E-Bike Hitch Rack for Revel

We've got heavy step-thru fat tire e-bikes from Rad Power Bikes (Rad Rovers and Rad Citys), and this imposes a lot of constraints on the types of bike carriers that we can use. I spent a lot of time trying different models and configurations, and I've finally determined that the following setup works best for our lifestyle in the van.

We frequently open the back doors on our trips for gear access, outdoor showering, and enjoying the views from bed. Consequently, we needed a swing arm to provide rear access. I bought the RackAttach Large Driver's Side from 1-Up, finding that it will support the weight of the bikes and accommodate the size of the vehicle. I also prefer the driver's side swing because it provides fast & simple access to the rear passenger door, which is the one that must open first on a Sprinter. I mated it with a Hollywood Sport Rider Rack for Fat Tire e-Bikes, which is darn near the only choice for heavy step-thru e-bikes with front fenders (and it's also the official recommendation from Rad Power Bikes). 

The large version of the RakAttach is long enough to allow the driver's side door to open fully to its 'stop' point.

This configuration also extends far enough from the van to avoid handlebars banging against the rear windows, and also provides enough space to easily walk between the van and the bikes. Clearance is approximately 18 inches from the handlebar to the window.

I'm also using the Yakima TubeTop Adapter for step-thru bikes, and I'm attaching a large carabiner to the seat. This carabiner maintains the rack's downward pressure on the seat and seat post, rather than on the frame, and it also keeps the adapter bar in a higher, more level position.

I added a hitch tightener (in powder-coated black) to minimize whatever motion I can.

Finally, I'm using the Formosa Bike Cover, which is durable and fits well.

 

All of this allows us to keep the bikes on the van, but also enjoy the beautiful views from the garage or bed at the same time.

7-August 2021

Bike Cover for Hitch-Mounted Rack

I spent a lot of time looking for a high-quality bike cover for our hitch-mounted bike rack, and finally found the best one of all. It's the Formosa Bike Cover, made of heavy canvas & vinyl, and comes with 8 cinch straps and 2 giant bungees to eliminate any flapping in the wind. It's about 2x more expensive that its competitors, but in this case, you get what you pay for.

In the photos below, you can see that we have 2 RadCity e-bikes from Rad Power Bikes, and since they are the step-thru models, they require a platform rack. Our rack is the Rad-recommended Hollywood Sportrider Rack for e-Bikes. Of all the racks that I've tried, it is the most stable and shortest (closest to the vehicle) that I've seen.

One nice touch is that the Formosa offers a 'neck shroud' for the hitch itself, wrapped with a drawstring and velcro, for keeping out dust and road junk. The bikes emerge from their protective cocoon looking pristine.

17-July-2021