Anyone have suggestions for a good easy to load bike rack for a Jeep Wrangler for the Rad City Step-Through. Preferably one that attaches to the hitch.
Thank you!
I have a Hollywood rack (cargo bike/fat tire combo) sitting in the box at the moment. I will be doing a review soon for my YouTube channel but for now if you want to check them out:
https://amzn.to/2xJWm7W (https://amzn.to/2xJWm7W)
This is the same brand that Rad sells directly on their website. I have heard good things but want to see it first hand until it gets my seal of approval 8). You can also check out the Overdrive racks on Amazon which I know some folks opt for (they are cheaper): https://amzn.to/2Qnv5i8 (https://amzn.to/2Qnv5i8)
You need to make sure that it can handle the total weight of all bikes you intend to carry. EBikes are generally heavier than standard bikes, especially cargo bikes such as the RadWagon.
Since I mention RadWagon, you also need to consider the width of your bikes as well. The RadWagon rear footrest requires a rack that can handle their heavy weight and wider width. One such as Hollywood Racks HR1450Z-W.
https://hollywoodracks.com/collections/electric-bike-hitch-racks/products/sport-rider-for-cargo-bikes?variant=19653572067397
Also available from etrailer at:
https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Bike-Racks/Hollywood-Racks/HR1450Z-W.html
This rack can carry two cargo bikes or one standard bike and a cargo bike.
REMEMBER to remove your battery and carry it inside the car. That will lower the weight and worry of damage or loss.
I have two 2018 RadWagons and when I purchased the then recommended bike rack from Rad Power Bikes that they said would carry two RadWagons I discovered that it would NOT. I had to remove the two inward facing footrest... one from each of my RadWagons. I called RadWagon support and it surprised them! I emailed Hollywood Rack to confirm the issue and they agreed, the rack could not handle two wide Cargo Bikes. They asked me about market size, do I think it's big enough for them to design a solution... I told them they best contact Rad Power Bikes. I stated I believe so as I see so many offered by different manufactures. Guess they did and the result was their new rack above. They sold me a retrofit kit for 20% off the parts for my rack. Still meant I paid more in the end for my rack than the price above, but at least I don't have to remove the two footrest any longer.
So, in short, find the total, no battery weight of the bikes you plan to carry and consider width as well. Also if you have Fat Tires... make sure what you purchase handles this safely. Especially the weight.
I'm working on a mod to my Hollywood Rack now that will allow me to roll my RadWagons up a ramp and across from one side to the other. But that will be for another thread.
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I just picked up the cargo rack from Harbor Freight to stick on my RV. Holds 500#.
https://www.harborfreight.com/500-lb-capacity-deluxe-cargo-carrier-66983.html (https://www.harborfreight.com/500-lb-capacity-deluxe-cargo-carrier-66983.html)
Needs mods to hold the bikes upright but at $60 I can do this. Will hold our kayaks too.
More later
*R
https://amzn.to/3cIZt2c
I use a thule but I like the idea of one of these. Cheap, designed for way more weight than ebike, wide tracks for the rovers 4" tires. Not sure of the downsides.
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I have a Thule Easy Fold for my Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk - currently they sell the Easy Fold II.
https://www.thule.com/en-us/bike-rack/hitch-bike-racks/thule-easyfold-xt-2-_-903202 (https://www.thule.com/en-us/bike-rack/hitch-bike-racks/thule-easyfold-xt-2-_-903202)
It's a great rack that can hold two 65# ebikes! steps up to maintain departure angle, great for off road or Prius ( bumper draggers ::) ). I haul my 2016 RadRover + my wife's Magnum UI-5 on it.
Soon to be carrying two RadRunner+'s.
The included ramps are a bit awkward with high ground clearance vehicle, just pull your bike up behind the rack, lock the rear brake and pull back to lift the front wheel onto the rack. then hold the front brake and lift the rear by the frame up onto the rack. Do this and you never have to lift the whole bike at once! ;D
Quote from: Ryan on March 18, 2020, 10:38:20 AM
I have a Hollywood rack (cargo bike/fat tire combo) sitting in the box at the moment. I will be doing a review soon for my YouTube channel but for now if you want to check them out:
https://amzn.to/2xJWm7W (https://amzn.to/2xJWm7W)
This is the same brand that Rad sells directly on their website. I have heard good things but want to see it first hand until it gets my seal of approval 8). You can also check out the Overdrive racks on Amazon which I know some folks opt for (they are cheaper): https://amzn.to/2Qnv5i8 (https://amzn.to/2Qnv5i8)
I opted for the Overdrive rack and can tell you that it works fine for 1 big fat tire bike. It hold the bike very securely. I would not put a second one on it.
Quote from: rheine3 on March 29, 2020, 08:11:09 PM
I just picked up the cargo rack from Harbor Freight to stick on my RV. Holds 500#.
https://www.harborfreight.com/500-lb-capacity-deluxe-cargo-carrier-66983.html (https://www.harborfreight.com/500-lb-capacity-deluxe-cargo-carrier-66983.html)
Needs mods to hold the bikes upright but at $60 I can do this. Will hold our kayaks too.
More later
*R
Just wondering if you were ever able to get this to work for your bike and, if so, how you strapped everything down. Feel free to HMU. Thanks!
I purchased the Thule T2 Pro XTR Hitch Rack - 2 Bike for my fat tire Rad Step Thru for approx $650. The rack is heavy, but I can attached it easily enough. As a 66 year old woman, hoisting the bike onto the rack is not easy. I tilt the rack, take off the battery and Arbus lock and use the hold the back brake and lift the front tire. Then reverse the procedure. I have to use the rack that is further from the car. I'm tired just writing about it! If anyone can recommend a ramp or an easier way, I would appreciate it.
This is my post to the RadRover section. I ended up buying this rack and using it on my '10 Wrangler 4dr.
"I've been looking at this rack on the Northern Tools site. There are some reviews posted from Rad owners there.
Ultra-Tow Fat Tire 2-Bike Carrier. I'm seriously thinking of ordering it."
The key to successfully locking your bike into the hitch rack (https://biketoworkday.us/lock-bikes-to-hitch-rack/) is how firmly you've attached the bike to the mount. For this process, you will need a basic lock and a longer lock to ensure balance. These straps will ensure that the bike is well installed and provide maximum safety for the rider. It will also prevent robbers from stealing your bike.