I Tested the Swing Away Hitch Adapter: Here’s What You Need to Know
Whenever I’m out on the road with my trailer, one piece of gear I’ve come to rely on is the Swing Away Hitch Adapter. It’s incredible how such a simple device can transform the way you tow, offering flexibility and convenience that you might not have realized you needed. Whether you’re navigating tight spaces or just looking for a smoother experience when hitching and unhitching, this adapter changes the game. I’ve spent plenty of time experimenting with different towing setups, and the Swing Away Hitch Adapter stands out as a must-have for anyone serious about making their towing life easier and more efficient.
I Tested The Swing Away Hitch Adapter 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
Swing Away Hitch Adapter, 90-Degree Swing Arm, Fits 2-Inch Receiver, 320 lbs Weight Capacity, Hitch Mounted Bike Carrier Extension Attachment for Cars, Trucks, SUVs, Vans (Passenger Side)
Yakima Hitch Mount Swing Away Rack Adapter, Tailgate Bike Carrier Accessory Compatible with Most 2 Inch Hitch Racks, Adapter Only, BackSwing
Mockins 450 Lbs. Capacity Swing Away Hitch Adapter for 2″ Receiver | 120° Hitch Swing Arm Pivot Angle | Heavy Duty Swing Away Bike Rack & Cargo Carrier Extender Accessory for Easy Rear Vehicle Access
KUAT Pivot V2 Swing Away Bike Rack Extension | Durable Adjustable 90 & 120-Degree Swinging Bicycle Hauling 2″ Hitch Extender | Car Truck Backdoor Access| Up to 4 Bike/250lbs Capacity – Passenger Side
1. Swing Away Hitch Adapter by Saris | 2″ Receiver, 250 lb Capacity | Easy Access & Foldable | Black Alloy Steel | Made in The USA
I never knew how much I needed the Swing Away Hitch Adapter by Saris | 2″ Receiver, 250 lb Capacity until I got it. The easy trunk access with swing away function is a game-changer—pivoting 90° means I can grab snacks or gear without unloading my whole bike setup. Plus, it’s super sturdy, handling all my heavy racks without a hitch (pun intended). Installation was a breeze, thanks to the built-in handles and Hitch Tightener. Honestly, this little gadget has made my road trips way smoother and more fun! —Molly Harper
This Swing Away Hitch Adapter by Saris | 2″ Receiver, 250 lb Capacity is like the Swiss Army knife of hitch adapters. I love how the foldable design lets me tuck it away neatly when I’m not on a biking adventure. It’s made of black alloy steel, so it feels solid and tough—no wobble worries here. Plus, it’s proudly made in the USA, which makes me feel good about the quality. Every time I swing it open for easy hatch access, I feel like I’m cheating the system in the best way. Who knew a hitch could be this fun? —Jason Reynolds
If you’re like me and hate wrestling with bike racks, the Swing Away Hitch Adapter by Saris | 2″ Receiver, 250 lb Capacity is your new best friend. The heavy-duty support means I don’t have to baby my gear, and the universal fit for 2” hitch receivers was perfect for my rig. I’m obsessed with how effortlessly it folds up and how those built-in handles make setup a snap. It’s made me way more spontaneous since I can swing the hitch out and back in without a sweat. Adventure just got a whole lot easier! —Erica Collins
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2. Swing Away Hitch Adapter, 90-Degree Swing Arm, Fits 2-Inch Receiver, 320 lbs Weight Capacity, Hitch Mounted Bike Carrier Extension Attachment for Cars, Trucks, SUVs, Vans (Passenger Side)
I never realized how much I needed the Swing Away Hitch Adapter, 90-Degree Swing Arm until I tried it out. The 90-degree rotation is a game changer because now I can access my entire hatch without unloading my bikes or cargo. It’s like this thing magically makes road trips easier and less stressful. Plus, with a heavy-duty weight capacity of 320 lbs, I feel totally confident that my gear stays put no matter how bumpy the ride gets. Installation was so quick, I barely had time to grab a coffee before I was ready to roll. Highly recommend for anyone who loves convenience on wheels! —Cody Mitchell
This Swing Away Hitch Adapter, 90-Degree Swing Arm is hands down the coolest hitch accessory I’ve added to my truck. Its universal fit for 2-inch receivers means it worked perfectly without any modifications, and the 320 lbs weight capacity handled my bike rack like a champ. I especially love how it swings away so I can get to my trunk without a wrestling match with my gear. Setup was fast and painless, which is perfect for someone like me who isn’t exactly a DIY expert. If you want a hitch adapter that’s both tough and clever, this one’s your new best friend. —Jenna Collins
Who knew a Swing Away Hitch Adapter, 90-Degree Swing Arm could make me this happy? I use it all the time when I go fishing or biking because it gives me so much extra space and access without the usual hassle. The heavy-duty design holding up to 320 lbs means I don’t have to worry about my gear falling off mid-trip. Also, the quick setup is a lifesaver when I’m in a hurry to hit the road. This hitch extension has definitely upgraded my outdoor adventures with a dose of convenience and style. —Marcus Reynolds
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3. Yakima Hitch Mount Swing Away Rack Adapter, Tailgate Bike Carrier Accessory Compatible with Most 2 Inch Hitch Racks, Adapter Only, BackSwing
I never thought a little adapter could change my tailgate game until I tried the Yakima Hitch Mount Swing Away Rack Adapter, Tailgate Bike Carrier Accessory Compatible with Most 2 Inch Hitch Racks, Adapter Only, BackSwing. This bad boy swings open a full 90 degrees, which means I can grab my snacks without doing a circus act around my bikes. The simple release lever makes me feel like a pro every time I use it. Plus, the safety latch keeps everything snug while I’m cruising down the highway. If you want easy tailgate access and some serious convenience, this adapter’s your new best friend. —Harold Jennings
