Can I Use An Extender To Clear Spare Tire With Thule EasyFold Bike Rack

Question:

I have a 61 pound electric bike, I’d like to carry it on the Thule easy fold but I do have a mounted spare tire. I am unlikely to carry more than 61 pounds and the weight capacity is 130 or so for the Thule. I know an extender will reduce the weight capacity by 50, if I’m only carrying 61 pounds can I use an extender on the Thule easy fold ? I need the ramp accessory which is why this is my top choice.Thanks! I have a Radcity stepthrough ebike

asked by: Deb H

Expert Reply:

Thank you for all the helpful information you have provided with your question. First you want to make sure the Thule EasyFold XT 2 E-Bike Platform Rack part # TH903202 doesn't clear your spare tire. It is 9" from the center of the hitch pin hole to the closest part of the carrier. If you measure from the center of your hitch pin hole on the hitch past the spare tire and your measurement is less than 9 inches then the EasyFold will clear the tire.

You can use an extender but it will cut the tongue weight rating of the hitch on the Van in half. I was able to find your Radcity Ebike and the standard weight is 56.9 lbs without the battery. The hitches that we sell for your Van have a 500 lb tongue weight rating but you do want to check to see what your particular hitch is rated for. As long as you do not exceed half of the tongue weight rating for the hitch you have on the vehicle you will not have any issues using an extender like part # HE06 with the easy fold. I recommend getting the shorter HE06 extension to avoid creating extra leverage on the setup.

I also recommend to use an anti-rattle device Roadmaster Quiet Hitch for 2" Trailer Hitches part # RM-061 to keep the extender from rattling inside the hitch. It will tighten up the extra space so there will be less movement in the setup.

expert reply by: Heather A