Solution for 2026 Ford Bronco to Carry Kuat Piston ION Bike Rack

Updated 07/29/2026 | Published 07/25/2026

Products Featured in This Question

TowSmart Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(39)

$179.05

Kuat Pivot v3 Swing Away Hitch Extender for Bike Racks - 2" Hitches - Passenger Side

(7)

$549.00

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

(12)

$1289.00

Question:

I’m looking for guidance on a hitch/rack setup for my 2026 Ford Bronco Outer Banks 4-door with the factory 35-inch spare tire. My current setup is: * Hitch: etrailer e27ZV Class III 2” receiver, 350 lb tongue weight * Bike rack: Kuat Piston ION 67 lb * Bike 1: Troxus Trax Plus iQ – 61 lb battery removed * Bike 2: Troxus Trax LT – 52 lb battery removed Total rack + bikes: 180 lb The rack itself clears the spare tire, but when loading the bikes, the pedals contact the spare tire, preventing the bikes from being loaded. I’m considering adding a Kuat Pivot v3 to move the rack farther rearward. Could you please answer the following: 1. Is the e27ZV hitch approved for use with a Kuat Pivot v3 and a Kuat Piston ION carrying a combined bike/rack load of 180 lb? 2. If not, do you recommend a different receiver hitch for my Bronco? 3. Would the TowSmart TS46VR provide enough additional rearward clearance to eliminate the need for the Pivot? 4. Is there another solution you would recommend for this specific Bronco/spare tire configuration? Thank you for your assistance.

asked by: Buddy S

Expert Reply:

Hey Buddy, thank you for all of the details on your setup! Based on everything your best option is go replace your hitch with the TowSmart # TS46VR instead of the hitch you have now as it will give you the additional clearance you need to allow you to use your really nice Kuat Piston ION # KU89SR without needing additional adapters or anything else.

Now with that said you could use the Kuat Pivot V3 adapter part # KU38CR with your current hitch and bike rack and that would also give you the needed clearance as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C