Kuat NV 2.0 Base Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount - Matte Black

by: Michael08/17/2022

I've taken this rack all over New England on the front of my Dodge Ram 3500 pick up truck with a truck camper. I had no idea it was possible to love a bike rack so much. After one drive I didn't ever worry about it again. So nice that it locks up when I am camping or taking a quick stop for food on the road. So glad I bought it from etrailer. They totally help me pick the perfect rack for my challenging set up.1362314

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Michael

8/18/2023

This rack has traveled from MD, through TX, NM, AZ, UT, CO and back and it has held up so well. We did a ton of research and could not be happier with this rack or this company!

Still very new, but what an awesome bike rack! Assembly was a snap and the rack is rock-solid when you secure it to the hitch receiver. etrailer was amazing too - excellent communication, price and fast, free delivery. Overall I am extremely happy with the rack and service!1314824

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Chuck S.

6/20/2023

A year in and the rack continues to work great. Still rock solid while driving and has held up very well.

excellent product; typical Kuat quality. bikes are sturdily held in place while driving.
locks for hitch pin and built-in locks for hitch pin for bikes well done.
I want to compliment the advice I received from etrailer representative Jon Griggs who provided great feedback every step of the way which was key in purchasing my hitch and bike rack.1294285

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Michael S.

5/6/2023

Great! We bought this heavy duty rack in expectation that we were getting two e-bikes. We are still waiting on that. One thing to remember is the rack is heavy: over 50 lbs if I remember it correctly. It can take 2 min and a boy to install and remove, but darn sturdy. :-

by: Renee04/16/2023

This bike rack has performed great. We are hauling 2 heavy fat tire e-bikes. Loading and unloading is a snap. I had to purchase a 2” drop extender to be able to lower my tailgate. Tilting the bike rack allows for easy access to my truck bed. Great product!1557933

Renee

4/17/2024

This bike rack is still performing great. I had to add some magnetic taillights because my bike tires covered my rear tires. Possible accessory upgrade. Thinking of adding the ramp to be able to load the bikes myself. My husband is able to but I can not. Great, great purchase!

Kevin C.

5/14/2024

@Renee Glad to hear you're happy with your purchase. If you're wanting the ramp for your NV 2.0 then you'll need part # ANVBRB.

Hello Roger! I really enjoy the bike rack. I will give a review after I have had some time to try it on some trips!1221684

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James S.

12/13/2022

I absolutely love the bike rack! It stays rock solid stable when secured to the rack and does not move. Kuat could not have built a much better bike rack! Securing the bike is SUPER easy. I am so glad that we purchased two of them.

Excellent rack - rock solid, holds bike without wobbling. Fits 2021 Toyota Rav4 XLE with Toyota Hitch perfectly. Easy to tilt up and down (but it takes 2 hands to do so, which is a little annoying). At the risk of stating the obvious, it is a little annoying to leave it on all the time - I don't like leaving it horizontal for fear that a car will clip it when driving, so I keep it in the raised position.. But this means that I have to lower it every time I want to access my hatch. Lock works well also. The kids bike adapter seems to work fine (only tried once).

One downer - some of the fasteners are already rusting a little (see pic), and I've only had it on my car for 3 months (May to August in PA).1196816

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Sierra K.

11/9/2021

This product should not be left on the hitch all of the time. Leaving it on will cause excessive rust. Please view page 17 of the manufacturers User Guide under tips and tricks to see how to get the most life out of your bike rack: https:www.kuat.comwp-contentuploadsnv-2-user_guide.pdf

I picked this bike rack specifically for use on my front mounted 2" receiver hitch (Which I acquired from e-trailer). I use it on the rear receiver if I just want to take the bikes out, and on the front hitch if I'm hauling my travel trailer. If you are going to use it in front, make sure the bicycle handlebars fold or can be easily removed for good visibility. The rack has all the positives; it is sturdily built, tips up 90 degrees when not in use, and tips away from the truck to allow access to the the bed or engine compartment without removing the bikes. It can be tightened in the receiver to provide a wiggle-proof connection to the vehicle. The moving parts all operate smoothly with no play. The only caution I would give is that it is heavy. All that sturdiness comes at a cost. I'm 79 and in reasonable condition. I can barely manage to hook it to the truck by myself. Having said that, I would still choose this bike rack. I love its smooth strength and solidity.1727056

Drawtite front hitch & kuat NV 2.0 base
Bike rack added to our ram 2021 2500.
Purchase completes our set-up for pulling our camper. While the kuat not rated for rv's this will work for standard & electric bikes. Because etrailer's Excellent service & videos, we purchased both of these!1218637

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Sierra K.

