How to Carry a E-Bike Bike Rack and Tow a Travel Trailer
Updated 05/16/2023 | Published 05/13/2023
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Hi, I am looking for a bike rack/carrying solution for two e-bikes. I currently carry bikes not e-bikes due to weight on the rear of my travel trailer that has a 2inch receiver. That receiver is rated for 150lbs and with two e-bikes and the weight of the rack 1-Up I am right at 150lbs. Because it is behind the trailer I do not like the movement while traveling, plus having the added weight that far back is of some concern. My tow vehicle is a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and the trailer is an Escape 21C which is about 4Klbs dry. Do you have a recommendation for a tongue mounted solution that could handle up to 150lbs? I think placing the rack + bikes on the tongue would allow me to better deal with weight distribution/tongue weight. Since my vehicle is new I am not sure if I would need an extension to deal with gate and turning clearance. I am sort of doubtful that finding something that will allow the rear gate to raise/lower with rack and bikes installed will be possible, but that would be a plus. Thank you!
asked by: Tom
Expert Reply:
Thanks for the pictures, that's a very cute dog! I have a solution for you but looking at the space, and motorized jack, on your Escape 21C travel trailer's tongue you are not going to be able to mount a e-bike capable rack. The Swagman Straddler Bike Rack Carrier item # S80503 you were looking at may fit with your weight distribution system brackets but it and similar options all top out at 100 lbs. You won't have enough capacity for one e-bike with the rack.
Instead, I recommend using the Replacement Shank for Gen-Y Adjustable Ball Mount item # 325-GH-304. This adjustable ball mount has four 2" receiver openings that will allow you to use both a hitch mounted bike rack and tow your trailer with your weight distribution system. This ball mount has a 10,000 lbs towing capacity and a 1,500 lbs maximum tongue weight. Which should not reduce your Jeep's current capacity. Keep in mind it will not increase it either.
I can't tell from the pictures but depending on your bike rack you may be able to use it with this set up if it is rated for the weight of e-bikes. If it is not capable, I recommend the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Rack item # HLY84FR. This bike rack has a 80 lbs capacity per bike and fits tires up to 5" wide. It uses a center clamp to attach to the frame so you don't have to worry about damaging any fenders.
I also recommend locking the Gen-Y to your Jeep with the etrailer Stainless Steel Hitch Lock item # e98882.
This will not address your desire to open the rear hatch but it will improve your turning clearance. I don't have an option that will help with opening up the rear of your Jeep while everything is set up.
(click to enlarge)
(click to enlarge)
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Swagman Straddler Trailer-Mounted Bike Rack Carrier for A-Frame Trailers - 2" - 100 lbs
- RV and Camper Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Platform Rack
- Trailer Tongue Rack
- 2 Bikes
- Travel Trailer
- Swagman
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Swagman Straddler Trailer-Mounted Bike Rack Carrier for A-Frame Trailers - 2" - 100 lbs
- Shop: Stromberg Carlson Bike Bunk Trailer-Mounted Bike Rack Carrier for A-Frame Trailers - 2"-100 lbs
- Search Results: trailer tongue bike rack
- Video: All About the Swagman Straddler Trailer-Mounted Bike Rack Carrier for A-Frame Trailers
- Search Results: 4 bike rack
- Search Results: travel trailer rv and camper bike racks
- Search Results: rv and camper bike racks
- Search Results: hitch bike racks
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Search Results: roof bike rack
- Search Results: weight distribution hitch
- Q&A: Height of the Swagman Straddler Part # S80503
- Q&A: Difference Between Stromberg Carlson CC-275 And Swagman Straddler S80503 A-Frame Bike Racks
- Q&A: Bike Rack Solution for Truck Towing Airstream Camper
- Q&A: Recommended Bike Rack to Use with the Stromberg Carlson Bike Bunk
- Video: Feature Breakdown: Stack-It Cargo Carrier for Lets Go Aero Jack-IT PRO 2-Bike Rack
- Shop: Lets Go Aero Jack-It PLUS Bike Rack for 2 Bikes
- Shop: Swagman XTC2 TILT Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Shop: Hollywood Racks Destination Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Video: Review of the Swagman Chinook Bike Rack for 2 Bikes
- Video: Fit Test: Swagman Chinook Bike Rack for 2 Bikes on a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica
- Video: Hands-On with the Swagman Traveler XC2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes
- Shop: Malone SteelTop Roof Rack - Square Crossbars - Raised, Factory Side Rails - Steel - 50" Long
- Shop: Stromberg Carlson Trailer Tray Cargo Carrier for A-Frame Trailers - 300 lbs
- Article: Determining Trailer Tongue Weight
- Q&A: Trailer-Mounted Bike Rack Carrier Options for A-Frame Trailers
- Video: Stromberg Carlson Bike Bunk Trailer-Mounted Bike Rack Carrier Review
- Video: Setting up the Hollywood Racks Destination Bike Rack for 4 Bikes on a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica
- Shop: Truck Bed Bike Rack
- Q&A: Replacement Dust Cap For Dexter 5,200LB E-Z Lube Trailer Axle
on RV and Camper Bike Racks
