Is there a solution/setup for clearing Sprinter & double-door van doors?

There are multiple way to create a rack system that will clear the rear doors of most Sprinters and double door vans. The Kickout Adapter, Alta Six Extender, or a rack setup with the Alta Swinger system can all help to accommodate door clearance when leaned back. A different size hitch will likewise increase the rack clearance. Our E-Quattro, E-Dub, or Lefty 3-Pack racks are also designed to clear passenger doors when leaned back. These solutions will be explained below.

Using a Kickout Adapter

Even with a left side Alta Rack (E-Quattro, E-Dub, & Lefty 3-Pack) , the low bar may stick out and make contact with the passenger door. Clearance with this door may be achieved by adding a Kickout Adapter to the rack, which moves the bottom bar further away from the car, allowing for a little more clearance for the passenger door to fully open. Likewise, when using an XL hitch with the Kickout Adapter, your doors will likely be able to clear the rack when leaned back and it is the closest the rack can be to the rear of the vehicle.

6" Inch Kickout Adapter: https://www.altaracks.com/kickout-adapter-6in/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvKmm-ZpavI

Using an Alta Six Extender

If you have additional equipment installed on the rear of the vehicle The ALTA SIX extender will help extend the rack out even further to clear boxes. This, in conjunction with the Kickout Adapter, can help to create enough clearance for your Sprinter or van. The extender works great with general hitch as well. In most cases you don’t need the Extender and the XL hitch to clear rear boxes. Best way to figure this out is to use our Rack measurement document.

ALTA Six Extender: https://www.altaracks.com/alta-six-extender/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gt29ZfwvVfw

The Alta Swinger

If you would prefer a surefire way to clear the vans on your vehicle while using any type of Alta Rack, the Alta Swinger system when open, with the rack leaned back, will clear both doors on your vans and is the best solution for any type of vehicle door clearance. No Kickout Adapter is required for this setup, and the Alta Six Extender will be incompatible, though likewise unnecessary. The Alta Swinger is only compatible with the Small hitch, and other hitch sizes (General, XL) are not necessary. The Swinger is designed to work with the Short hitch exclusively and will not be compatible with the general or the XL hitch. ARCYLON will work with the swinger as well.

ALTA SWINGER: https://www.altaracks.com/swinger-w-short-hitch/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHs6VGrJDFc

Retractable Straps

Regarding securing the rack, our tie-down system is designed to sync the rack to the frame of the vehicle, rather than relying on a single point connection via the receiver. This removes any jerk movement or unwanted vertical acceleration caused by rough roads, potholes, and other rough surfaces. The longer vans with stiff rear suspensions can benefit from our straps, which help reduce bounce and ensure a smooth ride for your bikes. It is always required to use the tie down system with vans when carrying bikes. This is standard for all vans.

Retractable Straps: https://www.altaracks.com/retractable-tie-downs/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UQwRMMYo3w

Other important notes

The Dodge ProMaster may not achieve full door opening, even with the Swinger, as we have had two reports of this issue. However, most have worked. The factory ProMaster receivers also seem to be poorly built and is attached to the bumper, which creates a lot of flex, which is not ideal for a swing-out setup either.

For any of these solutions, a Class-3 receiver with a 500-pound tongue weight rating is required for all receivers using an Alta Rack.

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