Why Does the Yakima HoldUp 4-Bike Rack Have Different Weight Limits for RV and Off-Road Use?  

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Expert Reply:

Hey Mark, that's a great question, and I'm glad you caught those different weight ratings! The Yakima HoldUp 4-Bike Rack # Y95MX is rated for regular road travel, RV use, and off-road adventures, but the weight limits change because of how much movement and stress the rack experiences in each situation. On your SUV during normal road travel, the two bike positions closest to the vehicle can each carry up to 60 lbs, while the two outer positions are rated for 50 lbs each. When you move the rack to your motorhome or take it off-road, those limits drop to 40 lbs per bike on the inner two trays and 33 lbs per bike on the outer two trays. That's because the extra bouncing and movement can put considerably more stress on the rack and hitch, especially with bikes sitting farther away from the vehicle. So even though it's the same rack, Yakima lowers those ratings to account for the tougher conditions.

One thing I'd really pay attention to with your electric bikes is where you're placing them. You'll want your heaviest bikes closest to the vehicle, but if either one weighs more than 40 lbs, it wouldn't be suitable for RV or off-road use on this rack, even if it fits within the regular road rating. I also like that you can remove the rear two bike extension when you're only bringing a couple of bikes, which makes the rack a little easier to manage. Just remember to check your hitch's tongue weight capacity too, since the rack itself weighs 85.5 lbs before you add any bikes.

How much do your electric bikes weigh, and are you planning to carry all four bikes on the motorhome?

expert reply by: Heather A

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