How to Carry 4 Lectric Bikes While 5th Wheel Towing

Published 04/25/2022

Products Featured in This Question

EcoHitch Hidden Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(119)

$390.67

Inno Velo Gripper Bike Rack for Truck Beds - Clamp On

(242)

$155.51

Thule Bike Adapter Bar for Women's and Alternative Frame Bikes

(355)

$59.90

Question:

I was wondering if in your opinion would this be able to support 4 Lectric Bikes weighing 64lbs ea with battery installed or 57lbs without the battery installed. In the description it says it can hold 50lbs per bike but then its a bit confusing as it mentions the rack will support a max of 91.5lbs? I have a 2012 RAM 3500 dually and pull a fifth wheel. Trying to come up with a good solution for carrying these 4 Lectric Bikes and I was hoping to get the front mount hitch EcoHitch Hidden Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2inch - 306-X7900 and then attach a heavy duty bike rack to it. here are the weight totals... With batteries installed: 64lbs per bike x4 = 256lbs without batteries installed: 57lbs per bike x 4 = 228lbs I could also probably fit 2 bikes in the bed of the truck and just put 2 on the rack totaling 128lbs on the rack with just 2 bikes... I know thats a ton of weight for a bike rack so Im not sure if Ill find a solution without having something custom built.... Thank you for your help in this matter.

asked by: Brad V

Expert Reply:

Great questions!

The Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Rack for 4 Bikes # HR1400Z can only hold 50 lb bikes so I definitely don't recommend using it in this manner although I'll be more than happy to help you find a different solution! The 91.5 lbs you are seeing is the weight of the 4-bike rack alone without any bikes loaded up.

For your application I recommend installing the Front Mount Hitch # 306-X7900 on your 2012 Ram 3500 and then using the Swagman E-Spec Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes # S94FR for 2 of your Lectric bikes as this has a weight rating of 70 lbs per bike. Then you can carry the other 2 bikes in the back of your truck.

You might be able to use the Inno Velo Gripper # INRT201 to hold the frames of your bikes but depending on how tall they are compared to the height of your truck bed sides you may need to get creative in how you secure them. An adapter bar like part # TH982XT might make securing them easier with the Velo Gripper.

expert reply by: Jon G