The RakAttach Swing-Away Hitch Mount: Unboxing, Installation, and Review

[@ChristopherLum]

In case it is helpful, here are all my van videos in a single playlist kzbin.info/aero/PLxdnSsBqCrrF5nO7cmNTc4cct0miFWdO6. Please let me know what you think in the comments. Thanks for watching!

[@theodorekobishyn8387]

Great narration, you jump from one point to another seamlessly

[@robbergstrom943]

Nice review. The downside that I see to the driver side swing out is it putting you in traffic while parallel parked (at least in North America). Another note: The anti rattle clamp would work upside down.

[@robertthe13th82]

Hi Christopher, That was a great review of the RakAttach hitch mount...!!!!!

[@ChristopherLum]

Glad it helped, thanks for watching!

[@ecarlson991]

very helpful, you address a lot of considerations: height, length, ground clearance, thank you

[@ChristopherLum]

I'm glad it was helpful, thanks for watching!

[@donkeykong516]

Awesome review, very critically detailed & helpful

[@kingbrad89]

Great review, a lot of really good points. Thanks

[@ChristopherLum]

I'm glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@PopsGG]

12:10 Couldn't you attach it upside down? The flat plate on top.

[@user-vj5kb4gr6v]

Great idea, BUT I hate the idea of that plate altogether since it makes it that you have to use a tool to remove the rack and it is more work. A good quality rack will come with an anti-rattle bolt and then all of this is a non-issue.

[@JMPC90]

It’ll destroy it

[@karlconnolly425]

Really good review. Thanks for this.

[@ChristopherLum]

I'm glad it was helpful, thanks for watching!

[@izzimichaels2892]

im looking into one of these, or a similar unit, thank you for the information / video!

[@LolaandPooch]

I want my cargo carrier as close to the van as possible. Could you have installed the cargo carrier directly to the swing arm, eliminating the part that folds it up?

[@mobileempire5522]

Good job on the video , thumbs up

[@babzthewhitewindtraveler2677]

You seem to cut out showing the alternative method for stabilizing the cargo carrier. What was your solution?

[@julierehoric3856]

My hitch receiver scrapes on a slight incline- they do make a spring assist device to "lift" the suspension. My hitch guy could install it. I think swinging towards drivers side is good because my passenger door opens first, but must me careful in traffic.

[@michaelharris4503]

Great Video! Really enjoyed seeing all the details of how the Rak Attach som es the issue. Would you be so kind as to attach the website you purchased the Rak Attach from? Subbed!!!

[@joelong8181]

You either get to open your doors or you get ground clearance not both. Put a 1” lift on your rear springs. It would probably make your attachment 2 or more inches higher

[@wendystuart6913]

Hi Christopher, I just came across your video today, very helpful thank you. My RakAttach came with my fan without instructions. I must have an older generation as mine did not come with the low profile handle. Do you happen to know who makes these swing away hitches? I want to see if I can buy an aftermarket low profile handle from them but my Google search for RakAttach hasn't been very successful. Thanks. ws

[@JKUadventures]

Great video. This is an old video, but I'm pretty sure you could have just turned the ubolt upwards and clamp it from the top, would have worked just the same.

[@sandrakramer1520]

Could you write the name of where you bought yours please. The one that has the dimensions. I didn’t see it in your description with links section.

[@bikebudha01]

For the "U" tightener that didn't work... Could you not have just installed it upside down???

[@aaronhjohnston]

I was wondering the same thing?????

[@ciprianorivera8063]

Do you have a link to the anti rattle unbolt contraption?

[@garystraus8241]

Can't you put the anti wobble upside down so the u-bolt points up. Basically put it on upside down and it looks like it will fit.

[@ChristopherLum]

No, unfortunately there is no space, even in the upside down configuration. A minor design flaw but not a big deal.

[@Lweirday]

Mr Lum could you offer a set of lessons about unstable and uncontrolled systems?

[@tlv5591]

Would you recommend a large for a Mercedes sprinter van 2500? Nice review. Very helpful!

[@superbinbin08]

Excellent review! I just got one myself and ran into the same issue with the hitch tightener not fitting. How’s the CURT anti rattle pin working out for you? I saw some reviews on Amazon stating that it might strip on bumpy roads. Do you have any other pins you might recommend?

