Is There an Adapter I Can Use with the EasyFold XT in Order to Not Interfere with My RV Slide-Out?

Question:

On the Thule EZ Fold, our RV slide out will hit the bikes. I know the carrier folds out, but is it strong enough to hold two e-bikes overnight in the tilted out position? If not, is there any type brace that could be used? Another solution might be to use a hitch receiver if there is such a thing to lower the height of the bikes.

asked by: Susan J

Expert Reply:

I have a solution for you. I reached out to my tech at Thule, and he said that there should not be an issue with keeping your EasyFold XT # TH903202 in the tilted position with bikes loaded overnight. With that being said, Thule does recommend removing the bikes from the rack whenever possible to decrease the tension on the rack when not in use.

Unfortunately, there is not any type of brace that can be used, and any solution that would involve a drop adapter like the Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter, 6" Drop/Rise # RM-077-6 will considerably lower your ground clearance to the point where the rack may scrape the road when bikes are loaded.

Most importantly, the EasyFold is not rated for RV use.

However, with all of these factors, I recommend the Hollywood Racks RV Rider Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 2" Hitches # HLY64FR along with the Kuat Pivot 2 Swing Away Hitch Extender for Bike Racks - 2" Hitches # PVP20B. Since the RV Rider has a hollow shank, it will be compatible with the Kuat Pivot 2 (unlike the Thule EasyFold XT). The Pivot 2 will allow you to swing your bikes a full 120 degrees away from your rear doors of your Mercedes C-Class RV. As far as the RV Rider, it has a maximum per-bike capacity of 80 pounds and eliminates the need for a bike frame adapter bar like the Swagman Bike Frame Adapter Bar # 64005. Unfortunately, there is no solution that includes a ramp due to weight capacity constrictions.

If you need a hitch for your vehicle, I recommend the Curt Adjustable Trailer Hitch Receiver - 18"-51" Wide # C13701. The Curt hitch comes with adjustable side brackets that will fit your frame (as long as it measures 18-51 inches wide). The hitch comes with all hardware included for installation.