Hitch extender installed - allows opening tailgate with a bike rack on

8rent · Jul 29, 2025

I got a bike rack and even when it is laid down it sticks up enough to block the tail gate from opening. I got a dual hitch extender from HF and used it upside down to lower the rack. The amount it lowers it is the same amount as the rise on the rack so now the tail gate clears. It also extends it out just far enough to allow the rack to fold up. I definitely lose some ground clearance so I won't take it off road, but so far it has been great.

Ford Bronco Hitch extender installed - allows opening tailgate with a bike rack on IMG_1598(1).JPEG

Ford Bronco Hitch extender installed - allows opening tailgate with a bike rack on IMG_1599(1).JPEG

Ford Bronco Hitch extender installed - allows opening tailgate with a bike rack on IMG_1602.JPEG

chrisstyle420 · Jul 30, 2025

i guess that works but i would recommend going with a swing arm

helifino16 · Jul 30, 2025

The wife had an issue with closing the window on mine after shutting the back door. She was convinced that she had to pull off the spare to get the window closed.

MofaSho · Jul 30, 2025

I went with a swing away instead...

MarkInOhio · Jul 30, 2025

chrisstyle420 said:
i guess that works but i would recommend going with a swing arm

That's what we did.

Ford Bronco Hitch extender installed - allows opening tailgate with a bike rack on PXL_20240830_181135554

Ford Bronco Hitch extender installed - allows opening tailgate with a bike rack on PXL_20240830_180609737

Ford Bronco Hitch extender installed - allows opening tailgate with a bike rack on PXL_20240830_180533264

Ford Bronco Hitch extender installed - allows opening tailgate with a bike rack on PXL_20240830_181246140

Ford Bronco Hitch extender installed - allows opening tailgate with a bike rack on PXL_20240830_181404659.NIGHT

Toccoa · Jul 30, 2025

8rent said:

Seems like an accident waiting to happen with opening the tailgate and having a bike right behind your legs. That said, it does do what it needs to do by giving you cargo access with a bike.

RowsKing · Jul 30, 2025

News Flash,,,

Ford Bronco Hitch extender installed - allows opening tailgate with a bike rack on Photoroom_20250730_074418

chrisstyle420 · Jul 30, 2025

MarkInOhio said:
That's what we did.

Yup thats the one i have. It bumps the rack out just enough to clear the tire. Only annoying part is the beeping from the sensors when backing up

flashpunk · Jul 30, 2025

The Rig'd supply ramble swing is expensive but well worth it!

8rent · Jul 30, 2025

Toccoa said:
Seems like an accident waiting to happen with opening the tailgate and having a bike right behind your legs. That said, it does do what it needs to do by giving you cargo access with a bike.

I agree it is not ideal. I have to step around the bike, but at least I can open the door and get to my stuff.

8rent · Jul 30, 2025

RowsKing said:
News Flash,,,

Lol. The exact amount needed and lowers it the exact amount needed.

wthayer · Jul 30, 2025

I built a simple custom rack that cleanly solves the problem:

Ford Bronco Hitch extender installed - allows opening tailgate with a bike rack on IMG_9956

It's a 1up roof rack bolted to some 2x2 bar stock welded into a T-shape. Works great.

BCKMRKR · Jul 30, 2025

I have an extender + Kuat swing arm (which swings more than 90 degrees if needed) + 1UP, but i have the swing to the right (away from the road if you unload in traffic). This also allows wider access to the rear (I have a slide-out tray that wouldn't allow left-side access with a left swing). Long story short, it's not as simple as it appears.

Hemisfear · Jul 31, 2025

helifino16 said:
The wife had an issue with closing the window on mine after shutting the back door. She was convinced that she had to pull off the spare to get the window closed.

She's a keeper! lol

chrisstyle420 · Jul 31, 2025

helifino16 said:
The wife had an issue with closing the window on mine after shutting the back door. She was convinced that she had to pull off the spare to get the window closed.

"Yea babe i know its a pain but thats just how it is" lol

Hitch extender installed - allows opening tailgate with a bike rack on

8rent

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chrisstyle420

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helifino16

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MofaSho

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MarkInOhio

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Toccoa

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RowsKing

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chrisstyle420

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flashpunk

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8rent

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8rent

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wthayer

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BCKMRKR

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Hemisfear

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chrisstyle420

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