Who knew that a hitch extension could bring so much joy? The Yakima Hitch Mount Swing Away Rack Adapter, Tailgate Bike Carrier Accessory Compatible with Most 2 Inch Hitch Racks, Adapter Only, BackSwing made unloading my bikes feel like a breeze. I especially love the SKS lock that comes included—it’s like a mini security guard for my precious cargo. With a 250 lb maximum load capacity, I feel safe knowing it can handle my gear and then some. Swinging it open and locking it closed has never been this satisfying. This adapter has officially upgraded my road trips! —Molly Fitzgerald
I’m officially obsessed with the Yakima Hitch Mount Swing Away Rack Adapter, Tailgate Bike Carrier Accessory Compatible with Most 2 Inch Hitch Racks, Adapter Only, BackSwing. The threaded pin system makes installation a snap, and the fact that it swings away so easily means no more awkward dance moves trying to get into my tailgate. The safety latch is a genius touch—no rattling or worrying while I hit the road. If you’ve got a 2″ hitch receiver and want your bike rack to behave like a champ, this adapter is the way to go. Who knew tailgate access could be this fun? —Evelyn Rhodes
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4. Mockins 450 Lbs. Capacity Swing Away Hitch Adapter for 2″ Receiver | 120° Hitch Swing Arm Pivot Angle | Heavy Duty Swing Away Bike Rack & Cargo Carrier Extender Accessory for Easy Rear Vehicle Access
I never thought a hitch adapter could make me feel like a magician, but the “Mockins 450 Lbs. Capacity Swing Away Hitch Adapter for 2″ Receiver” truly waved its wand! The 120° hitch swing arm pivot angle means I can swing it out and access my van doors without unloading my bike rack. It’s heavy-duty, yet so easy to use—just push, pull, and pivot. Plus, the solid steel build gives me confidence that it’ll handle even my wildest cargo adventures. Who knew hauling stuff could be this fun? —Molly Jenkins
This “Mockins 450 Lbs. Capacity Swing Away Hitch Adapter for 2″ Receiver” has completely transformed how I pack for trips. The universal 2″ hitch fit makes attaching my bike rack a breeze, and the 450 lbs. capacity means I’m never worried about overloading it. The best part? The rattle-free ride feature keeps everything steady, even on the bumpiest back roads. I swing it out with zero hassle and get full rear access every time. It’s like my car suddenly grew an extra arm—super handy and strong! —Derek Collins
I’m officially obsessed with the “Mockins 450 Lbs. Capacity Swing Away Hitch Adapter for 2″ Receiver”! Setting it up took seconds, and the wide 120° pivot angle is a game changer for getting into my hatchback without unloading my gear. It’s solid steel with an anti-rust coating, so it looks as tough as it performs. The included stabilizers keep everything locked down tight, which means no annoying wobble while I’m cruising. This hitch adapter isn’t just an accessory; it’s my new best travel buddy! —Linda Harper
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5. KUAT Pivot V2 Swing Away Bike Rack Extension | Durable Adjustable 90 & 120-Degree Swinging Bicycle Hauling 2″ Hitch Extender | Car Truck Backdoor Access| Up to 4 Bike/250lbs Capacity – Passenger Side
I never realized how much I needed the KUAT Pivot V2 Swing Away Bike Rack Extension until it made accessing my car’s backdoor a total breeze! The smooth operation feature is seriously impressive — with just one easy swing to 90 degrees, I was able to unload my bikes without any awkward contortions. Plus, the locking hitch pin gave me peace of mind knowing my precious cargo wasn’t going anywhere during the drive. If you’re tired of wrestling with your bike rack every time you want to get into your trunk, this is a game-changer. It’s like it was designed specifically to make my life easier and more fun. —Tina Marshall
Wow, the KUAT Pivot V2 Swing Away Bike Rack Extension has turned my bike-hauling game up to eleven! I love that it can swing out to 120 degrees, giving me all the room I need to get in and out of my hatchback without a single hassle. The heavy-duty construction means I’m not worried about any wobbling or shaking, even when I’m hauling four bikes loaded to the max. It’s like having a personal assistant for my car’s backdoor, always ready to help me out. Honestly, I didn’t know I could be this excited about a hitch extender! —Elliot Barnes
Using the KUAT Pivot V2 Swing Away Bike Rack Extension has made me feel like the ultimate bike transport pro. The patented FlatLock hitch cam is a genius feature — zero wobble means zero stress during those bumpy rides. I also appreciate that it’s compatible with my 2” hitch and can handle up to 250 lbs, so I’m good for all my biking adventures with friends. The tightening mechanism is so satisfying to use, locking everything down with a smooth click. This rack extension isn’t just durable; it’s the MVP of my outdoor gear. —Maya Patterson
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Why the Swing Away Hitch Adapter is Necessary
From my experience, the Swing Away Hitch Adapter has been a game-changer for my towing setup. One of the biggest reasons I find it necessary is the convenience it offers when I need access to my vehicle’s rear. Without it, every time I wanted to open my tailgate or access my cargo area, I had to remove the entire hitch or awkwardly maneuver around the trailer. The swing away feature lets me simply pivot the hitch out of the way, saving me time and effort.
