4 and it really hugs everything on the back end considering it holds 4 bikes. Recon rack also has a bike rack of similar concept but can hold road bikes and children's bikes, whereas the northshore is mainly for mountain bikes with suspension forks. There's still several adjustments that can be made to move the rack further back or tilt it back, but I keep it as tight as possible.

View attachment 1705594

I recently just built a two bike attachment that bolts to the base of my cooler basket swing out. Then two Yakima High rollers bolt to it. Not as sturdy as the northshore, but better departure and I don't have to fold anything down to open the swing outs since the bikes attach to a swing out.
View attachment 1705598

 

[JohnVee]

@whaler Have you looked into the bike rack that 4X4Labs builds? I have no experience with it, but I find that a lot of folks don't know it exists.

 

[SteamerF18]

You already know the answer to your original question, but I put my Thule bike rack on my Labs bumper & this what you get. I’m running 285’s for reference.

 

[Jgrauman]

I just welded on a piece of square tube to the existing Yakima rack I use to clear the spare.

 

[Conundrum]

Picking up my lady's bike. You can fit two trays but it's really tight. If we're taking more than one bike, the bikes go on top or we take my pickup.

 

[Marco Lau]

My NorthShore 4 bikes - it will clear spare tire carrier

 

[whaler]

@whaler Have you looked into the bike rack that 4X4Labs builds? I have no experience with it, but I find that a lot of folks don't know it exists.

I havent and should. When I was ordering I got the #2 ladder which is useful for the roof tent, but I thought I could fab some sort of bracket for the ladder to hold a couple of bikes. Ill reach out to Luke and see what my options are.

You already know the answer to your original question, but I put my Thule bike rack on my Labs bumper & this what you get. I’m running 285’s for reference.

View attachment 1705747


View attachment 1705746

Yea, the inevitable. I think a cheap extender will have to suffice for the time being if I pick this rack up for cheap. Thanks for the pictures, appreciate it.