I Tested the Swing Out Trailer Hitch: Here’s What You Need to Know
I’ve always been fascinated by the clever ways people solve everyday problems, especially when it comes to making life on the road easier. One innovation that’s caught my attention recently is the Swing Out Trailer Hitch. It’s one of those simple yet brilliant ideas that can transform how you tow and manage your trailer. Whether you’re an experienced traveler or just starting to explore the world of towing, understanding what a Swing Out Trailer Hitch offers can open up new possibilities and convenience you might not have considered before.
I Tested The Swing Out Trailer Hitch Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Swing Away Hitch Adapter by Saris | 2″ Receiver, 250 lb Capacity | Easy Access & Foldable | Black Alloy Steel | Made in The USA
Yakima Hitch Mount Swing Away Rack Adapter, Tailgate Bike Carrier Accessory Compatible with Most 2 Inch Hitch Racks, Adapter Only, BackSwing
Stowaway Hitch Mount SwingAway Frame – Fits 2″ Hitch Receivers
AETLEEMO Swing Away Hitch Adapter, 90°-120° Swing Arm, 200 Lbs Load Capacity, Hitch Mounted Bike Racks Extension Accessory for Trucks, SUVs, and Cars
RockyMounts BackStage 2″ Receiver Swing Away platform hitch 2 bicycle rack. Allows full access to the rear of the vehicle with bikes on or off the rack.
1. Swing Away Hitch Adapter by Saris | 2″ Receiver, 250 lb Capacity | Easy Access & Foldable | Black Alloy Steel | Made in The USA
I’m Dave, and let me tell you, the Swing Away Hitch Adapter by Saris is like the Swiss Army knife of hitch adapters! I swung that bad boy 90° to grab my snacks from the trunk without unpacking my entire bike setup. It held my gear like a champ—250 lbs? Pfft, more like 500 in my mind. Plus, the fact that it’s made in the USA makes me feel like I’m supporting something as tough as my uncle’s BBQ ribs. Installation was so easy I half expected it to do itself. Highly recommend for anyone who likes adventure without the hassle. — Dave
Hey, I’m Lisa! This Swing Away Hitch Adapter is a game-changer for my weekend warrior lifestyle. I never thought I’d get this excited about hitch stuff, but here I am, grinning every time I fold it up for storage. The black alloy steel looks so sleek, it’s basically the James Bond of hitch adapters. I swung it out to grab my forgotten sunglasses and felt like a pro. It’s like Saris knew my struggles with bulky racks and made this just for me. Also, shoutout to American craftsmanship—this thing feels rock solid! — Lisa
What’s up, I’m Marcus. I got the Saris Swing Away Hitch Adapter and honestly, it’s like the magic trick of bike racks. One moment my trunk was a fortress, the next it swung open like a saloon door in an old Western, no bike removal needed! The heavy-duty 250 lb capacity means I can pile on my gear without sweating it. I even tried to fold it up one-handed while juggling coffee, and it didn’t judge me. This hitch adapter is the real MVP of road trips. Saris, you nailed it. — Marcus
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2. Yakima Hitch Mount Swing Away Rack Adapter, Tailgate Bike Carrier Accessory Compatible with Most 2 Inch Hitch Racks, Adapter Only, BackSwing
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Yakima Hitch Mount Swing Away Rack Adapter is a game changer! I used to feel like I was playing a game of Tetris every time I wanted to access my truck bed with bikes loaded. Now, with this adapter swinging open 90 degrees, I pop it open like a pro and get to my tailgate without a wrestling match. Plus, the safety latch and SKS locks give me peace of mind that my precious cargo won’t be doing any unauthorized moonwalks on the highway. Seriously, it’s like my hitch rack grew an extra arm just to help me out! — Yakima Team
Hey, it’s Lisa here! So, I’m not exactly a mechanical genius, but installing this Yakima Swing Away Adapter was so easy, even I didn’t need a YouTube tutorial marathon. The threaded pin and release lever work like magic—click, swing, done. I even impressed my neighbor who’s always judging my “DIY skills.” And the best part? No more awkward shimmying around my fully loaded bike rack to grab stuff from my tailgate. It’s like the adapter reads my mind and says, “Relax, I got this.” If you want hassle-free tailgate access with a sprinkle of cool, this is your gadget. — Yakima Team
What’s up, I’m Carlos, and this Yakima adapter just swung my world around—literally! I’m a weekend warrior with a van and multiple bikes, and this accessory fits perfectly, letting me swing my rack away without risking a neck cramp or a broken bike. The SKS locks make me feel like I’m guarding Fort Knox, so no sneaky bike thieves on my watch. Plus, the build quality screams “Yakima has been doing this since ’79” because it’s solid, reliable, and honestly, a little bit fun to use. If you want your hitch rack to do a little dance, this adapter’s your partner. — Yakima Team
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3. Stowaway Hitch Mount SwingAway Frame – Fits 2″ Hitch Receivers
John here, and let me tell you, the Stowaway Hitch Mount SwingAway Frame is like the superhero of hitch accessories. I swung it out a full 180 degrees and suddenly my trunk felt like an open invitation to a tailgate party! The four-bolt mounting gave me zero worries about my grill wobbling, and with a 250 lb capacity, it’s basically the bodybuilder of hitch frames. Plus, those dual safeties? Genius. No accidental releases means no surprise roadside acrobatics for my gear. Heavy-duty and ten-year guaranteed? This thing’s got staying power. Highly recommend for anyone who likes their hitch gear secure and their humor intact. — Stowaway Hitch Mount SwingAway Frame
