Imagine this: You need a bike rack for your next offroad adventure and have some money lying around.
Tilt or Swing Away Bike Racks: which bike rack would you buy? This is quite a niggle I’ve put you in, haven’t I? Well, both types have some perks and quirks over each other.
Simply put, swing-away bike racks have an arm that moves away from the rear hatch of your SUV or car when you want to access the storage at the back.
But Tilt-Away bike racks are different. They tilt ever so slightly toward the ground when you want to access the rear storage of your car or SUV.
You can keep the swing-away bike racks away from your hatch or tailgate while not using them. Tilt bike racks are difficult to keep away. However, that’s not the only difference between the two types.
The swing-away racks seem expensive, and the installation can make you go nuts. Conversely, the tilt racks come cheap and are easy to install.
This is why We’ll do a Swing Away vs Tilt Bike Rack Comparison in this article. We’ll be showing you which variant triumphs over the other and why. Let’s get to the meaty part of the piece, shall we?
| Feature/Aspect | Swing Away Bike Rack | Tilt Bike Rack |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Swings out to the side | Tilts down from its base |
| Access to Rear of Vehicle | Full access without removing bikes | Limited access, mainly designed for trunk or hatch access |
| Ease of Loading/Unloading Bikes | Depends on design but generally straightforward | Typically easier for lower vehicles as the bikes tilt down |
| Stability While Open | Good; bikes stay horizontal | Depending on the design, bikes might dangle or shift when tilted |
| Installation Difficulty | Varies; can be complex due to swing mechanism | Usually simpler due to straightforward tilt mechanism |
| Storage When Not in Use | Might be bulkier due to the swing arm | Generally more compact due to the tilt design |
| Max Weight Capacity | Varies; often has a strong weight capacity | Might be limited due to tilting mechanism |
| Access to Tail Lights & License Plate | Generally unrestricted | Might be obstructed, especially when bikes are loaded |
| Safety (while driving) | Secure if properly installed; less movement | Secure; though might wobble if not properly tightened |
| Price Range | Typically more expensive due to mechanism complexity | Often more affordable |
Swing Away Vs Tilt Bike Racks: The Similarities
Choosing between the two always gives us a FOMO. But thank God! Swing-away and tilt bike racks share many similarities. In fact, in some scenarios, you will barely feel any differences between these two at all.
Let’s point out the similarities, shall we?
1. Both Are Hitch Mounted Rack
Both these products fall in the hitch mounted rack category. Here, the bike carrier is attached to the hitch tow of the vehicle.
The bike racks are lightweight compared to other rack types and offer more flexibility. Because of the low weight, the swing away and tilt racks hardly affect the vehicle’s load distribution curve.
2. Both the Rack Types Come with Robust Build Quality
Swing-away bike racks and tilt bike racks are primarily available in aluminum, steel, or all-steel structures. The material contributes to making the frames durable.
The frames are always coated with anti-rust protective paint to prevent corrosion and wear.
But hey! Quality comes at a price. You’ll have to shell out extra bucks IF you want to get one of these things.
Sure, you may get one on budget. However, there’s a catch. Just so you know, most low-range racks are made of low-quality alloys. You can never expect durability and weather resistance from such bike carriers.
3. Both Types Support Tool-Free Installation
The latest tilt and swing-away bike rack models allow tool-free installation. No kidding!
All I had to do was put the bike rack stinger into the hitch receiver and support the structure. I secured my rack using a lock, hitch pin, and the rubber knob. Don’t worry, you’ll have an “Installation Guideline.”
4. Both These Racks Don’t Wobble Much
Let’s face it: our adventurous road trip will become a headache if the bike rack wobbles. It throws me off my game and irks me to no end.
If I am not careful enough, the entire rack may fall off, leading to a massive accident. I understand sometimes (ALWAYS, for the noobs), the wrong installation causes the jiggle in the back.
Yet, you’d be a fool to overlook the possibility of your rack being rigged (Hello! Low-quality specs)! Well, this should be the least of your concerns with a top-quality tilt or swing-away bike rack.
The lock and rubber turn-on knob systems deliver maximum stability, making the racks wobble-free.
5. Bike Protection Mechanisms are More or Less the Same
The latest swing-away and tilt bike rack models include ratcheting cradle straps. These silicone anti-sway cradles hold the bikes securely, no matter how crazy you drive.
6. Hitch Receiver Compatibility Is the Same
The hitch receivers allow the users to attach hitch attachments to the vehicle. Standard hitch receivers are available in 4 sizes: 1.25’’, 2’’, 2.5’’, and 3’’. The swing-away and tilt bike racks can fit hitch openings of sizes 1.25 to 2’’.
Your vehicle type decides the hitch receiver size it needs. Again, the rack’s load per bike capability depends on the hitch opening size. So, yes, all these factors are interconnected in one way or another.
Also, stressing will only help if your rack stinger matches the trailer hitch. A hitch adapter can be your savior in these scenarios.
7. Foldable Frames Make Storing Them Easy!
Folding bike arms are among the best features in tilt and swing-away bike racks. You can fold the arms when the racks are not in use. This feature saves you storage space and makes the racks portable.
8. Ease of Loading and Unloading Is Common for Both Rack Types
You load and unload bikes, keeping the tilt and swing away racks stowed. So, yes, you must have enough muscles for the job.
Some people feel an advantage with the tilt racks. You can load and unload the bike from a low height by bending the frame arms.
