Recommendations on How to Carry e-Bikes and Tow a Trailer With 2016 Toyota Tacoma

Question:

I need to choose an e-bike rack that will function both as a hitch rack for my Tacoma truck alone and while towing a NuCamp 320 Outback Boondock. If I can use a duel hitch receiver and an extender receiver. I am considering the Thule EZ Fold, Swagman E-Spec , Hollywood , and Tule T2?. We have two e-bikes 45-50 lbs with 3inch wheels. I choose not to put the bikes on the a-frame of the trailer, but may want that option if using the duel hitch is not feasible with canoes on the truck, tailgate, etc. BTW we are in our 60s Any suggestions??

asked by: Rick F

Expert Reply:

Because the tongue weight capacity (maximum amount of weight that can safely be applied to the hitch) is drastically reduced by using an adapter or extender, none of the major bike rack manufacturers recommend using extenders or adapters of any kind. The reason being is that the further the bikes and rack are moved rearward, the more leverage they exert upon the hitch and especially it's attachment points to the vehicle. e-Bikes and the racks that are rated to carry them are heavy by necessity, so there aren't a ton of great options available. This being said, we do have a solution that works very well in instances like these.

Installing a front mounted hitch, part # C31075 provides an excellent easy to access and strong mounting point for the bike rack. If you can get the bike's weight to 45 lbs or less perhaps by removing the battery pack, the Hollywood Racks Trail Rider, part # HR200Z would be an outstanding choice. If you can't get the bike's weights below 45 lbs, the Swagman # S94FR E-Spec can handle bikes weighing up to 70 lbs a piece. Either rack will accommodate your 3 inch wide tires with no problem.

expert reply by: Mike L