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

Bumper Step (Shuksan)

I use a hitch-mounted bike carrier, but also need a bumper step. The solution for this is usually to put an extension on the hitch, which I didn't want to do because we have some very heavy e-bikes that we carry. After looking at a lot of bumper steps, I found the Shuksan Rear Hitch Step that will fit my needs. It has a cutout in the center for easier access to the hitch pin, and doesn't require a hitch extension. The owner of Shuksan, Kris, confirmed that he's a biker and he built this step for those of us that are hitch-mounted bike carrier people. 

The step is solid steel, so it showed up in a very stout box, and cost about $70 to ship from Seattle to central California.

It attaches to the hitch with two steel U-shaped brackets. Mine fit almost perfectly, but one of them required a bit of smacking with a rubber mallet to get it to seat properly. It took about 20 minutes to install it.

The cutout allows for easier access to the hitch pin & lock.

It extends about 5.5 inches from the van, and is probably a shin-killer if you're not careful.

This replaces my old bumper step that served us well for a few years.

26-August-2020

Hitch Connector Box Removal

The 7-pin hitch connector box is in an awkward location for hitch-mounted bike racks. I have never towed anything that requires the connector, nor do I have any plans to do so soon, so I finally got around to removing it.

Just removed 4 screws with an allen wrench.

The red clip slides to the left, then the plug comes apart.

Removed 2 reverse torx screws with a ratchet. Some people have a welded box here, but mine is not, fortunately.

I wrapped the plug in a ziploc bag and taped it shut, then used a cable tie to attach it to a bumper support.

Unlimited space now for weird hitch pins, locks, etc.

25-August-2020

Bumper Step

I frequently found myself needing to stand at the rear of the van and work on the bed or rummage around under the mattress. Since it's a long way up there without a good place to stand, I decided to get a bumper step (aka 'bump step'). Research led me to this item, which installed easily, and seems sturdy. I also installed an anti-rattle locking pin from Curt (silver pin in these photos).