What Hitch Bike Rack do You Recommend to Use on an E-Bike on a RV and a Ford Escape?  

Question:

Expert Reply:

To answer your question, racks that are constructed for RV use can be used on your Ford Escape as long as you have a hitch receiver installed on the Escape.

However, when it comes to racks with ramps that are rated to use with your Travel Leisure class C RV, there is only one available: the Yakima OnRamp - 2" # Y36FR. While this rack comes with an integrated ramp and works at full 66 pound per-bike weight capacity when installed on your Ford Escape, the per-bike weight capacity decreases to only 40 pounds when mounted on your RV. Unfortunately, since your RadExpand 5 weighs 54.8 pounds with the battery removed, you do not have enough weight capacity to use the OnRamp on your RV.

Although, for a great non-ramped option that works on both your RV and your Escape, I recommend the Swagman Current Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches # S64678. The current not only accommodates your 4-inch wide fat tires on your bike, it also is constructed for brute force to withstand the extra torque exerted on the end of a motorhome. It comes with a 60 pound per-bike weight capacity. With that capacity, you need to remove your bike's battery before mounting. We recommend doing this anyways so you do not risk any unnecessary damage to the battery during transport.

Since your RadExpand 5 has a step-thru frame, you need a bike frame adapter bar # 64005 in order to attach your bike to the rack. The adapter bar provides your bike with a straight, horizontal plane that is required to mount to the hooks of the rack. I went ahead and attached a video that shows how this works.

If you have a hitch installed on your RV and Ford Escape already, I recommend measuring from the center of the hitch pinhole to the outside face of your rear bumper. As long as that measurement does not exceed 5-3/4" long, you have enough length on the Current to clear the rear bumper on both vehicles.

expert reply by: Bob C

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