# 1
Thule Insta-Gater Pro Truck Bed Bike Rack - 1 Bike
Linda and I recently ordered two Aventon Pace 500 NextGen E-bikes from [bike store] in Madison, WI. Not wanting to just toss our expensive new bikes in the back of the p/u when they arrive next month we promptly ordered the Thule Instagator from etrailer. My prior experience with etrailer came as a recommendation from a friend. I was able to do quite a bit of the research on etrailers website, the demonstration video extremely helpful and we placed an order. The racks were in-stock, shipped promptly, etrailer providing a very nice tracking link that included pics of the staff involved in processing the order and a map of the route all the way to delivery. Absolutely 1st rate service. The racks showed up in perfect condition about two days after placing the order, exactly as promised. We are very pleased with etrailer, will most certainly be ordering from them again and recommend this company w/o reservation. Nice job etrailer!
I bought two racks to transport my ebikes. The tires do not fit in the rack. the cradle that holds the tire require to be wider. I need to return them. please assist me in this matter. thank you
# 2
Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
I have been shopping for a new "travel trailer" approved bike rack that wouldn't break the bank. This is a very well made bike rack by Kuat that fit my particular application. I did add a hitch extender to my bumper receiver so the bike rack can be folded with the spare tire also on the rear bumper. I also have 2 "anti rattle" devices that locks everything down from hitch to rack. That and the internal cam device that is included in the rack makes for a very secure receiver to rack connection. No movement what-so-ever from bumper to rack. However, there is still a lot of movement and sway once the bikes are loaded. I don't think this is avoidable in any type of rear bumper bike rack. Therefore, I will still be adding extra tie downs to help eliminate any extra sway of the bikes while travelling. Lots of movement on the rear end of a travel trailer. Pros: Well built, U shaped design and tilt feature for easier bike loading and unloading. Nice cable lock. Great company reputation for quality bike racks. Cons: My rack came with no paper assembly directions or itemized parts list. Just a "QR" barcode to scan that had the wrong assembly direction. Fortunately, I found a great YouTube video that showed step by step out-of-box assembly directions and installation instructions. A little challenging for us older not so tech oriented senior citizens. Took a little longer to assemble then expected. Travel trailer: Outdoor RV, mountain series, 22QFS.
We love this bike rack. We bought a couple ebikes and needed something we could use behind our travel trailer when camping and the truck when we just want to drive to some trails. When we were looki g, many can't be used behind travel trailers. We absolutely love the way its built - its sturdy, high quality, pretty easy to put together - good instructions. Love the tilting feature - use one foot - very easy. Love that it comes with the cable lock for the bikes, It is very adjustable for a wide range of bikes. We have step throughs. We did buy a hitch lock for extra security. We would recommend this rack to anyone.
# 3
Curt 2 Bike Platform Rack - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount - Tilting
I installed this rack onto a Curt trailer hitch which is mounted onto a 2017 Honda Fit. I have been using it intermittently for several months, probably about 5 times with one bike and twice with two bikes. I give some pros and cons below and then elaborate. Pros: easy to assemble, easy to mount and dismount bikes, easy to lock and unlock, how to put the rack into different positions is intuitive Cons: inconvenient to put the rack into different positions, inconvenient to mount the rack onto the hitch, rack protrudes about 15 inches from bumper when in flipped up position (seems very vulnerable to someone backing into it in a parking lot, very inelegant looking I say the repositioning is intuitive because there is really only one way you could possibly place the pins for each position. But removing and replacing two pins is much less convenient than turning a knob or a lever, like some racks do. Also many racks fold and flip in such a way as to look very unobtrusive when in non-use mode. This one looks like kind of a monstrosity. That does not really bother me but it might bother some owners. The part that does bother me is how far it protrudes from the car. I back into parking spaces whenever possible to avoid someone bumping into the rack and damaging it (which happened to a friend). My number one suggestion for Curt is related to mounting the rack onto the hitch. Make it easier to tell when the holes are lined up so that the bolt/pin will fit and thread. As it is now, if you insert the rack as far as it can go it is way too far in. Ideally, it would be exactly lined up. Failing that, maybe some kind of click or other feedback to know at least that you are in the neighborhood. It would also be great to have an attaching device that is easier to fasten and unfasten than is the bolt/pin. Tip for mounting the rack onto the hitch: I assumed that it would be awkward to hold, what is it 46 pounds?, while trying to line up the rack probe with the receiver. If you have a garage with exposed collar ties, my solution could work well for you. I looped a cargo strap over a collar tie. Then I hooked both hooks of a bungie onto that loop. The idea is that you hook one of the bike frame holders of the rack onto the bungie, suspending the rack a few inches off the garage floor. This takes most of the weight of the rack so that you can just pull up or down and forward until you line up with the receiver. Tip for mounting bikes. Don't put the little screw into the post that prevents you from completely removing the bike frame holders. Remove both holders. Position the first bike, slide the holder into place, position the second bike, slide the holder into place. I found this makes it much easier, because you avoid parts of the bike hitting the holder as you are trying to get the wheels into place. The trick is that if you are mounting only one bike, don't forget to put the second holder back on - or maybe just stick it inside the car right away.
The rack carries the bicycle safely and securely, as advertised. However if some other method had been provided instead of pins that must be removed and reinserted to tilt the rack or fold the rack, I would have given the rack a higher rating. The pins work ok, but this feature could have been more user friendly. Also, I was concerned that I could carry my Bike Friday NWT, a bike with a very low crossbar and 20-inch wheels. I submitted the question of fit to etrailer and received a prompt assurance the the rack would work. It does, however the hoops that capture the wheels allow the wheels to settle deeper than if the bike had larger wheel (26" or more). My bike has fenders and I am planning to trim about an inch or so from the rear end of the front fender so that it doesn't hit the hoop. The technical team at etrailer are excellent. I have especially valued their installation videos when purchasing other products. etrailer gets the full 5 stars.
What our customers are saying:
"I purchased a hitch, wiring harness, bike carrier and bike adapter for a newly redesigned 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. Everything arrived in a matter of days and either fit or worked perfectly. Great prices, quality and service support. Rest assured, I'll be recommending you to anyone who asks. Thanks again."