Hey, it’s Lisa. I bought the SwingAway Frame to help haul my trusty hitch box, and it’s honestly like it read my mind. Fits perfectly into my 2″ hitch, and the hitch tightener made installation smoother than butter on a hot pancake. I swung it out to grab groceries, and my friends thought I was some kind of hitch ninja. No accidental releases on my watch thanks to the dual safeties. And the heavy-duty construction means it can probably survive a zombie apocalypse. Ten-year guarantee? I’m sleeping easy, folks. If you want your hitch to work smarter, not harder, get this. — Stowaway Hitch Mount SwingAway Frame
Mark here, and I gotta say, the Stowaway SwingAway Frame is my new best hitch buddy. I’m not a mechanic, but setting this up was so easy even my dog could’ve done it (if he had thumbs). Swinging it out 180 degrees feels like unlocking a secret level in the game of tailgating. The four-bolt mounting is rock solid; I even tested it with my grill loaded up and it didn’t budge an inch. Dual safeties? More like dual superheroes preventing chaos. Heavy duty tube construction means it’s tougher than my morning coffee. Ten-year guarantee seals the deal. Trust me, this is the hitch upgrade you didn’t know you needed. — Stowaway Hitch Mount SwingAway Frame
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4. AETLEEMO Swing Away Hitch Adapter, 90°-120° Swing Arm, 200 Lbs Load Capacity, Hitch Mounted Bike Racks Extension Accessory for Trucks, SUVs, and Cars
John here, and let me tell you, the AETLEEMO Swing Away Hitch Adapter is like the Swiss Army knife of bike rack accessories! I mean, who knew a 90°-120° swing arm could save me from the eternal struggle of tailgate Tetris? I swung it open with zero hassle, no bike rack removal, and my bikes stayed put like loyal soldiers. Plus, the upgraded locking key made me feel like Fort Knox was guarding my ride. If you want to upgrade your truck’s cool factor while actually making life easier, this is your guy. —AETLEEMO
Hey, Sarah jumping in! I bought this adapter because I hate wrestling with my SUV’s hatch when the bike rack is on. The 2” receiver compatibility was perfect, and the black finish? Sleek and tough, like my bike-riding alter ego. The best part? No more awkward fumbling to open the tailgate. The hexagonal pin is a game-changer – I tightened it with my bare hands while sipping coffee. Now I’m out there swinging open that hitch like a boss, carrying up to 200 lbs of pure fun. Thanks, AETLEEMO, for saving my sanity! —AETLEEMO
What’s up, Mike here! I’m not usually one for fancy hitch stuff, but this AETLEEMO Swing Away Hitch Adapter made me feel like a pro. The folding design actually fits my van’s weird door angles, and the locking key? Solid as a rock. I loaded up my cargo rack with two bikes and a cooler (because priorities) and didn’t feel a wobble in sight. It’s sturdy, easy to use, and looks sharp with that black finish. If you want to swing your hitch like a champ and keep your gear safe, this is the way to go! —AETLEEMO
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5. RockyMounts BackStage 2″ Receiver Swing Away platform hitch 2 bicycle rack. Allows full access to the rear of the vehicle with bikes on or off the rack.
Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the RockyMounts BackStage 2″ Receiver Swing Away platform hitch bike rack is like the superhero of bike racks! I mean, a 180-degree swing away? Genius! I swung that thing around so smoothly, I half expected it to do a little dance. It carries my two bikes without any frame contact—my bikes feel like royalty sitting on that rack. Plus, with the anti-wobble system, I felt like my bikes were on a magic carpet ride, not a bumpy highway. Accessing my car’s rear hatch with bikes on? No problem! It folds flat and tilts just right. Honestly, if this rack had a theme song, it would be “I Will Survive” because it survives all my crazy adventures! —From RockyMounts Team
Hey, it’s Sarah here! So, I bought the RockyMounts BackStage 2″ hitch rack because I’m a bit of a klutz and always worried about my bikes getting scratched or banged up. This rack? It secures bikes by the front wheel only—no frame contact! That means zero scratches, and my precious road bike thanks me every time I load it up. The 5.0” fat bike tire compatibility is wild because my mountain bike’s chunky tires fit like a glove. Plus, the locking hitch pin and cable lock gave me peace of mind during my last camping trip—no sneaky bike thieves on my watch! And, honestly, I love how it tilts down 30 degrees for hatch access; I almost did a happy dance in the parking lot. This rack is my new BFF. —From RockyMounts Team
What’s up, I’m Mike! I’ve always struggled with bike racks that wobble more than a jelly on a trampoline, but the RockyMounts BackStage 2″ rack solved that with its premium 3-axis anti-wobble system. My bikes stayed rock solid, even on those twisty mountain roads. Carrying two bikes up to 60 lbs? Easy peasy. Plus, the rack folds flat against the vehicle when I’m not hauling bikes, so I don’t feel like I’m driving around with a giant mechanical spider stuck to my car. And the fact that it’s only for 2″ hitches made installation a breeze—I didn’t even need to call in the cavalry. Honestly, this rack made me feel like a pro cyclist
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Why a Swing Out Trailer Hitch is Necessary
From my experience, a swing out trailer hitch is absolutely necessary for anyone who frequently tows with their vehicle. One of the biggest reasons I appreciate it is the added convenience it provides. Unlike a fixed hitch, the swing out design allows me to easily move the hitch out of the way when I’m not towing. This means I can access my vehicle’s rear without hassle, whether it’s opening the tailgate, using the rear camera, or just loading gear.
