Hitch Mounted Bike Rack for Electra Townies on a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 Wagon  

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Expert Reply:

You will need both a trailer hitch receiver, if you don't already have one, and a platform-style bike rack to carry your Townie Electra step through.

Townie Electras don't have a frame that is normally compatible with traditional racks, so you usually need to have a platform style rack to better support the bikes' frames.

For a hitch, you'll want to pick up the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver, part # C11404. This is a htich that will require drilling to install, but is the best fit for your E350 wagon. You will need a stabilizer strap, part # 18050, to support any non-trailer loads like a bike rack to keep in line with Curt's warranty requirements. This is also just a good idea, as it reduces the amount of jostling and bouncing the rack endures.

For a rack, I recommend the Thule Easy-Fold XT, part # TH903202. This platform rack is lightweight, folds for easy storage, and includes a telescoping aluminum ramp for easy loading and unloading of the bicycles. It also includes tilt away functionality to make it easy to access the rear hatch.

Another option is the Kuat Transfer 2, part # KU74FR. this rack ratchets down onto the wheel of the bike rather than the frame, and swings out far enough to attach to the Townies. I've attached a picture of two Townies happily on this rack so you can get an idea of what it looks like.

Finally, if you have fenders on your bike, you'll want to go with a frame mount like the Hollywood Racks Trail Rider 2-Bike rack, part # HR200Z. This has a central mount that goes extremely low to the platforms, letting it grasp alternate frame bikes like the Electra Townie series with ease.

I've included a video of these racks in action so you can get a better idea of its features and how it supports the bikes.

expert reply by: Jacob W

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