Thule Revolver 4 Bike Rack Or Yakima Backswing 4 Bike Rack

[Bike]

Hi,
Does any one have the Thule Revolver 4 Bike Rack or Yakima Backswing 4 Bike Rack?

I was wondering if there is a preference of one over the other and if these work well - moving out of the way of the tailgate with bikes loaded.

Thanks!

[Altamont]

I had Yakima's predecessor of the Backswing. I used it once for a trip up to Whistler, then returned it to REI. when I had 4 bikes on it, it would "sink" quite a bit when I swung it open, to the point where it would drop down quite a bit. I was scared it would fail, although I know Yak wouldn't sell if it would. it just didn't seem secure enough for my family's stable of MTBs. I swapped it for the kind that doesn't swing open, but still holds the bikes by suspending them from the seat tube like the Backswing. it folded down, but not with bikes on it. I had it a couple years, but found the bikes would move/sway around a lot on it. I sold it when I got my Ridge, and now use the Thule bike bar, which is great if you don't need to use the bed. I would take a look at the Yak/Thule hitch mount systems that have those cradles for the wheels to support the bikes more securely. they fold up when not in use. hope this helps

[Bike]

Thanks Altamount - I was concerned about the sag also with the bikes swung out.

I will have a tonneau cover shortly and I still wanted access to open the tailgate. It seemed like a good solution not to have to unload the bikes to open the tailgate.

The cheapest prices I found were at Backcountry:
http://www.backcountry.com/store/YAK0127/c4/s11/Yakima-FullSwing-4.html
http://www.backcountry.com/store/THU0172/c4/s11/Thule-Revolver-Hitch-Bike-Carrier.html


I did find some videos on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6tU57JK4YU&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ToPysF74U8&feature=related

[Altamont]

I'm just too picky about how the bikes are secured. I see those type of racks all the time, all loaded up, and the reviews are all good. I tried one of those roof racks where you don't take the front wheel off, and it freaked me out to see a little wobble, even though I know they are secure for bikes! also, REI has Yakima and Thule 20 per cent off twice a year if there is one near you and if you're not in a hurry.

[bond007jms]

I was in the market for one of the hitch mount bike carriers. I bought the soon to be released Yakima SwingDaddy. It replaces the Backswing 4. It was a risk, as it has not been released and I am buying it sight unseen, but I am hopeful that it will be a good solution.

However, that said, I prefer car top mount rack systems. I have the Yakima with King Cobra bike mounts, and for my needs, it is great! I looked at having a track mount system installed on the bed rails (http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9117), but decided is would cause issues at the end of my RL lease. On my friends F350, this is an optimal solution; however, now that Pace has the Explorer system, when I move up in truck size, that will be at the top of my list of purchases. In the meantime I can mount a top mount rack system on the top of the cab of the RL if needed. Hopefully I won't need to go this route.

Hope this helps. :)

[Bike]

Hi bond007jms - Where did you buy the SwingDaddy?

Why would you buy it over the Thule Revolver? Better features/Price/Quality

Thanks!

[BillB]

I was in the market for one of the hitch mount bike carriers. I bought the soon to be released Yakima SwingDaddy. It replaces the Backswing 4. It was a risk, as it has not been released and I am buying it sight unseen, but I am hopeful that it will be a good solution.

However, that said, I prefer car top mount rack systems. I have the Yakima with King Cobra bike mounts, and for my needs, it is great! I looked at having a track mount system installed on the bed rails (http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/f...ead.php?t=9117), but decided is would cause issues at the end of my RL lease. On my friends F350, this is an optimal solution; however, now that Pace has the Explorer system, when I move up in truck size, that will be at the top of my list of purchases. In the meantime I can mount a top mount rack system on the top of the cab of the RL if needed. Hopefully I won't need to go this route.

Hope this helps.

Since you used my solution as an example of what you would really like to do, I have a solution for your lease issue. The only thing your installation will do that is seen on the RL truck is holes drilled through the plastic bed rails. This is cured by purchasing 2 new plastic bed rails before you turn your truck in and no one will ever know what you did to the truck.

[Altamont]

you could probably go to the hardware store and get some plastic plugs for the holes, if the dealer notices them then buy new rails

[breakfastchef]

Another option for a hitch-mount bicycle carrier is a design by Sportwerks (bought out by Thule if memory serves correctly). This is a tray system that folds up when not in use. No wheels need to be removed. While the tailgate is still accessible when the rack is in the down position, it is more in the way than the swingout described by the OP. Here are some photos of the Sportwerks rack for your viewing pleasure.

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii234/kiteandcamera/BikeRackLoadedSide.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii234/kiteandcamera/BikeRackUp.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii234/kiteandcamera/BikeRackUpSide.jpg

[Altamont]

how every unfair - you put some pics of your Ridge and bikes up, and I can tell just by looking its about 80 degrees and obviously sunny there at the trailhead. it'll be like that in about two moths here