kirklandg550

Thought that folks would be interested in the setup for a hitch mounted ski and bike rack. My g550 barely fits in the garage at work (height) and needed to find a hitch mounted option for skis and bikes. Used a 14" hitch extender, titan hitch tightener, and bought a Thule Apex Swing Away so I could still open the back gate with skis and bikes loaded. Couldn't find much online ahead of this so wanted to share what I cobbled together. Cheers

Diesel Dud

Curious how this worked out for you.

The Thule Apex Swing Away looks very practical in that it allows the trunk to open.

How's the corrosion? I was told these hitches need to be washed down/removed after every use.​​​​​​​

kirklandg550

Not a good judge on corrosion. I only use this from time to time so the assembly is removed after each use. Had it on for a few weeks once and there weren't any issues.

Diesel Dud

So I ended up going with Fabbri for both ski and bike. Practical design (mounts to spare tire) and made of aluminum so very light and no corrosion issues. Note how this solution doesn't add so much length to the car since the skis are parallel to the trunk as opposed to other rack solutions where the skis are perpendicular.

Ordered directly from Europe, these aren't easy to find in North America. Very good customer service experience.

If you order ski, you just need the bike adapter, the main piece that attaches to the spare is re-usable.
https://www.fabbri.info/en/prodotto/gringo-ski-board/
https://www.fabbri.info/en/prodotto/gringo-bici/

Here's their Facebook page and contact email:
https://www.facebook.com/AutoricambiSanMauroShop/
service@fabbri.info

Grit1

I plan on using the Kuat Swing away (that'll act as an extension as a swing arm) along with the Kuat NV 2.0 for the rack once I get my G this winter (on order). I've had Kuat racks for years and they're really solid. I'd suggest the same over those extensions that hang down and bounce around.

Lawrence1

do you have pictures of this system? I'm curious to see how it mounts and what it looks like. I have a 2011 G55 so there is no hitch provision.

C240-Merc

please keep this thread updated. I too am curious to see how these look. I have a Kuat NV bike rack and the 1 UP USA rack and always have been curious about the one you have posted about.