12/7/2021

Please keep in mind that hauling bikes on the front of your truck can reduce driver visibility, air flow to the motor, and block your front lights, so you will want to use caution.

by: Jason01/06/2024

I've had it for a year and I'm VERY happy with my bike rack. Love the built-in locks for deterrence and piece of mind. STRONGLY recommend getting an installer who knows what they're doing. I took it to my dealership and they were going to cut into metal... took it to an authorized installer and they had it securely bolted in in half an hour. I've already demonstrated it to two people out and about who wanted advice on hitch racks. It's a good, solid, easy to use rack! Zero regrets.1708068

I recently bought the Kuat NV 2.0 Base 2 Bike Platform Rack from ETrailer.
It is a well-made and well designed platform bike rack. It was easy to assemble. Although the instruction manual needs a little bit of tweaking to
make clear where the other nut is. It took a while to find it and I ended up buying a similar nut at a hardware store. Other than that this is a great bike
rack. Easy to assemble and install. I like the built-in security chain lock too. It
is actually long enough to secure the two bikes together. The platform has a grooved area for the bike’s front tire for added stability. It also lighter than the Thule bike rack I was initially considering. We traveled from the Bay Area in California to South Lake Tahoe for the Americas Most Beatiful Bike Ride, the bike was very stable. My wife loves the looks and the ease of tilting the bike rack to open the tailgate area.
The etrailer customer service person, Stacey A, was awesome. The shipping notification and tracking was great too.
I have no qualms recommending this bike rack to my family and friends.
Thanks for all your help, Stacey A.523364

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Buy with confidence if you are here shopping for new bike racks you can already appreciate the vast amount of information provide to consumers to make an informed decision speak for an end user I love the Kuat NV 2.0 rack it assembled very easily 5 bolts to install and hex key is provided no additional tools are need the rack is very solid and sturdy the tilt feature is very smooth and works effortlessly as demonstrated on the websites video and as you can see for yourselves they are priced competitively what else can I say that etrailer hasn’t already covered other than the all black mat colored model finish on the rack isn’t the same as the grey and black with the orange rails it’s more rough texture finish not smoooth automotive like finish on the other two models don’t get me wrong this isn’t a con by any means this is exactly what I was looking for but I do have to say the smooth high quality finish of the other two models is very easy to clean just use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe down dust.1041675

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I have used this new bike rack twice (120 miles each trip) and could not be happier. This rack is extremely solid and so easy to use that I can have the rack installed and bikes both mounted in under 10 minutes.

When I was looking at racks, I had two questions about this rack that were hard to find answers to. I'm going to answer those questions to hopefully help others that are looking:

1. Does this rack work with bikes that have fenders? - I have two Velotric Discovery 1 e-bikes which have front fenders that stick out from the fork about 6-7". I put the arm just in front of the tires so that it is 6-7" in front of the fork. The rack is still extremely solid and the bikes don't move at all, even with the support arm further forward on the tire. Other people have put the support bar over their fender. I can't do that as it would break the fender just based on my bike's design. Couldn't be happier!

2. Can you open the tailgate of a Ford F150 when you tilt it down? - First of all, I did NOT buy the "extender" that would push the rack out further. If I did, I think I could open my tailgate up completely. Without the extension, I can open up my truck's tailgate about 2/3 of the way with the rack tilted. That is actually fine for me, because it allows me to unlock my truck bed Hard top cover so that I can access the bed. If you have a fullsize pickup, and want to open up your tailgate fully, you will most likely need to buy the extension.

Beyond those two questions, what I like most about this rack is that there is no center support bar that you have to work around. I can pick up the first bike and lift it right onto the rack with nothing impeding me. I secure it with the rear strap and front bar and it is good to go. I then put the 2nd bike on again with no impediments.

