Pivot v3

Pivot v3

SKU: PV3D20B

The Pivot v3 builds on our best-selling swing-away hitch adapter with refined upgrades that improve stability and confidence. A new safety pin closure system enhances driving stability. With quick-release 90-degree and 120-degree swing positions, the Pivot v3 makes accessing tailgates and trunks easy.

Rack/Accessory Color
Rack/Accessory Size
Part Position
$549.00
Out of stock
Description

Gaining full rear-vehicle access is easier than ever. The Pivot v3 evolves Kuat’s trusted swing-away hitch accessory with purposeful design upgrades that enhance ease of use, stability, and everyday performance.

A newly engineered safety pin closure system significantly increases stability, helping reduce movement when carrying heavy loads while driving.


The Pivot v3 features quick-release 90-degree and 120-degree swing-away positions, giving you unobstructed access to tailgates, rear doors, and cargo areas without removing your bike rack or gear. Available in both driver- and passenger-side swing options, it adapts to a wide range of vehicles with a 2” (minimum Class III required) hitch, including trucks, SUVs, hatchbacks, and vans.


Finished with thoughtful details like a black matte powder coat, locking hitch pin, and Kuat's patented Flatlock Hitch Cam system, the Pivot v3 delivers the premium feel, security, and reliability expected from Kuat.  Backed by our No Worries Limited Warranty, it’s built to perform wherever your adventures lead.
Highlights

  • Weight Capacity 250 lbs
  • Quick-release 90 and 120-degree swing-away positions
  • Driver or Passenger side swing options available
  • Innovative pin closure system for increased stability
  • Updated hitch tube design
  • Flatlock Hitch Cam system
  • Locking hitch pin included
  • No Worries Limited Warranty
  • Minimum Class III hitch required
Vehicle & RV Compatibility

All Models 1

  • Cars, Trucks, SUVs and Vans
  • Flat-Towed Vehicles
  • Travel Trailers
  • Motorhomes
  • Fifth-Wheel

1 Must be a chassis mounted hitch receiver. Must be less than 64” distance from the center of the rear axle to the center of the hitch pin hole.

Always check the User Guide and specifications for any change in weight capacity dependent on use. Hitch extenders and adapters should not be used when mounting the rack to an RV. Please refer to Kuat’s RV & Off-road Limitations for more information.
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Features
250 LB. Capacity

The Pivot v3 supports up to 250 pounds.

The farther the weight is from the hitch, the more torque is applied, which limits how much weight or how many bikes can be safely carried.


Kuat racks are limited to 3 bikes (maximum 250 lbs), and all other bike racks or cargo systems should follow the distance-to-weight guidelines:

  • Up to 28" (from the accessory’s hitch-pin hole to the furthest point): 250 lbs max total weight
  • 28–40" (from the accessory’s hitch-pin hole to the furthest point): 150 lbs max total weight


Refer to the Pivot v3’s Loading Capacity Guide (below) to learn more.

Loads within the 40" limit may exceed some Class III receiver ratings — check your vehicle or hitch manufacturer for exact tongue-weight details.

Driver OR Passenger SIDE OPTIONS

We offer two versions of the Pivot v3 so you can choose which side of your vehicle to swing toward.

90° to 120° LOCKING POSITIONS

The quick-release swing-away positions gives you unobstructed access to tailgates, rear doors, and cargo areas without removing your bike rack or gear.

pin closure

A newly engineered safety pin closure system significantly increases on-road stability, helping reduce movement when carrying heavy loads.

flatlock™ Hitch cam system

Advanced cam mechanism provides a tight, rattle-free connection to your vehicle's receiver. The cam system applies consistent pressure to eliminate play and ensure smooth operation mile after mile.

locking hitch pin

Includes a locking hitch pin. The durable lock mechanism deters opportunistic theft while maintaining easy operation for legitimate use.
Specifications
CAPACITY

250 lbs. Maximum weight capacity.

Vertical hanging style racks are not compatible. It is not recommended to use Kuat bike racks in more than a 3-bike platform rack configuration with the Pivot v3.

WEIGHT

51 lbs.

DIMENSIONS

Pivot v3 Product Dimensions

SHIPPING

Shipping Dims: 42” x 23” x 9”
Shipping Weight: 61 lbs.

2 LOCKING POSITIONS

The 90° and 120° swing-away positions gives you unobstructed access to tailgates, rear doors, and cargo areas without removing your bike rack or gear.

PIN CLOSURE

A newly engineered safety pin closure system significantly increases on-road stability, helping reduce movement when carrying heavy loads.

FLATLOCK HITCH CAM

Our patented FlatLock™ hitch cam ensures your rack moves only when you want it to.

QUICK RELEASE LEVER

Once the safety pin has been removed, use the quick-release lever to open the swing arm. Release it to lock at 90 degrees or 120 degrees.

2 LOCKING POSITIONS

The 90° and 120° swing-away positions gives you unobstructed access to tailgates, rear doors, and cargo areas without removing your bike rack or gear.

PIN CLOSURE

A newly engineered safety pin closure system significantly increases on-road stability, helping reduce movement when carrying heavy loads.

