Recommendation of Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes on a Flat Towed Vehicle

Published 12/06/2021

Question:

Hello, I was looking at the Thule easy fold due to the weight of our electric bikes are 63 lbs. We have a motorhome with a flat tow vehicle using the wrangler hitch. Is there any problem using the bike rack? Thank you

asked by: Donna

Expert Reply:

I suggest the Yakima OnRamp Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes, # Y36FR as this is rated for flat-towed vehicles and the Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack, # TH903202, although a great bike rack, is not rated for flat-towing. The Yakima OnRamp Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes, # Y36FR has a rated weight capacity of 66 lbs. per bike and 40 lbs. per bike when used off-road. When hauling eBikes, it always suggested that you should removed the battery bank for transport. This also benefits in a lower bike weight, many remove the seat too for even greater reduction. The issue is less the vertical weight being applied to the hitch but the torqueing to the bike rack from the side to side movement of a swaying vehicle in tow.

The Yakima OnRamp Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes, # Y36FR has an integrated ramp that stows on the rack once you're done loading your bikes. The padded clamps with ratcheting straps hold bikes securely by the frame or seat post with cradles that slide up and down and rotate to fit almost any bike. The sliding wheel straps let you carry bikes with different wheelbases with option of Fat Tire Straps, # Y23FR that are 10" in length. This allows you to adapt to a fat tire bike with tires sizes up to 26x 4.5", 27.5" x 4.5" and 29x 3.25".

expert reply by: Michael R