The unit tightens into the hitch sleeve and is rock solid. Super easy to install and tighten... taking me only a couple minutes.

Couldn't be happier with this purchase!!!!1649395

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by: Dale02/19/2022

I purchased this rack to carry two e-bikes, which the ads say it would be sufficient for two 60 lb bikes. I always removed the bike batteries to lesson the weight and keep them below 50 lbs. After about a month of travel the bike rack began to fall apart. The bolts holding it together bent and broke and fortunately I was close to home when it happened. I beefed the entire rack up with heavier bolts and also bolted some aluminum square tubing across the middle section and to the cross sections so that it would stand up to the weight of the ebikes. I am now on an extended trip to AZ and NM and so far so good. Also, one of the tire hold down thingys has loosened up due to the weight of an ebike. I would NOT recommend this rack for ebikes, Kuat makes some that are solid across the middle section that would work much better. Personally, I would never buy another Kuat due to the many problems we have had with it.1264367

Heather A.

3/9/2022

I am sorry to hear that your bike rack has started to fall apart. I was wondering if you are using this rack on the back of a motorhome, travel trailer or fifth wheel? The Kuat NV is not designed to be used on a motorhome, travel trailer or fifth wheel because of the excessive movement while going down the road. Travel trailers also have a tendency to sway on the highway which can be rough on certain bike racks that are not tested for use on the back of a trailer. I was also curious which e-bikes you are carrying on the rack?

Heather A.

3/9/2022

Hello Heather, thank you for your response. I have been using the rack on the back of my pick up truck with an overhead camper. I don’t recall reading anywhere not to use it on an RV. Anyway we have a Himiway bike as well as a mini fold up rad. We remove the batteries when we carry them in order to reduce the weight. I also bought straps that attached to the back of the camper to help support the rack and minimize the movement. I think the problem with this particular rack is the fact that it is bolted together on the crossmembers rather than being a solid bar across which I have seen on other racks. I spent several hours making some adjustments to it and I think it’s OK now however I think it would be important not to advertise that rack as sufficient for 60 pound bikes. It definitely is not that. Once again thank you for your response.

Heather A.

3/9/2022

We have not had any complaints about the durability of the construction of the Kuat NV so I am surprised to hear that you needed to brace the rack. It sounds like you are using your Kuat NV in the hitch of your truck. Are you using a hitch extender so the bike rack will clear the back of the overhead camper? Most extensions cut the tongue weight of the hitch in half so the e-bikes may be overloading your setup at that point. It sounds like your e-bikes may be around 70 lbs. The bike rack capacity is 60 lbs per bike so you may want to keep that in mind. You also want to keep in mind that using an extender creates more leverage on the setup and leads to more bouncing of the bike rack especially on the highway.

Dale

2/20/2023

I havent used it for a year now, but after making my improvements I feel confident that it will hold up just fine.

Dale

2/20/2023

I would like to ad that I did have an extension on the receiver to clear the back of the camper, however with the support straps attached to the upper part of the camper it should not have affected it. Heather wrote that I must have had 70 lbs per bike. NOt true. We always removed the batteries and the bikes are in the 50 lb range without them. having two little 516? bolts holding the wheel support to the center of the rack seems under strengthened IMO. I ended up putting aluminum tubes underneath the wheel supports and bolting it all together with heavier SS bolts. I will admit, however, that we do not just stay on paved roads and do sometimes wander onto back roads that are not always the smoothest, however with a big camper on top, we go slow and carefully on those roads.

by: Dianne 08/14/2022

I love the Kuat NV 2.0 Bike Rack I purchased a year ago! It is easy to use and extremely sturdy - the 2 bikes remain secure and movement free! The tipping feature is great when I need to get into the back of my SUV while my bikes are loaded. I recommend the Kuat NV 2.0 to everyone looking for a new or replacement rack!1357841

Dianne

8/15/2023

Awesome, I love it and have recommended it to many people! It is easy to use and I feel confident that my bikes are secure and well protected.