FLATLOCK HITCH CAM

Our patented FlatLock™ hitch cam ensures your rack moves only when you want it to.

QUICK RELEASE LEVER

Once the safety pin has been removed, use the quick-release lever to open the swing arm. Release it to lock at 90 degrees or 120 degrees.

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Pivot v3 FAQ

What is the difference between the Pivot XD and the Pivot v3?

These two are built for different types of use. The Pivot v3 is designed for everyday setups like bike racks and cargo, with a 250 lb capacity and a lighter 51 lb build.

The Pivot XD is built for heavier-duty use. It has a higher 350 lb capacity, weighs 68 lbs, and is approved for off-road use, vertical racks, and accessories like the MOLLE hoop and spare tire mount.

If you're running a standard setup, the v3 is a great fit. If you're pushing heavier loads or going more rugged, the XD is the better choice.
What is the difference between the Pivot v2 and the Pivot v3?

The Pivot v3 builds on the same core design as the Pivot v2, with a few key refinements focused on stability and overall feel. 

The biggest update is the addition of a safety pin closure system that works alongside the lever to provide a more secure hold while driving. It also features an updated hitch tube design and internal hardware changes.

The overall use, weight limit, and intended applications remain the same—this is more of a refinement of an already proven design.
Is there a 1.25” hitch size model for the Pivot v3?

No—the Pivot v3 is only available for 2” hitch receivers due to the size and weight of the system.  It requires a minimum Class III chassis-mounted hitch
Can I use a vertical hanging rack on my Pivot v3?

No—vertical hanging-style racks are not compatible with the Pivot v3.  This type of setup creates excessive leverage on the system and falls outside of supported use.

If a vertical rack is a must, the Pivot XD is the better option.
Can I use the Pivot v3 on a Class II hitch?

The Pivot v3 is not rated for a Class I or Class II hitch. The Pivot v3 requires a Class III or higher chassis-mounted hitch receiver. 

Read more about our Receiver Hitch Capacity Warning and refer to our Warranty Information for receiver hitch capacity limitations.
Can the Pivot v3 swing out in either direction?

You’ll choose your swing direction when you buy it—driver side or passenger side.

It cannot be flipped or installed upside down to change direction later.

Most people go with the passenger side, but it depends on your vehicle and personal preference.
Is the Pivot v3 RV rated?

No—it’s not approved for use on RVs, trailers, or motorhomes.
How much further will the Pivot v3 position my rack away from the back of my vehicle?

The Pivot v3 will extend the rack out roughly 13.5”.  For a more exact fitment, it’s best to reference the product dimensions guide.
Can I use a basket rack on my Pivot v3?

Yes—as long as you stay within the weight limits and distance guidelines.

If you're using a third-party rack or cargo carrier, we recommend checking with that manufacturer to confirm compatibility with a swing-away.
Can I use the Pivot v3 with other hitch extensions, such as the Hi-Lo Pro?

No. The Pivot v3 already functions as a hitch extension.

Stacking extensions increases leverage beyond what the system is designed to handle and would void the warranty.
How many bikes can I carry on the Pivot v3?

Küat bike racks are limited to 3-bike setups on the Pivot v3.

For other bike racks or cargo carriers, you’ll want to follow the weight and distance guidelines to ensure everything stays within the limits.
Can I tow with the Pivot v3 installed?

No. The Pivot v3 is not designed for towing.
Can I use the MOLLE Hoop or Spare Tire Adapter with the Pivot v3?

No—those accessories are only compatible with the Pivot XD.

General FAQ

No Worries Limited Warranty

Let’s face it, we all have enough to worry about. Your Kuat product shouldn’t be one of those things. All of our products are backed by our No Worries Limited Warranty. Many products are backed with a lifetime limited warranty. Read our full warranty terms for more details.

So, 'no worries' if something goes wrong. We’ve got your back!
Future Forest Initiative

Working together with organizations like Veritree, Kuat plants trees in selected regions across the United States and beyond. All racks symbolize the effort with Future Forest Initiative, so adventurers know their gear isn’t just helping them get outside and do more, but actively contributing to a healthier future for our forests. It’s a tradition and responsibility Kuat Racks is proud to stand behind.
Product Support

Need help with your Kuat product? We've got you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions — Quick answers to common questions about setup, compatibility, and care.

Product Guides — Download installation manuals and user guides for your specific rack.

Register Your Product — Register your rack to stay up to date and streamline future support.

Warranty Claims — File a claim under our No Worries Limited Warranty.

Find Parts — Browse replacement parts and add-ons for your rack. Order replacement locks, keys, or match your key code across products.

Contact Us — Reach our team directly for anything else. Phone: 1-877-822-5828 | Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm CST
Product Registration

Product Registration is quick, and it makes your life easier down the road. Registering your Kuat rack links your product to your profile so we can fast-track warranty claims, get you the right replacement parts, and keep you in the loop on product updates and the occasional surprise from our team.

Your rack is covered under our No Worries Limited Warranty — registering just makes sure we can take care of you faster when you need us.
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