This swivel arm for mounting a bike rack on the rear of a vehicle is a DIY aftermarket accessory designed for 2-inch American-style trailer square hitches.

Function: When installed on a standard rear bike rack, this swivel arm allows the entire rack to rotate outward significantly. Even with bikes still mounted, it enables the tailgate of an SUV or off-road vehicle to be opened directly.

Structural Breakdown

1. Upper square socket + spring-loaded latch

Inserts into the vehicle’s 2-inch rear tow hitch; the spring-loaded quick-release latch secures the entire swing arm, preventing loosening and theft while allowing for quick installation and removal.

2. Dual hinges + hand-tightened locking knobs

Two pivot points feature black hand-tightened knobs: Loosen the knobs to swing the swing arm—along with the attached bike rack—sideways; tighten the knobs to lock it in place, preventing swaying while driving.

3. Lateral Load-Bearing Main Beam

Thickened square tubing with black powder-coated rust protection; the green rubber washers on top serve as shock-absorbing pads to reduce vibration and noise during travel and protect the bike frame’s paint finish.

4. End Mounting Post

The vertical tube on the right features pre-drilled mounting holes for securing the main bicycle carrier.

Key Selling Points

- Compatible with standard 2" trailer square hitches

- Side-swing design: Allows the trunk to be opened even when fully loaded with bicycles

- Constructed from thickened, welded carbon steel square tubing with a powder-coated finish for rust resistance and durability against off-road bumps

- Drill-free, non-invasive installation; attaches directly to the vehicle’s original tow bar

- Dual-pivot locking mechanism ensures stable swinging motion and high load-bearing capacity