Suggestions for Class I Hitch Compatible Bike Rack for 65 lb Fat Tire E Bikes

Updated 02/08/2022 | Published 02/04/2022

Products Featured in This Question

EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"

(12)

$375.64

Phat Bike Adapter Kit for Kuat Bike Racks

(140)

$19.00

Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Gunmetal Gray

(473)

$989.00

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

(514)

$1099.95

Fat Bike Straps for Thule EasyFold XT and Epos Bike Racks - Qty 2

(291)

$29.90

Question:

Im going around in circles trying to find the right combination of towing hitch and bike rack for my 2019 Jetta R-Line. I need a bike rack that can carry 130 lbs of bike with 4inch tires. That would be the Hollywood SportRider HR1560. But, it requires a Class II rack. I have found a Draw-Tite Sport Frame Rack that will carry my bikes but is a Class I rack. Most of the heavier bikes appear to either recommend or require Class II racks and hitches. Can you help sort this out?

asked by: Brian

Expert Reply:

If you can reduce the weight of each bike to 50 lbs or less by removing the battery packs, the Thule T2 Classic, part # TH9045 would be ideal. The rack is compatible with a Class I hitch, and can accommodate 2 bikes weighing up to 50 lbs each with tires up to 5 inches wide.

If removing the battery packs would reduce the weight of your bikes to 60 lbs or less, the Kuat NV 2.0, part # NV12G would be a good alternative once the # APBK fat bike adapter kit is added. You'd need one adapter for each of the bikes. The rack is compatible with a Class I hitch, and can handle two bikes weighing up to 60 lbs each with tires up to 4.8 inches wide once the fat bike adapters are added.

Either rack would be a good choice, but they don't work with bikes that have fenders.

If the weight of your bikes can't be reduced to 60 lbs or less by removing the battery OR if your bikes have fenders, the Thule # TH903202 EasyFold would be your best option. The EasyFold can accommodate two bikes weighing up to 65 lbs each with tires up to 4-11/16 inches wide IF the # TH985101 fat bike straps are added. The rack holds the bikes by the top tube or seat post tube, so it'll work perfectly with bike that have fenders. The rack includes some awesome features like a built-in ramp that makes loading heavy bikes easier and the rack has wheels on it to make transporting it from where you'll store it to the vehicle almost effortless.

I've linked to demonstration videos for the bike racks I mentioned above.