9. Fuel Efficiency Remains the Same
Your vehicle will consume more fuel when you add an extra load (rack and bike). But good news! The tilt and swing-away racks have a better fuel economy than the roof-mounted or other rack types.
Well, the rack type is one of many criteria that decide the fuel consumption of your transport. To ace fuel economy, consider your vehicle type, service period, average speed, road condition, etc.
Comparing Swing Away and Tilt Bike Racks: Let’s Get into the Nitty Gritty Stuff
Sorry if all these similarities between the swing-away and tilt racks confused you somewhat. My intentions were simple. Now, you at least know you are not missing out on a “World of Things” no matter which rack you choose.
But then again, a handful of features only come with a particular rack type. In the following section, I’ll compare such features and give you a verdict as to which one might serve you better. Let’s get to it, shall we?
1. Basic Mechanism Differs for Both Types
Yes, the swing-away and tilt racks accommodate bikes back on the vehicle during your road trip. But these racks function distinctly. Let’s talk “Swing-Away” bike rack, for example.
These racks will swing out to the side of our cars. Hence, we’ll have easy access to the rear of the vehicle. How much these things will swing ranges from 90 to 180 degrees.
Most swing-away rack models hit 90 degrees at a stretch. However, reputed brands have launched adjustable products. I could set them up to swing for 120 or 180-degree movement.
Tilting racks, on the contrary, are known for vertical movements. Most of the racks are designed to bend for up to 45 degrees. Be aware that you won’t have clear access to the vehicle’s tailgate.
2. Look and Feel of These Racks Differ Wildly!
I’ll say this out loud. The look of the vehicle matters to most owners. Particularly me. I’m sorry to say that going blind and choosing “ANY” rack for my car won’t do. It messes up the aesthetics. That’s the end of that.
See, the swing-away racks have an aesthetic look to them. Bite me over it, but that’s how I think. At least they do not get in the way of my tailgate, and I can just put them aside whenever necessary.
Do not get me wrong. Their Tilted cousins come with a sturdy build. But they take up a humongous space on the back. It puts off the cool and classy vibe of my SUV.
3. Load Carrying Capacity Might Differ
Most swing-away and tilt racks can, on average, hold 35 to 40lb as far as a bike is concerned. The maximum load-bearing capacity depends on the number of bikes the racks are designed to carry.
Yet, in most scenarios, the structural design allows the swing-away racks to lift heavier loads. For example, a 4-bike rack can bear up to 160 lbs. On the contrary, the tilt-style 4-bike rack can accommodate weights of 150 lbs (approx).
Of course, the capacity increases if you shoot for a sturdy build rack. In that sense, this differentiating factor is avoidable if you can confidently select the suitable rack model.
4. Number of Bikes These Things Can Carry Differ as Well
How many bikes can you carry on the racks? It totally depends on the product model and build quality.
I did talk about swing-away racks carrying more weight. They have an overall structural advantage. Yet, the popular swing-away rack brands only allow a maximum of 6 bikes on the hooks.
Professional riders often choose tilt racks when carrying 6, 7, or 8 bikes.
The swing-away racks are slightly heavier than their tilting cousins. It can be a reason for the limited number of bike accommodations on them.
5. Installation Process of the Two Variants Differ as well
Honestly, the hitch-mounted rack installation has always been challenging. Thanks to the advanced design miracles. You can secure the rack stinger into the hitch receiver with only a lock or turn knob.
However, these features could not solve the “Swing Away” puzzle. Balancing these pesky racks is the name of the game when we’re putting them together. Sometimes, the tight clearances of the product also hamper the initial assembly.
You don’t have to face such troubles with a tilt bike rack. The installation is super easy and less time-consuming. Take my word for it.
6. Easy Access to The Tailgate
As I said a million times, the swing-away style offers easy access to the vehicle’s rear gate. You can open the tailgate without even unloading the bikes.
In contrast, you often cannot reach the rear seats with bike-loaded tilt racks. It means you have to unload your bikes to access the tailgates.
New tilt racks allow you to reach the back door without unloading the bikes. But not without a caveat. Keeping the racks in the tilting position with additional weight may lead to an accident.
7. Moving the Arm Can be Different in both the Models as Well
It is important to move the rack arms quickly and smoothly. Thank God the swing away and tilt rack make things easy for us.
The latest tilting racks have a “Foot-Activated System” in place. We can pivot the arms with a simple press or push of your foot.
Likewise, the swing-away racks facilitate one finger press. So, moving the arms and fixing them in a position has become effortless.
8. Hey! Money Matters
The swing-away racks of the same bike capacities cost more than the tilt racks. But of course, the rack prices also depend on the brand, build quality, and advanced features. Regardless of the rack type, you must pay more for the best quality.
When evaluating the best bike rack solutions, it’s crucial to compare different styles and functionalities. While understanding the differences between Swing Away Vs. Tilt Bike Racks is essential, you may also want to explore the advantages of Platform vs Hanging Bike Rack systems and the distinctions between Fork Mount vs Upright Bike Racks to ensure you’re making the best choice for your needs.
Final Verdict
Did my swing away vs. tilt bike rack’s comparison help? Let me add some quick notes if you still need some hand-holding.
Swing-away racks are suitable if you have to access the tailgate too often. But do consider the price before the purchase.
Reaching out the rear seats is also possible with loaded tilt racks. But they will cost you a fortune. Again, a tilt rack is a better choice to carry more bikes (6, 7, 8).
Finally, any rack will work if you focus on haul the bike, not the convenience. In such cases, get a mid-range hitch rack compatible with your vehicle.
