Why Can't You Use Certain Bike Racks While Flat Towing a Vehicle?
Updated 10/27/2025 | Published 03/09/2025
Question:
Why is not recommended for flat tow vehicles
asked by: Olga L
Expert Reply:
Hello Olga,
Great question. Some Thule bike racks aren’t rated for flat towing because of the extra stress they go through when mounted on a towed vehicle. When a bike rack is on the back of a regular car or truck, it deals with normal road vibrations. But when it’s attached to a towed vehicle, the bouncing and jolting are way more intense. This happens because the tow bar creates a rigid connection between the RV and the towed vehicle, which amplifies every bump and dip in the road. The result? A lot more strain on the bike rack than it was designed for. When the manufacturer says it is not rated for flat towing, I cannot recommend that you do so. Plus if something were to happen using it while flat towing you would also void the warranty.
With that being said, since the Thule one is not rated for flat towing we do have a Yakima brand that is very similar that is listed safe for flat towing, the Yakima HangOver Bike Rack for 4 Mountain Bikes - 2" Hitches - Tilting # Y02484.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thule ReVert Vertical Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Tilting
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hanging Rack
- Vertical Rack
- Tilt-Away Rack
- Wheel Mount
- Bike Lock
- 4 Bikes
- Class 3
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Heavy Bikes
- Thule
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Kate F.
10/27/2025
Hey Olga, did you end up trying the Yakima HangOver rack for your flat tow setup? Knowing how it handled the extra movement could help others looking for a similar option. Your feedback would be great for anyone comparing it to the Thule rack.