Hitch Mounted Bike/Ski Rack
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 5
2021 G550
Hitch Mounted Bike/Ski Rack
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
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
From: Montreal, Canada
2017 G63
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.
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.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
From: Montreal, Canada
2017 G63
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
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
Last edited by Diesel Dud; Aug 17, 2020 at 09:45 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 26
Likes: 15
G63
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 301
Likes: 22
From: Carmichael, CA
2011 G55 + others
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
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
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 648
Likes: 5
From: Houston, Texas
2017 G63 AMG, 2019 G550
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
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
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Glad I found this thread - seeking a new ski option too. I'm on my 3rd g550, new one is a 2025. I love seeing the rack on the bare spare tire - cant believe I never thought of that!!! Now to convince the wife to allow it. The painted cover is very fragile. I've had at least 2 over the years need repainting from seemingly minor scuffs. Expensive and annoying.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 882
Likes: 93
Multiple
@xxaarraa which carrier is that ? Just picked up a Troxus and need a solution... this looks perfect. And that bike is badass....!!
VERY heavy duty and I usually need a second person to help me hitch it up and move it around the backyard. I have a pair of trailer lights to install on the bike carrier ****ting on the shelf, need to get to it....
