How to Carry a Tandem Bike on a 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan

Question

Question:

Hello, Im looking for a trunk rack capable of carrying a 60 pound tandem bike. Our vehicle is a 2001 dodge grand caravan, 4 door, with factory roof rack and crossbars. Id rather not use a roof rack so we dont have to lift the bike, and Im not willing to pay $400 to install a hitch on the van. This rack from Hollywood looked like it might work well for the tandem because of the widely spaced bars and 6 straps. I just wanted to check if it would fit our van and see if you have any other suggestions. Thanks.

asked by: Aaron

0

Expert Reply:

I do have an option to safely carry your tandem bike on your 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan, however, it is a hitch mount solution. Currently, we do not stock a trunk mount bike rack able to carry a tandem bike.

The hitch I recommend is the Draw-Tite # 75119 which has a 2 inch receiver. I chose this hitch for a couple of reasons, first, there is no welding required - it is a bolt on installation, and secondly, it has a 2 inch receiver so if you find you want to tow at a later date, having a 2 inch receiver is a bonus.

For the hitch mounted tandem bike rack, I recommend the RockyMounts Tandem Carrier # RKY1031 which has a few nice features. First, it tilts away so you can access your cargo area and secondly, it comes with anti-sway cradles.

Looking at the picture of your bike, you might want to check out the RockyMounts Adapter Bar # RKY1065 which when attached gives your bike a level ride on your bike rack. In order to provide maximum ground clearance, you will need 2 adapters - one for each seat.

The Hollywood Rack # HRG2 that you originally referenced is a fit for your vehicle, however, it is designed to carry 2 single bikes at 50 lbs each and not one bike over 50 lbs. Although your tandem bike is under the 100 lb capacity rating of the # HRG2, the rack is not designed to hold one heavy bike and doing so may damage the rack.

expert reply by: Lori W

0

click to enlarge

Arleen L.

8/7/2020

Would this work on a 2019 Nissan Murano

Reply

Jon G.

8/18/2020

You can install a trailer hitch on your 2019 Nissan Murano to transport your bike(s) but if you're needing to transport a tandem bike then you need to go with a roof rack as a roof rack style carrier is all we have available for a tandem bike. Attached are links to our roof rack selection and tandem bike carrier selection for you to filter through.

Helpful Links

dept-pg-roof_bike_racks-pt-tandem_bike.aspx

roof-2019_nissan_murano.htm

Reply

Answer 1

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 2

To me it makes the most sense to put a Bike Rack #HLY64FR on the flat towed vehicle rather than above the tow bars. Especially on heavy e-bikes as they are difficult to lift that high onto the rack, but also as it only makes sense to have the rack on…

view full answer...

Answer 3

Hey Dave, so the best option for carrying your carbon frame bike and e-bike is the Swagman Escapee part #S39SR with the ramp #S59SR . It has the capacity for carrying an e-bike, is rated for travel trailer use, only touches the bikes by the tires…

view full answer...

Answer 4

Yes, you can install a Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C11433 on your 2019 Chevrolet Spark. This receiver is capable of supporting up to 200lbs of tongue weight. With each of the Lectric 3.0 e-bikes weighing roughly 60lbs without the battery you will…

view full answer...

Answer 5

As long as the flat tow wiring is wired in before the 4-Way #C93ZV and you connect the power for the converter directly to the battery it will work. I have seen several use Magnetic Lights #TL21RK which they will wire in on the main harness to have…

view full answer...

Answer 6

The Hollywood Racks RV Rider #HLY64FR has a frame clamp design that was intended for use with step through style bike frame like what your Aventon Adventure bikes have so this rack would work perfect for you. I attached a picture that shows this…

view full answer...

Answer 7

We have the perfect rack for carrying your e-bikes with fenders and step through frames! You will want the Thule Easy Fold XT part #TH903202. This rack will fit your 1-1/4 inch hitch, has frame clamps designed for your style of frame, is specifically…

view full answer...

Answer 8

The Tow Defender #RM-4700 you found is really our best option to protect the front of your 2024 Chevrolet Trax. This screen helps to deflect any road debris back down to the ground to keep it traveling under your Trax. This particular cover is…

view full answer...

Answer 9

There are some subtle difference between the Kuat Piston Pro Bike Rack for 2 Bikes #KU76ZR and the Kuat Piston Pro X Bike Rack for 2 Bikes #KU98VR. Overall the two racks are very similar, there are just some subtle differences/upgrades on the Piston…

view full answer...

Answer 10

We noticed when we installed the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98856 on a similar 2022 Jeep Wrangler it had 8" from the center of the hitch pin to the rear edge of the stock spare tire. This would likely not allow you to fold up the…

view full answer...

Answer 11

Generally speaking wheel mount only bike racks are preferred. Especially for people with carbon fiber bike frames since frame mounts aren't recommended at all with them otherwise damage could occur. For other frame designs people still prefer…

view full answer...

Answer 12

The Kuat NV 2.0 2 Bike Platform Rack, #NV22G, and the Kuat NV 2.0 Base 2-Bike Platform rack, #BA22B. are both very similar bike racks. Both racks can be expanded to a 4-bike rack, #NA22G add-on for the NV 2.0 and #BA02B for the NV 2.0 Base, and both…

view full answer...

How to Carry a Tandem Bike on a 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan

Products Referenced in This Question

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching