Can Thule EasyFold XT 2 Bike Rack be Used on Front of 2006 Ford F-250

Question:

I have two e-bikes that Id like to use this carrier with. The 40 foot fifth wheel has a 2 inch hitch on the rear that is attached to the frame and has a weight limit of 350#. The whipping motion is a concern and I want to monitor the bikes with the rear camera. The sway wont be drastic like a travel trailer. Was thinking of using additional straps to the ladder for just in case purposes. Just a tying point with no weight bearing on the ladder. The other idea is to carry them with a front bumper hitch using this same carrier on the front of a F250.

asked by: Gunny

Expert Reply:

You can definitely use the Thule EasyFold XT 2 Electric Bike Platform Rack # TH903202 on the front of your 2006 Ford F-250 but it is not able to be used behind the rear of a trailer.

The amount of up-and-down force generated at the rear of a trailer is significantly more than that of a passenger vehicle and a bike rack needs to be designed with this amount of force in mind; this is why bike racks need to be rated for use behind the rear of a fifth wheel or camper, which the EasyFold XT 2 is not.

What you can do is your other idea, which is mount the EasyFold XT 2 # TH903202 to front-mounted hitch on your '06 Ford F-250. If you do not have one already the Draw-Tite # 65022 is a great option; I have added a link to a video of this front-mounted hitch being installed on a F-250 for you to check out.

expert reply by: Kyle S