High quality materials. Simple enough to assemble. All the tools you needs are included in the kit, and they are actually properly sized for the job at hand. Instructions are maybe an 8 out 7 - better than most but could do with a little more illustrations. Three suggestions, if I may. 1) When the early step says to turn the unit upside down, the front tire cradle keeps it from laying flat on the ground. This makes it difficult to install the long connecting bolts. You should suggest that the assembly be put up on blocks or to hang the cradle off the end of something (see my picture with the end hanging off of a deck walkway). This makes the whole thing lay flat to ease alignment if the connecting bolts. 2) For that same step, a trimetric view would me more helpful than the plan view. 3) when tightening the long bolts, care must be taken so that the Allen wrench doesn’t chip up the rack paint. I fixed this by wrapping the wrench with some painters tape (see pic). You might want to add this tip as it was obvious to me that Kuat tries to make a great set of instructions.

The rack itself operates beautifully. I expect years of solid service from this unit. Ps. The ramp accessory works great too.853979

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Easy to build, very sturdy! I haven't used it much yet, but so far so good! I had a Thule single bike rack before and I like this much better, even for just one bike.1041406

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Wow , what a great bike carrier, Solid as a rock1765403

Great so far. It's a little heavy, but understand it's necessary to carry heavy bikes. I like the design for stowing the cables for the locking mechanism. The anti-rattle device is much appreciated.1698058

by: Brian08/20/2023

This rack did exactly what I needed it to do. I upgraded from a Yakima folding rack in order to hold new e-bikes. I also needed something that could be installed and removed easily.

Pros:
"Relatively" light weight - goes on and off easily
Holds the weight of e-bikes
The bikes feel save and secure once latched in and locked with the cable

Cons:
After a while the cable wouldn't stay seated when not in use. Often if I had the rack on without the bikes, one of the cables would be loose and hanging from the unit. Since I didn't do that often, I didn't take away a star

The only reason I don't use this rack anymore, is because I needed one that hold 3 bikes!

Highly recommend.1651088

by: Scott01/24/2024

Great product quality and design. Both etrailer and Kuat have great customer support.1713743

Love it. Replaced an older Yakima rack that was fine but didn't work with the frame od my new bike. This is a 50+ lb rack but because of the way its designed its fairly easy to get it into the hitch receiver. Once in, it locks in ver solidly by twisting a know that sort of jams a good sized steel ball up against the inside of the hitch receiver. There's no wobble even if I stand on the rack. Bike is pretty easy to put up on the rack. Arm clamps down on bike's front tire. I wish it used something better than the plastic ratchet trap to secure the rear wheel....that's the one part of the rack that doesn't have the same user friendliness as the rest of the rack. Is recommend this rack. And it arrived right away from etrailer. Good communication and no drama1646699

Great ebike rack at a great price! 1394120

Richard

9/6/2023

Excellent. Glad I bought it here.

Mike L.

10/26/2023

@Richard Thanks for your business! We appreciate it, and we're glad you're happy with your purchase!

by: Ken 11/25/2021

I've used a lot of different bike racks over the years, but this is by far the best. It is very solidly built, holds bikes of all sizes securely, and looks good too.1210901

Ken

11/26/2022

After a year, Im still very happy with this Kuat rack. It is well built and solid and holds our bikes securely. The integrated locks are really handy too. I only wish now that I had gone for the model with the attached bike stand. They would be handy.

by: Durc04/12/2022

Very well built and very easy to use bike rack. I used mine quite a bit within the last year and everything works just as well as the first day. I will say however this bike rack is on the heavy side. I exercise and work out regularly and this thing can be quite heavy for some people. It has to be close to 100 lb. I take mine off when I am not using it however some people may wish to leave it on just because of the weight. Very nice features would definitely recommend and it comes with adapters for different size wheels.1284923

Durc

4/12/2023

Still looks and works brand new. Again I take mine off after every ride and hang it on the wall. Definitely recommend.

by: Dan S10/24/2019

I purchased the Kuat to replace a very similar Thule rack.(shown in photo).
I was pairing it with the Stromberg Carlson Bike Bunk on the front of our trailer.
The Kuat was 7" closer to the trailer giving me the clearance I needed for the truck and the Kayaks on the truck rack. We traveled 6500 miles for 9 weeks and everything worked great. The Kuat works great on the back of our Jeep Rubicon as well.719936

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