There are hitch mounted bike racks, and there are hitch-mounted cargo racks. The new RakAttach swing-away mount and APS gear storage system aims to combine the two, giving you more ways to carry more toys & gear.
Technically, 1UP USA’s RakAttach swing away hitch mount isn’t new, it’s one of their most popular accessories. But you’ll need it to take full advantage of the all-new APS (Accessory Panel System).
The APS starts with a large MOLLE panel that attaches directly to the RakAttach base. This gives you a starting point for storing gear like traction boards, fuel & water canisters, shovels, etc. between the car and the bikes.
Add additional MOLLE panel wings to either side, each one rated for 200lbs of cargo.
Or, use it on its own, without a hitch-mounted bike rack. The RakAttach slots into a 2″ hitch receiver, and has its own 2″ port for compatible bike racks (which 1UP also makes).
It’s an easy way to gain external storage for recovery gear and more, all on a swing-out base that maintains easy access to the rear of your vehicle.
Worth noting that the RakAttach’s original design is meant to swing bicycle trays out far enough for full access to your tailgate, lift gate, trunk, etc. The APS boards and anything mounted on it sit closer to the vehicle and may not clear all tailgates, etc…but it will still let you access rear windows, truck beds, etc.
The APS more than just a single panel… it’s a system. Accessories include a swing-out table ($149) to create a back-of-car kitchen or workstation:
Note the little gray thing on the RakAttach in the pic above, that’s the Tread Block ($29), an alloy step plate with traction blocks to make it safer to stand on the swing-out for easier roof access.
The RakAttach itself is rated to carry up to 275 pounds, and the MOLLE panels are each rated for 200 pounds. That’s more than enough for fuel, a high-lift jack (which, if you’ve never handled one, is surprisingly heavy), and then some.
Combined, each piece, from the APS and any gear you put on it, and bikes on a hitch rack, have plenty of wiggle room between them and your vehicle.
All parts sold separately with a 15% discount when you bundle two or more APS products.
I was trying to figure out if the tailgate clears on the 3rd gen Tacoma with the acc panel on. Can you open the tailgate at all? Definitely not with the side panel.
The swing-out attachment should open all the way out to the side to allow the tailgate to drop, no?
If you only open it 90º, then I could see it blocking the tailgate, but you should be able to swing it wider than 90º.