Swagman

About Swagman: Pioneers of the Hitch-Mount Bike Rack

Few brands can claim to have helped define an entire product category, but Swagman can. Founded in the early 1990s by Jim and Jan Morris in the scenic Okanagan Valley of Penticton, British Columbia, Swagman was among the first companies in the world to design and bring a hitch-style bike rack to the consumer market. What started as a passion project rooted in a love of the outdoors has grown into one of the most recognized names in bicycle transport and outdoor gear in North America.

From its Canadian roots, Swagman expanded its lineup to serve cyclists, RV enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers across a wide range of vehicle types and riding styles. The brand's philosophy has always been centered on enabling adventure — making it easier to bring your bikes, boards, and gear wherever the road leads. That spirit drove a major evolution in the mid-2000s when co-owner Perry Grago joined the team, ushering in a new era of product innovation and design that broadened Swagman's reach across cycling, water sports, and winter recreation.

A Rack for Every Rider and Every Rig

Swagman's core strength lies in its deep and versatile lineup of bike racks. Whether you drive a compact car, a full-size truck, or tow a fifth-wheel RV across the country, Swagman engineers a solution to get your bikes there safely. Their RV Chair and Bike Racks are a standout category — purpose-built to withstand the unique forces generated when a rack rides on the back of a travel trailer or motorhome. Models like the Escapee, Nomad, and Dispatch are engineered and tested specifically for RV use, offering features like zero-frame contact arms, fat-tire compatible wheel trays, and locking ratchet mechanisms that keep bikes secure mile after mile.

Swagman's RV-focused lineup doesn't stop at the rack itself. The brand also produces a clever RV Bumper Adapter that clamps onto standard 4" square continuous-welded steel bumpers on campers and travel trailers, instantly adding a 2" hitch receiver opening. It's a practical, no-weld solution for RV owners who want to use a hitch-mount bike rack without a dedicated trailer hitch — turning an existing bumper into a functional mounting point.

Built for Riders of All Kinds

As cycling has evolved, so has Swagman. The brand has kept pace with the growing popularity of e-bikes, fat bikes, carbon frames, and gravel riders — developing racks that address the specific needs of each. Many Swagman models are rated for heavy e-bikes, with platform-style racks capable of carrying bikes up to 80 lbs each. The tire-tray designs accommodate tires up to 5" wide, making fat bike transport straightforward without adapters or modifications.

Beyond bikes, Swagman has extended its outdoor expertise into water sports accessories, ski racks, cargo management, and bike storage solutions — rounding out a catalog that serves enthusiasts from the trailhead to the ski slope to the shoreline.

Quality and Innovation You Can Trust

Every Swagman product goes through rigorous testing before it reaches riders. RV-approved racks, in particular, must meet strict performance standards to handle the added vibration and stress of being towed behind a recreational vehicle. That commitment to real-world durability, combined with decades of listening to brand ambassadors, athletes, and everyday cyclists, has helped Swagman build a loyal following among outdoor enthusiasts who rely on their gear to perform when it matters most.