Dual Hitch Adapter for Bike Rack With E-Bikes on 2019 Ram 1500 Classic Towing 2024 Aliner Classic

Question:

Starting information. We have a 2019 Ram Classic Hemi V8 with topper ,and a 2024 Aliner classic with dormers, 2 propane tanks, and marine battery on the tongue. We Added a curt sway control and a 2” hitch so that the camper tows level. No problems at all. Now we want to add 2 e-bikes ~80 lb eachto the mix. We are looking at a dual receiver but are uncertain as to the height of the second receiver, tongue weight, turning radius, access through tail gate, etc. The bike racks we are considering are a Hollywood or a quikr stuff. Any help even in a different direction. would be appreciated TIA

asked by: Elizabeth F

Expert Reply:

I would say throw a hitch on the trailer and then add the bike rack but none of the racks with a high enough capacity are rated for a travel trailer. For a hitch adapter I recommend using the Gen-Y stacked receivers like the # 325-GH-305. Unlike normal adapters this will not cut your hitch capacity in half. It also gives you good options for rise to clear your trailer jack and propane.

I'm not totally sure what clearance you need without trying it or taking measurements but I can help you figure it out based on the measurements we have. Assuming you use the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes # HLY84FR the distance from the face of your hitch to the farthest part of the rack will be 27-1/2". The bike rack also has a 7" rise.

The Gen-Y will give you up to 10" of rise on top of that to clear anything on your trailer tongue. If it doesn't look like you will need 10" you could use a different Gen-Y like the # 325-GH-304 with 7-1/2" rise/drop or # 325-GH-303 with 5" rise/drop. It is also worth noting that these can be used with a weight distribution hitch. I'm not sure if you have one since you mentioned the sway control.

expert reply by: Robin H

Elizabeth

4/19/2024

Thank you for your expertise. Our camper necessitates a 2” drop to tow level minus water which we don’t intend to add. We don’t believe we require weight distribution as loaded we are likely about 2200 lb. The hitch we have has 2” drop plus a small ball on the passenger side for the cart sway control. I think we might only require one hitch receiver up higher for the bike rack. I’ll take you advice though and measure it all out with the information you’ve provided. Thanks for your time Betty and Ricky