[@ChristopherLum]

Hi Dennis, I'm glad it was helpful. I'm sure you'll be happy with the RakAttach, I really enjoy mine. The Curt anti-rattle pin has not given me any issues (I've used it for about a year now). Of course, I'm not taking my van down any bumpy trails, so I can't speak to the long term durability in that scenario. That being said, I think as long as you don't over tighten it, you won't have any issues. Thanks for watching!

[@superbinbin08]

Christopher Lum Great! Thanks for the prompt reply. Wishing you the best on all your future road trips!

[@mia-pham]

Could you please do a tour of your van? We're interested in getting a Ford Transit 15-passenger van to convert into an adventure van for our family of four as well. I'm considering the high roof to put in a bunk bed in the rear for sleeping (like how the WanderVans company does it). Interested in seeing how you have the sleeping arrangement in the van for your family of four. Thank you for all the helpful videos!

[@ChristopherLum]

I'm working on putting a van tour video together but it is a slow process given how much material there is. I've got a all my Ford Transit van videos at kzbin.info/aero/PLxdnSsBqCrrF5nO7cmNTc4cct0miFWdO6. Please feel free to check them out. I think you'll be very happy with the Transit (I've loved mine so far). Thanks for watching and I hope to hear from you at another video!

[@bikebudha01]

Be honest, how many time did you ding your shins on this rack???

[@bobbya3865]

What are the dimensions of the Cargo rack. What is the length, width and side rail height? Thanks

[@ChristopherLum]

I've got a video with these dimensions at kzbin.info/www/bejne/baqbepeBosukm7c, thanks for watching.

[@solosaga5091]

I saw a picture of someone carrying a full size dirtbike with one of these. I don't know that I'd trust it with that load going down the road, lol

[@ChristopherLum]

Ha, that sounds super sketchy 😀! I use this motorcycle carrier when carrying a full sized motorcycle kzbin.info/www/bejne/faGkZ6hpgLdqe7M. Thanks for watching!

[@solosaga5091]

@@ChristopherLum I wrote to the RakAttach folks about that photo. Here's their response: "Thanks for checking out the RakAttach! We offer two versions, a standard tube set that is rated to #275 in open or closed position and a moto version that is rated to #375. The moto is only available in passenger side swing and utilizes an accessory support bracket that works to distribute the weight. Moto is $599 with shipping, standard is $359 + shipping (about $20 depending on zip code). If you decide on the moto, we will need to know what make/model/year vehicle and if the hitch is factory install or aftermarket. This will help us determine if the bracket will work. Please reach out if you have other questions. Thanks! Walter"

[@JRat47]

Did you install a roof fan in your passenger transit xlt?

[@ChristopherLum]

No, I decided not to install a fan. I don't cook inside and don't really need the extra ventilation.

[@martaescobar7625]

Can you use this with a truck with a tailgate?

[@ChristopherLum]

The large version of the RakAttach swings away pretty far out of the way so it shouldn't be a problem with a tailgate.

[@wesobrien2706]

Thanks for sharing. Does anyone know the load capacity? Can it handle a 250 lb dirt bike with a 30 lb tray rack? Thank you

[@iamkevinmccarthy]

He said it's 275lbs, so your setup (as stated) would go over the max recommended weight by 5lbs. May be fine in practice, may not be. That said, it's possible the large unit (which he's reviewing) has a higher load capacity compared to the small & medium units. If you can't find the data on the RakAttach site, you may wish to email them before buying.

[@michaelbutler8615]

Anyone know what company makes the ladder Christopher has on his van?

[@ChristopherLum]

Here's a video I made on the ladder I use kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnKoc31pr5lljck . Thanks for watching!

[@Joenoblocks]

All you had to do is put the black plate on the top and the U bolt from the bottom and the nuts on top and install it up side down the pressure woulda pushed the rack down instead of up

[@markrobinson1896]

Why did you choose it over its competitors?

[@ChristopherLum]

I really liked how low profile the hitch was as my doors were very close to the hitch so there wasn't much vertical clearance. I also liked that it would swing away to the driver side of the vehicle.

[@jeffdigiovanni2139]

watching this in 5/22 - boy their prices went up!! They only sell the M and L now and they're both $459. Also, the warranty is only 1 year, which is not much. It looks very well built, but a 1 year warranty isn't inspiring

[@deandelgado4594]

Damn, you can talk

[@DavesCoolCustomBikes]

U can use that same one just install it upside down 😮😂

[@pakistanigamer3887]

shout out for me plz big fan

[@donkeykong516]

Boring box - definitely American…lol

[@506adventure]

$459 what a joke I will buy one made in china less money