Should I Use a Hitch Adapter to Lower My Bike Rack's Ground Clearance to Make Loading Easier?

Updated 06/08/2026 | Published 05/22/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Saris CycleOn Bike Rack for 2 Bikes w/ Ramp - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches

$899.99

Yakima OnRamp LX Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 2" Hitches - Frame Mount

(55)

$998.95

Question:

Hi, I have a 2026 Toyota RAV4 hybrid. I have an E bike and am purchasing an E bike rack. The e-bike racks are too high off the ground for me to lift the e-bike onto the rack. I wondered if this product would help to lower the bike rack closer to the ground. It is 19 3/4 inches from the ground to the bottom of my 2 inch hitch receiver. Please and thank you for all your help. Or my there be another product you would recommend.

asked by: Sue

Expert Reply:

Hi Sue,

I don't recommend using the etrailer High-Low Adjustable Adapter part # e52ZV to lower your bike rack. Using an adapter decreases the tongue weight of your trailer hitch by up to 50%. The typical e bike can weight anywhere from 50-80lbs and if you're planning on carrying two of them, the weight of the bikes plus the rack may exceed what the tongue weight of the trailer hitch is if you used the adapter.

Instead, I suggest you invest in a bike rack that is designed for e-bikes that you can use with a ramp so you can roll your e-bikes up onto the rack. The Yakima OnRamp LX Bike Rack for 2 Electric bikes part # Y88DJ fits your 2" hitch and is specifically designed to carry e-bikes with a weight capacity of 80lbs per bike. It has an integrated 51" ramp that you can use to roll your bikes onto the rack and then the ramp easily stores behind the wheel trays.

Or an option that is a little more cost effective it the Saris CycleOn Bike Rack for 2 Bikes part # SAR36XR. It has a slightly lower weight capacity at 70lbs per bike, fits 1 1/4" or 2" hitches, and it's ramp when not in use is stored inside the vehicle instead of on the rack. Both racks have locking hitch pins to secure the rack to your hitch and an anti-rattle design to reduce movement in the hitch while driving.

How often do will you be taking your e-bike out on rides?

expert reply by: Claire H

Saris CycleOn Bike Rack part # SAR36XR
(click to enlarge)

Yakima OnRamp LX Bike Rack part # Y88DJ
(click to enlarge)

Sue

6/6/2026

Thanks Claire H for your detailed response. I ride numerous times per week. I needed a bike rack that is lower to the ground because I a 5ft 2 in. I found a kuat NV 2.0 with a ramp that will do but is still slightly higher than I would like. It looks similar to the photos you provided. Again I cannot thank you enough for yourresponse. Have a great day. Sue