Saris Door County Bike Rack for Spare Tire Clearance on a 2013 Chevy Express Van

Question:

We have a Roadtrek 190 popular with a spare tire on back. I need an electric bike rack for two 2022 townie gos, one 7D step thru and one 7D step over with fenders. my spare tire comes out 17.5 inches from the van door to the back of the spare. Hitch weight can hold 1000 pounds. Suggestions to me: Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4inch and 2inch Hitches - Frame Mount Item # TH903202 but Thule does not approve a hitch extender. Kuat NV 2.0 Base Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2inch Hitches - Wheel Mount - Matte Black Item # BA22B and Kuat Pivot 2 Swing Away Hitch Extender for Bike Racks - 2inch Hitches - Passengers Side # PVP20B but Kuat says not for bikes with fenders. Saris Door County. but not recommended for RVs Pictures included of bikes and van with hitch location in red rectangle. I dont know what to do! Im at my wits end! What is your best suggestion? Appreciatively and extremely grateful for your advice

asked by: Susan M

Helpful Expert Reply:

Thank you for the pictures and all the information! You have done a lot of research. I spoke with my rep at Saris to confirm and get some measurements. The Saris Door County Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes item # SAR42RR can be used on your Roadtrek 190 Popular 2013 Chevrolet Express Van. It is considered a van not an RV. I was able to get some measurements as well. I have made a diagram and attached it below. The Door County Bike Rack will work perfectly on your van.

This bike rack does require a 7-way connector. I can't tell from the picture if your van has one. If it doesn't you will need a couple of wiring harnesses. The first is the Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector item # 118392. This will provide your van with a 4-flat connector. The second harness you will need is the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires item # ETBC7. The kit includes a pre-wired 7- and 4-way trailer connector that mounts easily at the rear of your vehicle with an included bracket. This kit is designed for use on a vehicle with an existing 4-way flat trailer connector and plugs directly into it.

You are correct with the Thule and Kuat bike racks not working. I spoke with my rep at Thule and he confirmed the Thule EasyFold XT Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes item # TH903202 can not be used with a hitch extender.

With the Kuat NV 2.0 Base Bike Rack for 2 Bikes Item # BA22B the clamps will not mount to the frame, they are designed only to clamp to the front wheel, and the fenders will interfere.