closenough

I hear what you are saying but isn't it a tradeoff? With the swing away, a bit more weight to install the unit but almost no effort required to get into the tailgate when bikes are installed versus a drop down unit that may be lighter weight to install but requires much more effort to get into the tailgate.

I'm interested to see where this thread leads as I have not been able to find a drop down unit that will allow the back door to be opened on a GX.

rxgxmdx

I am going to try a few different models and let you guys know how they fit. I am not far from a REI which will allow me to try their display models, including the swing away.

But I need to install the hitch receiver first . Probably within a week's time.

KickinA

Does anyone have recommendations on the best tow hitch bike rack for the GX? With the swing out door on the GX, I assume some tow hitch racks will be more convenient than others and some might flat out not even work properly due to clearance required for the swing out door.

I want to carry up to 4 bikes, 2 of which are kids bikes.

Some options I've researched

Thule Vertex swing out
Kuat NV

thanks

Dawa

iTrader: (5)

which one has a better price but more importantly, a better warranty?

SecPole14

This is the best

http://1upusa.com/product-quikracksilverdouble.html

Made in USA. Super easy install, no assembly, nice design.

closenough

I use a Thule swing away rack and it works great with the GX. I've been able to open the rear door fully with 4 bikes loaded. Mine is an older model and I see that the newer models have a bit more room between the bikes.

KickinA

Thanks for the info. I think I'm going to get the Thule Vertex 9031 Swing Away rack.

Randy B

I've the Yakima Swing Daddy. It's been awesome. I fit three adult mountain bikes and a child mountain bike on it with room to spare. I bought it from Cracks and Racks online in CO. Had free shipping on a 30lb item. It's been really good with the SUV I have now. Will jot k now for sure with the GX until next month when it gets here.

Randy B

KickinA

Decisions, Decisions...

I think I'm down to either Thule Vertex Swing or the Yakima Swing Daddy. Anyone have experience with both these 2 racks?

thanks

Koz

You have to be able to open the rear (barn) door whe the bikes are mounted.

http://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Bike-R...le/TH9031.html

Koz

KickinA

I finally got a hitch bike rack I really like: 2014 Yakima FullSwing

Due to the barn door design of the GX, the key requirement was a swing out design where I could open the rear door fully with the bikes swung out of the way.

I compared this rack to the following:

1) Thule Apex Swing, 9027
2) Thule Apex Swing, 9031
3) Yakima Swing Daddy (2014 version)
4) Yakima Full Swing (2014 version)


I decided against the Thule Apex Swing line because the straps seemed hard to deal with as you had to forcefully put then into place and there is a chance they could pop out of place when driving around. Sort of like super stiff rubber straps that secure the bike frame in place.

I didn't like the Yakima Swing Daddy because there was no built-in lock and I was partial to the all black color. Furthermore, the ability to move the frame mounting brackets along the horizontal bike support arms on the Full Swing is awesome and makes it easy to fit 4 bikes on the rack. The 2014 Swing Daddy has fixed frame mounting brackets and makes it super hard to put 4 bikes on it.

Furthermore, the straps are a ratcheting design which is way easier to deal with than the rubber strap design of the Thule and more secure also.

Overall, I am very happy with the FullSwing.

Capirato

~ Cap

Randy B

Understood you purchased, however you are incorrect on the Swing Daddy. It comes with the cable lock already installed and also a hitch pin lock. Both are keyed the same as well.

Mine was a 2013 production, so I'm not aware of changes for 2014. Also my bike frame mounts do slide.

Enjoy your other model.

Randy B

KickinA

I'm referring to the 2014 Swing Daddy, which does not have movable frame mounts and no cable lock built-in. In fact, the horizontal bike mounting arms of the 2014 Full Swing look like the 2013 version of the Swing Daddy arms. The 2014 version of the Swing Daddy have completely different arms.

Capirato

http://www.amazon.com/gp/mpd/permalink/m1H9TSAGR9EUDQ/ref=ent_fb_link

~ Cap