Will The Yakima EXO System with 2 Bike Rack and Cargo Carrier Work with My Heavy E-Bikes?

Updated 06/24/2021 | Published 06/23/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima EXO Swing Away 2 Bike Rack w/ Enclosed Cargo Carrier - 2" Hitches

(36)

$2345.80

Yakima HitchLock for Yakima Hitch Mounted Bike Racks - Same Key System (SKS)

(491)

$28.95

Question:

Will the Yakima EXO System with 2 Bike Rack and Enclosed Cargo Carrier - 2inch Hitches # Y34ZR work for my two electric bikes? Specs are. 62.2 lbs ea 18inch W x 67inch L assembled or 55.2 lbs Less Battery 18inch W x 37inch L Folded Do you offer any other heavy duty bike rack that would hold the weught of these two bikes similar to the system above. We have a Class B van with 2inch receiver. would love to have a storage box lower and bike rake above Thanks

asked by: Rod W

Expert Reply:

I have a solution for you. Due to the 40 pound per-bike weight capacity of the Yakima EXO System with 2 Bike Rack and Enclosed Cargo Carrier - 2" Hitches # Y34ZR, your bikes are too heavy for the upper bike rack (the top shelf).

For an alternative solution, I recommend the Yakima OnRamp Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount # Y36FR for your 2 electric bikes. Here at etrailer, we always recommend that our neighbors travel without the battery attached to avoid any damage by bumps and torque on the battery. The great thing about the OnRamp is that it comes with a integrated ramp that will allow you to roll your bikes up to the platform without the strain associated with lifting the heavy bikes. It also includes a same-key lock system to deter the theft of the bikes from the rack. If you want a locking hitch pin to protect the rack itself from being stolen, I recommend the Yakima HitchLock for Yakima Hitch Mounted Bike Racks - Same Key System (SKS) # Y07235.

With the bikes taken care of with the OnRamp, I recommend the Malone Cargo12 Rooftop Cargo Box - 12 cu ft - High Gloss Gray # MPG901. The Malone Cargo 12 is about the same size as the cargo box on the bottom tray of the Yakima Exo System. It also comes with an economic price tag. One thing to keep in mind about the Malone Cargo 12 is that it will fit on crossbars between 1-3 inches wide and 3/4-1-3/8 inches tall. As far as the rear hatch clearance compatibility, there must be at least 16 inches from the center of the maximum front position of your front crossbar and the line where the roof and the hatch meet on your vehicle. For the Malone Cargo12 cargo box, you will need a rooftop crossbar system.

If you need a recommendation for a hitch receiver or a rooftop cargo system that are compatible with the Yakima OnRamp and the Malone Cargo12, I would be happy to assist you if you provide me the year/make/model of your vehicle.

expert reply by: Bob C