BackStage

First off, if you are going to use a rack on a regular basis, platform mount is the only way to go. Hanging racks are a real hassle and damage bikes. We just finished four months on the road riding almost everyday. The mounting system functioned well, held bikes securely and was easy to use. The swing down function was great for quick, easy access to the back of the van. Swing away function allowed us to get the bikes out of the way so we could use the kitchen set up. Overall moving the rack to the side is easy although tough to pull the outer pin sometimes when you are swinging rack back.....bike weight seems to make it jam somewhat....need to bang on the bottom of the pin. Also lock \cable system is inconvenient, requiring you to reach down behind the mounted bikes. We never used it, just bought a combo cable lock. All in all we would highly recommend this rack, especially for extended periods of use.

We pretty much live part-time in the back of our Tacoma. We also ride bikes a lot. The BackStage has been a game changer for both of these endeavors. Basically it's a really well built tray style rack that has everything you'd expect from a category leading product with a swing away feature that was (unbelievably) missing until Rocky Mounts graced us all with the BackStage. I have a couple suggestions for improvement but they're nit-picky compared to have a convenient swing-away style tray rack: 1) Some of the plastic components take away from the build quality. We had the plastic handle on the locking handle break. To Rocky Mounts credit they replaced it quickly, no questions asked. 2) The cable lock mechanism could be improved. We feel the need to remove it and store it in the truck when not in use. 3) A "bike stand" feature similar to some of the other products on the market would be nice. Overall however I cannot recommend this enough if unobstructed access to the rear of your vehicle is a priority. Thanks for the great product Rocky Mounts!

Check out my video review... https://youtu.be/4H5GpkOei8c Was looking for a solid rack for my wrangler to hold two heavy ebikes and give access to tailgate. Thank you RockyMounts!

I like this rack and it’s many features, especially the swing away aspect. It’s a little tricky trying to put it on my car by myself but with some assistance from my husband it goes on easily. It’s sturdy and substantial...good looking too!

I haven't gotten much use out of the rack - just installed yesterday. First impressions: Assembly was quick and easy - maybe 30 min. The rack functions really well, feels like solid construction and the bikes are secure when loaded. Swing away functions really well - easy to use. Definitely heavier than the Thule T2, but this has a massive swing arm! My one criticism is the profile when in haul mode. I really wish they could have provided the ability to move the trays forward and backward. My truck's tailgate used to lay flat with the Thule T2, particularly because you can adjust the trays. Such a bummer... I *have* to swing the hitch away in order to open my tailgate.

Carried some bikes home from a shop last nighe and had to stop at Home Depot to grab some lumber. Access to the back of the truck was unencumbered to load up the lumber. So slick and real world usability for an active person.

I have been using Thule t2s for the last 10 years of my life and have loved them and they have never let me down. But my wife and I were looking to get a newer rack as 10 years in the UP of Mi started to take a toll on my old T2 AND we were looking for something that gave us better access to the back of our 4Runner. Backstage hit all the marks. Took me about 20 minutes to assemble and install on the car. First impression was great, quality hardware, easy assembly, and VERY positive engagement on the holding arms ratchets, tilt adjustment and swing away feature. I really like the thread in bolt to securely attach the swingaway portion of the rack. It may take a bit longer than some sort of quick release, but I like the security of a big ol bolt. So far, it has been great. I just cant get over how much I enjoy the positive clicks and secure feeling of the rack. Maybe its from having the softened vague Thule engagement for years, but I love this new Rocky Mount. Swingaway wise, it swings away far enough to the side to open the hatch of a gen 3 4 runner with the drop bar bikes, not sure on the mountain bikes yet as the trails are still covered in snow, but looks like itll be fine. I am just over the moon and strangely excited to use this rack more.

I rarely give reviews, but I will on this since I appreciate that someone is at least looking at the people who want solid construction as a choice. This is built profoundly solid. Reminds me of something a person with their own metalworking shop would weld up after getting tired of plastic-frame junk for holding their bikes. The small tradeoff for that solid construction is that it is a little heavy as a single person to insert into hitch, but really easy with 2 people (its a 2 bike rack so likely going to be someone else anyway, they can help install the hitch onto vehicle ). It mounts to a 2011 JK Wrangler, if take the rear spare tire off. Will also fold up also with that spare tire off (need to look at the photos and fold the front tire holder over so its flat before folding up rack). If want to keep the rear spare wheel on, one needs to buy the extender accessory (which I have come back to buy today). The JK wrangler really benefits from a hitch based swingaway like this BackStage mount, since with a factory Wrangler hardtop, cant open rear window unless open the hatch first, and can't open hatch with bikes obstructing if it was a non-swingaway type. The bikes on rack swing wide and have a double articulation making for good easy access to rear of vehicle.

This rack is great, it works really well on our Sportsmobile with barn doors! It's easy to load/unload and very secure even Offroad. Couple things I'd change are the lock cable and core system seems cheap, I'm used to Yakima ones which are very nice. Also with two mountain bikes there is no way to avoid seat handlebar interference if you don't have a dropper post. I've maxed out the slide adjustment and now have shimmed the front of each tray up 1/8" to angle the trays opposite so my bars will clear seats (it's a problem with both our 29ers and Fatbikes). Otherwise fits all sizes of tires,and love the swing/tilt functions!