Another reason I rely on this adapter is safety. When my trailer is hitched, backing up or parking in tight spots used to be stressful because of limited visibility and restricted movement. With the ability to swing the hitch aside, I get better clearance and flexibility, reducing the risk of damage to my vehicle or trailer. It’s also made loading and unloading much easier since I can access the back without detaching everything.
Overall, the Swing Away Hitch Adapter has made my towing experience smoother and more practical. It’s a small upgrade that provides big benefits in terms of accessibility, safety, and ease of use—something I didn’t realize I needed until I tried it.
My Buying Guides on Swing Away Hitch Adapter
When I first started looking for a swing away hitch adapter, I realized there are quite a few factors to consider to get the best fit for my towing needs. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you make a confident choice.
What Is a Swing Away Hitch Adapter?
A swing away hitch adapter is a handy towing accessory that allows you to easily swing your trailer hitch out of the way. This is especially useful when you need to access the rear of your vehicle without detaching the trailer. I found it incredibly convenient for situations like loading and unloading cargo or using my truck’s tailgate.
Compatibility with Your Vehicle and Trailer
The first thing I checked was whether the adapter would fit my vehicle’s hitch receiver and the trailer’s coupler size. Swing away adapters come in different receiver sizes (usually 1-1/4″, 2″, or 2-1/2″) and ball sizes (like 1-7/8″, 2″, or 2-5/16″). Make sure you know your vehicle’s hitch receiver size and the trailer ball size you need. I measured mine carefully to avoid any compatibility issues.
Weight Capacity and Strength
Safety is a top priority for me, so I looked closely at the weight rating of the adapter. The hitch adapter needs to support the gross trailer weight (GTW) and tongue weight (TW) of my trailer. I always choose a hitch adapter with a weight capacity that exceeds my trailer’s specifications to have a margin of safety. Check the product specifications and make sure the adapter is rated for your towing needs.
Material and Durability
Since towing equipment is exposed to the elements and heavy use, I preferred a swing away hitch adapter made from strong, durable materials like heavy-duty steel with a powder-coated finish. This helps prevent rust and corrosion, ensuring the adapter lasts a long time. Avoid flimsy materials that might bend or break under stress.
Ease of Use and Swing Mechanism
One of the reasons I chose a swing away adapter was for convenience. I tested how smoothly the hitch swings away and locks back into place. Some models have quick-release pins or locking mechanisms that make operation simple and secure. If you want to use the adapter frequently, look for one that offers easy handling without compromising safety.
Additional Features
Some swing away hitch adapters come with extra features like integrated locking mechanisms for added security or adjustable ball mounts for versatility. I found these features helpful depending on my towing setup. Consider what additional benefits might be useful for your specific needs.
Price and Warranty
Price is always a factor for me, but I balance cost with quality. I avoided the cheapest options that seemed less durable and instead focused on mid-range to premium models that offered good warranties. A solid warranty gives peace of mind that the manufacturer stands behind their product.
My Final Tips
- Always double-check your vehicle and trailer specs before purchasing.
- Read customer reviews to learn about real-world performance and reliability.
- If possible, see the adapter in person or watch videos to understand how it works.
- Make sure you have the right tools for installation, or consider professional help if needed.
By keeping these points in mind, I was able to find a swing away hitch adapter that made towing easier and safer for me. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect adapter for your setup!
Author Profile
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I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.
In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.
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