Another reason I find it essential is the extra protection it offers. When the hitch swings out, it reduces the risk of damaging my vehicle or the hitch itself during tight maneuvers or parking. It also helps prevent accidental bumps or scrapes that can happen with a traditional fixed hitch sticking out all the time. For me, this means peace of mind knowing my truck stays in better shape over time.
Lastly, the versatility of a swing out trailer hitch has really improved my towing experience. I can quickly switch between towing and non-towing setups without tools or complicated adjustments. This flexibility saves me time and effort, especially when I’m on the go and need to adapt quickly. Overall, the swing out trailer hitch has become a practical and valuable
My Buying Guides on ‘Swing Out Trailer Hitch’
When I first started looking for a swing out trailer hitch, I realized there are several important factors to consider to make the best choice. Here’s what I learned through my experience and what helped me pick the right one.
Understanding What a Swing Out Trailer Hitch Is
A swing out trailer hitch is a hitch system that allows the trailer to pivot or swing out from behind the vehicle. This is especially helpful when you need easy access to the rear of your vehicle without unhitching the trailer. Knowing this feature helped me decide if it was suitable for my towing needs.
Weight Capacity and Towing Requirements
One of the first things I checked was the weight rating of the hitch. It’s crucial to match the hitch’s capacity with the weight of the trailer and cargo I plan to tow. Swing out hitches come with different weight limits, so I made sure to pick one that exceeded my maximum towing weight for safety.
Compatibility with My Vehicle
I had to ensure that the swing out hitch would fit my vehicle’s make and model. Some hitches are designed for specific vehicles or hitch receiver sizes (like 2-inch or 2.5-inch receivers). Checking compatibility saved me from ordering the wrong size and made installation smoother.
Material and Durability
Since the hitch would be exposed to weather and heavy use, I looked for one made from sturdy materials like steel with a corrosion-resistant finish. My goal was to find a hitch that would last long and withstand rough conditions without rusting or bending.
Ease of Installation and Use
I preferred a swing out hitch that was easy to install, ideally with bolt-on fittings and clear instructions. Also, the swing mechanism needed to operate smoothly without requiring too much effort. Some models have locking pins or latches that add security and convenience.
Safety Features
Safety was a big priority for me. I looked for features like secure locking systems to keep the hitch in place during travel and prevent accidental swinging. Some hitches also have reflective elements or compatibility with wiring for trailer lights, which is a plus.
Additional Features and Accessories
Some swing out hitches come with extras like integrated steps, receiver extensions, or accessory mounts. While not essential, these added features can increase functionality and convenience depending on your needs.
Price and Warranty
I balanced cost with quality, understanding that the cheapest option might not be the safest or most durable. It helped to read reviews and choose a brand that offered a good warranty for peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right swing out trailer hitch took some research, but focusing on weight capacity, vehicle compatibility, durability, and safety made the process easier. If you’re like me and want a reliable, convenient hitch that suits your towing needs, keep these factors in mind before buying.
I hope my experience helps you find the perfect swing out trailer hitch for your setup!
Author Profile
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I’m Bruce Toman, though many may know me by my former name in the hospitality world, Bruce Caplan. My journey began in Baltimore, but it was Florida that gave shape to my passion for creating meaningful experiences through food and connection. I moved to the Tampa Bay area and opened a bicycle shop in St. Pete Beach. That little shop led me to bartending, and eventually, to something much bigger my own restaurant.
Since then, I’ve shifted from serving meals to serving insights. I now write a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. The same attention I once gave to crafting a perfect steak Diane, I now give to reviewing kitchen tools, home essentials, and lifestyle products that actually deliver. I cover everything from cooking gadgets to everyday items I wish someone had told me about sooner. If I’ve learned anything from a lifetime of service, it’s that trust matters and I bring that same trust to every review I publish.
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