What Bike Rack do You Recommend for 2 E-Bikes on My 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 with Northstar Camper?

Question:

I watched your video about bike racks. I have a 2004 dodge ram 2500 with a northstar camper on it. Wondering what you would recommend. It would probably hold an e bike and a regular bike, maybe two ebikes. I would want it so I could still get in the door to the camper. Are there racks that swing out of the way.? Anyway it looks like you know what youre talking about Id love some input.

asked by: Nancy A

Expert Reply:

From the looks of available photos of some models of Northstar Campers, the camper either completely blocks access to the rear hitch receiver or has drop-down stairs that protrude from the rear. If this is the case, the absolute best option that will give you the weight capacity you need for e-bikes is to use a hitch-mounted bike rack on a front-mounted hitch on your 2004 Dodge Ram 2500. A front-mount hitch also gives you full unobstructed access to the rear door of the camper.

For the hitch, I recommend the Draw-Tite - 2" # 65046. Not only does the hitch provide you with 500 pounds of maximum tongue weight and 9,000 pounds of maximum gross towing weight, it also comes with all hardware required for installation. There is some drilling required for this hitch. We do not currently have a front hitch available for your truck that does not require drilling.

As for the rack, I recommend the Swagman E-Spec # S94FR. The E-Spec has a weight capacity of 70 pounds, which should be enough for your two e-bikes. It also comes equipped with fat-bike cradles that fit tire widths up to 5 inches wide. It is important to note that even though we do not have the exact location of where the hitch opening installs on the # 65046, the attached picture of the hitch installed on a 2006 Dodge Ram indicate that you should not have a bumper clearance issue on your 2004 model.

If you happen to have women's bikes, children's bikes, or bikes with step-thru frames, you need a bike frame adapter bar # 64005 for each of those bikes. The bike frame adapter bar provides your frame with a straight, horizontal plane required to attach to the ratcheting hooks of the Sport Rider SE.

With all hitch applications, I recommend consulting with your Dodge owner's manual to make sure that your vehicle can accommodate the amount of weight you wish to transport on your hitch.