Hitch bike rack

[farmerwelds]

I have a 1-1/4hitch receiver, a RR+ and a rad wagon 4. I would really like a hitch rack for them but I have a couple concerns.

Do you think the radwagon is too long to be transported perpendicularly the car?

I can't seem to find a rack that fits a 1-1/4 hitch and have the carrying capacity for two 75 lb bikes.

With the RR+ being a step through I am concerned that there won't be a good spot for the rack to hold onto it. I haven't gotten the bike yet so I can't figure that out.

I guess my only other option is a roof rack but that does not sound fun with a 75 lb bike.

Thanks in advance for any advice


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[Jeff_RI]

I don't believe you're going to find a 1 1/4" hitch rack that can carry (2) 75 lb bikes or even (1) for that matter. You would have to go to a 2" receiver. Also, racks have a per bike weight limit and a total weight limit that needs to be considered.

[farmerwelds]

Yeah I figured as much. I really don't want to go through all that hassle and I'm pretty cheap to be honest haha


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[natchezz]

You could buy a little utility trailer and haul them in it. Maybe a 4x7 size?

[farmerwelds]

Yeah that's a good idea maybe I will do that. It'll probably cost more in the end but then I would have a trailer at least


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[wagon4owner]

Which car do you have? I was able to carry the radwagon inside my mini van (odyssey).
Also came across this rack which would support radwagon weight (as mentioned previously, it will need a 2" hitch though): https://www.harborfreight.com/400-lb-receiver-mount-aluminum-motorcycle-carrier-62837.html

[farmerwelds]

I have a Hyundai Tucson. We have two evokes we would like to haul as well and I know how to weld so I could maybe even modify that motorcycle one to fit two. It doesn't seem like it would be that hard.


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[wagon4owner]

I have a Hyundai Tucson. We have two evokes we would like to haul as well and I know how to weld so I could maybe even modify that motorcycle one to fit two. It doesn't seem like it would be that hard.


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Cool! good luck with the project! Do let us know how it goes!

[radgranddad]

Couldn't you purchase a device like this to allow the use of a 2" rack?
https://amzn.to/3vPExyu
I just bought two Rad Rover 6 Plus Step Throughs, so I'll be interested to see your final solution.

[louis.defranco]

Etrailers recommended these 2 racks for a 1-1/4" receiver hitch for my 2 rad rovers

https://www.etrailer.com/p-HLY74FR.html

https://www.etrailer.com/Bike-Racks/Thule/TH903202.html

Does anybody have any experience with either?

[wagon4owner]

Etrailers recommended these 2 racks for a 1-1/4" receiver hitch for my 2 rad rovers

https://www.etrailer.com/p-HLY74FR.html

https://www.etrailer.com/Bike-Racks/Thule/TH903202.html

Does anybody have any experience with either?

I have not used it but have heard very good things about this rack from Hollywood. Rad too recommends (and sells?) the same rack for their e-bikes. The weight limit of 80 lbs per bike is more than enough for any radpower bike.
The Thule is much more convenient as it has a built in ramp for loading/unloading the bikes. So you do not need to lift the heavy bikes to load them to the rack. I think it is an important feature since lifting 60+ lbs is not something everyone would enjoy doing..

Hope this helps.

[RadJohn]

Couldn't you purchase a device like this to allow the use of a 2" rack?

The 3500 pound rating of that adapter is a PULLING load rating, but in actuality it will effectively DECREASE the tongue weight or load carrying capability of a 1 1/4" hitch because it increases force applied to your installed hitch by increasing the length of the bending moment/lever by moving the load (bike + rack) back 6 or so inches. The increased length at the rear also reduces "departure angle, making it more likely that your rack will drag on driveway and parking lot entrance "ramps".

It's also another joint to introduce potentially wobble, unless special pins/locking devices are used.

They have their place though, I've used one many times to move boat & car trailers around driveways or lots with a more nimble car as opposed to a full-size truck. They're also fine for moving empty or lightly loaded trailers short distances between locations but for carrying two ebikes (or even one) stuck further out from the back of a 1 1/4" hitch, no thanks.

[JesseP]

Etrailers recommended these 2 racks for a 1-1/4" receiver hitch for my 2 rad rovers

https://www.etrailer.com/p-HLY74FR.html

https://www.etrailer.com/Bike-Racks/Thule/TH903202.html

Does anybody have any experience with either?

I actually ordered the Hollywood rack you note here from etrailer.com, however, along with a 1-1/4" hitch.  Bill from etrailer caught my order before it shipped and said the rack needs a class2 hitch, not class1, so I have no rack solution right now. 

Be sure you have a class2 hitch for those racks.

[louis.defranco]

Etrailers recommended these 2 racks for a 1-1/4" receiver hitch for my 2 rad rovers

https://www.etrailer.com/p-HLY74FR.html

https://www.etrailer.com/Bike-Racks/Thule/TH903202.html

Does anybody have any experience with either?

I actually ordered the Hollywood rack you note here from etrailer.com, however, along with a 1-1/4" hitch.  Bill from etrailer caught my order before it shipped and said the rack needs a class2 hitch, not class1, so I have no rack solution right now. 

Be sure you have a class2 hitch for those racks.

Thanks for passing that info along!  I just emailed etrailer again to ask about this.  The Thule rack actually lists that it is compatible with Class I, II, or III hitches, so that may still be an option.  A very expensive option, but an option nonetheless.  Etrailer did confirm that the Hollywood rack is listed as being for Class II only.  In the same email though he said that he has had customers use a class II 1-1/4 rack on a class I hitch, but I think I would be very hesitant to do that.

[JimInPT]

Couldn't you purchase a device like this to allow the use of a 2" rack? https://amzn.to/3vPExyu
I just bought two Rad Rover 6 Plus Step Throughs, so I'll be interested to see your final solution.

That's very interesting.  I did some searching there and elsewhere for exactly that sort of adapter and found nothing.  Don't need one, just curious to see if anybody was willing to sell such a thing with lawyers hovering everywhere.  Used judiciously, it would be a very useful thing to have, but somebody will eventually overload it doing something dumb.