What are some solutions for carrying bikes on a Ford transit?

Our racks are great for variety of vans. The Ford transit is a very capable van that also presents unique challenges with its wider doors and lower receiver height. This is a typical email content we receive in regards to such vehicles. This customer already owns one of our racks, and wants to increase capacity and capability. One of the benefits of our systems is the ability to convert to other racks to increase features and capabilities.

Here is their email:

Hello, I have a GPR I use for 6 bikes. I have a bike trip coming up at the end of August in my Ford Transit Van with 6 guys. We’ll have 6 mountain bikes, two of which are e-mountain bikes. I am interested in upgrading the rack and also the Swinger. Please let me know your advice on what is the best set up from Alta. I really want a secure set up as we will be driving on fire roads, etc and don’t want the bikes bouncing around. The swinger is also important because want to swing bikes to side to have full access to rear doors in Transit. I have been using a Kuat swinger (pivot) prior.

This is our Response:

Assuming the have the latest Gen hitch, then you can purchase the 76ER upgrade kit, enough E-bike Straps for the E-bikes (60 pound weight limit), retractable straps, and six inch Kickout Adapter.

You can do this two ways,

Your rack with an XL hitch and the six inch Kickout Adapter will clear your doors when leaned back. Secure the rack via retractable straps to the door hinges of the van using paracord. We found that on the transits the six inch Kickout Adapter help quite a bit by pushing the rear wheels up and out gaining better ground clearance.

The other is get the Swinger which comes with a Short hitch, 76ER upgrade kit, six inch Kickout Adapter, and other straps as described above.

We do not recommend using our rack on other swing systems, as most swing products are not designed for vertical racks.

Thanks

Ali

We hope this information helps! If you have any questions on vans or vehicles with larger doors please contact us!

Subscribe to our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@altaracks