RockyMounts AfterParty Hitch rack - installed photos & review

[Andystroh]

Wanted to share some photos of the newer swingaway rack from RockyMounts. It fits the truck pretty well, since the swing arm is integrated it sits pretty close, but there is room for the pedal.
There's two things I don't love about it: It takes longer to swing away than the Kuat arm, since you have to unscrew the arm. And it doesn't perfectly fit the Rivian hitch receiver out of the box: the hitch pin is too short. If you email them, they'll send you a threaded bolt that can reach all the way through, but it takes a long time to screw it through, and doesn't fit in the lock; they just give you a nut. If you remove the lock washer from the assembly it does fit with the stock hitch pin, I have to imagine it's only included as part of the anti-wobble assembly but I'm not sure.

No view out the rear camera with it installed. You cannot lower the tailgate with it angled backwards.

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[MXA121]

After ordering a Thule T2 Pro XTR and being totally disappointed in the quality, I've ordered this After-party rack as a replacement! Looks super well designed.

 

[Riv_Ian]

That looks very similar to 1up’s design. Who copied who, or whose patent expired, I wonder.

 

[Andystroh]

That looks very similar to 1up’s design. Who copied who, or whose patent expired, I wonder.

1up's patent expired I'm pretty sure. It's very similar. Does have a nice feature where you can lock out the ratchet mechanism to move it more easily, we'll see how well it holds up.

 

[COdogman]

Rocky Mounts makes quality stuff and have always been a good value compared to Thule/ Yakima IMHO. Great people too. If I needed some random screw that I lost in all my shuffling of rack systems, I would drive to their HQ in Boulder, they never hesitated to Look it up and give me one free of charge.

 

[WSea]

This is the best damn hitch rack! Used it yesterday for the first time with 2 29ers. Rack is rock solid with no hitch movement and rack stays horizontally level or stays parallel with rear R1T horizontal red light.
Was going to get a pivot swing for my Thule T2 Pro but didn't like the idea of 2 separate pieces weighing at 91 lbs. This AfterParty swing away is 1 piece weighing in at 60 lbs.
Ordered directly from RockyMounts. Seem like great people! They even through in the wall storage adapter for free. Maybe it was overlooked but they didn't charge sales tax.
Added plus is when swung up it's a nice tight fit at back of truck that still allows me to park in garage.
Note- someone had mentioned that the hitch receiver locking pin that comes with the rack is too short. Pin worked for me.
Thx OP for making me aware of this rack!

 

[Andystroh]

We got this cheap reverse camera on amazon today to test out for when we have the RTT in addition to the bike rack. The image quality is acceptable but not very good, it connects to your phone with an app and a wifi connection. We only anticipate using it on a few trips each summer where we have both accessories (which results in zero rear viz). The base is magnetic which attaches to the bike rack (we will probably attach a strap for a backup). Also will take it off when off-roading so we wanted a quick and easy attachment, I just don't want to have to ask my wife to get out every time we are reversing in a parking lot .

 

[Andystroh]

Finally took it on a trip this past weekend. The rack worked well, it was easy to swing it out of the way while camping. We added some lights for better visibility from behind.

 

[MXA121]

Just sold my Thule T2 Pro XTR which was a complete disappointment and will likely keep me from buying anything Thule moving forward. Just poor quality, and for near $900? Unacceptable.

RockyMounts Afterparty is now here as the replacement! Can't wait to try it out.
Thanks for all the feedback.

 

[MXA121]

Very happy with the quality of the Rockymounts Afterparty.
Had to remove the lock washer due to the R1T thick hitch receiver, otherwise went together easy.
Tucks against the truck neatly, should be able to close the garage while installed ?

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