Best Bike Rack Recommendation for Carrying E-Bikes in Class I Hitch of Chevy Bolt

Published 05/09/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(265)

$196.35

Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(513)

$999.95

Question:

I have a 2017 Chevy Bolt with a 1-1/4inch Class 1 hitch installed 24956 which worked great with my TH990XT bike carrier. But Im now looking for a 2-bike carrier for electric bikes I plan to purchase. I found a Class 2 bike carrier that will fit, but I know this is not approved. My question is related to Class 1 having a 200 pound TW rating. If the rack weighs 50 pounds and two eBikes weigh 120 pounds combined 60lbs each, why wouldnt this work with a class 1 hitch? Total weight is 170lbs which is under the spec rating, right? I understand the class 2 provides additional safety/peace of mind, but total weight falls under the class 1 rated hitch.

asked by: Jeff

Expert Reply:

I have a really great option for an E-Bike carrier to fit the Class I Draw Tite hitch part # 24956 you have installed on your 2017 Chevy Bolt but more to your question we can't recommend the use of a Class II only bike rack in a Class I hitch. Not only would it potentially damage the hitch and vehicle the rack has a safety feature that prevents it from being installed in a Class I hitch.

Instead I would recommend the Thule Easy Fold XT part # TH903202 which fits the Class I hitch and overall is a really great choice since it easily can attach to the sometimes unusual frame designs of e-bikes, has more than enough weight capacity, and has built in ramps to help make loading/unloading as easy as possible.

expert reply by: Jameson C