Kuat Piston ION Bike Rack Clearance for Travel Trailer with Rear Spare Tire and Fendered Bikes

Updated 06/16/2026 | Published 06/15/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Kuat Piston ION E-Bike Platform Rack for 2 Bikes w/ Ramp - 2" Hitches - Sandy Black

(8)

$1289.00

Fender Straps for Kuat Piston Pro, Piston Pro X, Piston SR, or Piston ION Bike Rack - Qty 2

(28)

$19.00

Question:

E-Trailer Staff, Thank you for reading my message. I am looking to purchase a bike carrier for my RV Travel Trailer. My two bikes weigh less than 40 Lbs each but they have front and rear fenders and baskets on the front. The RV has a frame mounted 2 inch hitch receiver rated at 300 lbs...but there is also a rear bumper mounted spare tire that I can slide to one side or the other but it does stick out the width of a trailer tire off the bumper. How far out from the hitch receiver does the following bike carrier extend? Kuat Piston ION E-Bike Platform Rack for 2 Bikes w/ Ramp - 2 Hitches - Sandy Blacky At nearly $1300, I do not want to order it before I verify I can get the bikes mounted on it with the spare tire mounted to the bumper....and that there is no other reason that it wont work for my setup.

asked by: Guy B

Expert Reply:

Hi Guy, thank you for reaching out and for providing all those details.

Based on the information you've shared, the Kuat Piston ION E-Bike Platform Rack part # KU89SR will work very well for your setup. The closest part of the rack sits about 14-1/4 inches from the hitch pin hole, so with the spare tire mounted on the rear bumper and adjustable side to side, you will have the clearance needed. From what you've described, the travel trailer's hitch is attached to the frame, not the bumper so you are good to go there.

The Piston ION is one of the best options for bikes with fenders and front baskets because it secures the bikes by the tires instead of the frame, which helps avoid interference with accessories mounted to the bike. If your fenders extend low enough that the tire-grabbing arms cannot make solid contact with the tires, you will need to add the Kuat Fender Strap Kit, part # KU43VR. Those straps are designed specifically for bikes with full fenders and help keep the wheels securely positioned in the trays.

I completely understand wanting to be certain before investing nearly $1,300 in a rack. The last thing anyone wants is to discover a clearance issue after it arrives. Based on the dimensions and features of the Piston ION, it is an excellent choice for carrying two bikes with fenders and baskets on the back of a travel trailer, and the included ramp is a nice bonus that makes loading much easier.

Out of curiosity, what brand bikes are you using? Do you have the name of them?

expert reply by: Heather A

fender
(click to enlarge)

Guy B.

6/16/2026

Heather, Thank you for the detailed answer. I believe the Piston Ion will work well for our set up. Our bikes are made by Del Sol and the model is the Soulville D Street. Guy

Heather A.

6/16/2026

@GuyB Very nice! I've always been curious how people put those baskets to work. Do you use yours for local errands, commuting, or something like deliveries?

Guy

6/16/2026

@HeatherA We use the baskets to hold small items for campstore trips and towels and small things when we ride the bikes from our campsite to a beach or lake.