Help needed on platform hitch rack for full size pickup please!

[Newbut Old]

Hi! New to forum and new to E-Mtn Bikes and already need help! Well, right out of the gate I do have a fairly immediate question/dilemma. My wife and I just acquired a 2020 Turbo Levo Expert Carbon and 2020 Turbo Levo Comp. Was planning to use my 2019 Tundra full size pickup (but short bed) with tailgate pad. (I should add we are past 65 in age) So.... I can fairly easily get the bikes up into bed but can't lift both unto be able to close tailgate. Lifting over bed from side with gate closed, not so good for me even with a stool. So, since we will also not be getting any younger, I have zeroed in on platform hitch racks. The Thule easy fold xt2 and Kuat NV 2.0... but also the new 1 up and the new Saris MTR. It's not so much a matter of which one (as they would all be nice for our situation and age I think) but it is 'will they work with my full size Tundra.' My handlebars are 32" so need probably something like 24" to first bike tire trough or would hit tailgate..... unless the handlebars clear over top the tailgate. I have about 38" floor to just below where shift levers would hit top of tailgate. I can't get any information from any of the manufacturers to confirm that I would be either fare enough out that handlebars would not hit tailgate or that it would sit high enough on platform to get handlebar clearance above tailgate? Hopefully someone on here had tried these types of hitch racks with wide handlebar on full size pickups? Any help or advice would be great as I have tried everything but this forum to get answer. Hopefully I've reached the right spot here! Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[Newbut Old]

Has anyone tried any of the hitch type racks for 2 full suspension e mtn. bikes on a full size Tundra.... or most any full size pickup??

 

[frankenbike]

I have the original Kuat rack; bike sits far enough away from vehicle to clear wide bars. Pretty sure all reputable platform racks designed for mountain bikes account for this use case. You will also want to check the weight capacity - for example the Kuat Sherpa is rated at 40lbs/bike whereas the NV rating is 60. For reference, my bars are 780mm. Centerline of tray is ~530mm from tailgate. The variable is then the hitch, so unless your hitch is unusual in how far it extends, should not be a problem.

 

[Newbut Old]

I have the original Kuat rack; bike sits far enough away from vehicle to clear wide bars. Pretty sure all reputable platform racks designed for mountain bikes account for this use case. You will also want to check the weight capacity - for example the Kuat Sherpa is rated at 40lbs/bike whereas the NV rating is 60. For reference, my bars are 780mm. Centerline of tray is ~530mm from tailgate. The variable is then the hitch, so unless your hitch is unusual in how far it extends, should not be a problem.

Thanks Frankenbike. Ya these are two e mtn bikes an nearly 50 lbs each and that is why I am honed in on the 4 racks I mentioned. In the Kuat, it's the NV 2.0 good for 120 lbs. Also, the other 3 I mentioned are for the heavy weight. They fit most cars and sun's fine. The full size pickup I mentioned, tailgate is pretty much vertical with hitch receiver mouth. Many of the racks only come out 6 to 12" from receiver pin to trough for first bike. My handlebars are 32 inches so 16 half way. May hit tailgate unless the bars will ride above the tailgate. Was hoping to fine someone who had tried them on typical full size pick up. Wanna try to be sure before I order so don't have to send back. Will call the other 3 manufacturers tomorrow (Thule people had no idea if it would fit ) Thanks for your reply though!

 

[OldGoatMTB]

As long at the rack supports the weight of the bikes and accommodates the width of the tires it should be fine. One made for a 2" receiver will probably be more stable, but I wager you'll still see the bikes moving around when you're on the highway and wonder if it's going to fall off, but it won't. I have a cheap rack in a 1 1/4" receiver on a Toyota Camry and worry all the time, but I stepped on the rack and it had no problem supporting my 240 lbs, so 45-100 lbs of bikes should be no problem.

 

[Weeds]

I have a Rocky Mounts Backstage. It will hold two e-bikes. I have a turbo levo. The rack tilts and swings around to the side of the vehicle. It is heavy to install and the lift height is high. I have used it on my jeep, van, and pickup.

It is a very steady rack. Also I am almost 70 year old.

 

[Mikerb]

why not use fork mounts??That's what a lot of pick up owners seem to do.

 

[thebarber]

As long at the rack supports the weight of the bikes and accommodates the width of the tires it should be fine. One made for a 2" receiver will probably be more stable, but I wager you'll still see the bikes moving around when you're on the highway and wonder if it's going to fall off, but it won't. I have a cheap rack in a 1 1/4" receiver on a Toyota Camry and worry all the time, but I stepped on the rack and it had no problem supporting my 240 lbs, so 45-100 lbs of bikes should be no problem.

I've had this hanging up in my garage for quite a while now.
Used to carry 3x bike's around the borders back in the day.
It's totally adjustable for wheelbase, can be a 2 or 3 bike rack.
Fixes to standard 2 bolt hitch and uses vertical bar with inverted loop to pull bike down.

 

[Swan]

I have had my 1up on my 08 Subaru outback, my 04 forester, my mom's 14 outback and my dad's 02 F350 powerstroke.. All with 2 Levos on it with no issues.

 

[Swissrob]

I posted elsewhere but this is my solution on an Amarok as the tailgate is a bit high as well.

Pick Up for Transporting MTB - EMTB Forums

 

[Akiwi]

I have the Thule Towbar rack, but not on a pickup. Well recommended. easy to mount on the car, and easy to mount the bikes on it. I don't think you will have problems with the width of your bars., but I have it on a station wagon so the rear window slopes away. I have seen the racks on vans without problems. As mentioned, make sure you can fit the wide tyres in, and that the straps are long enough for MTB tyres, or Plus tyres.

 

[OldGoatMTB]

 

[boBE]

I have plenty of miles on a 1UpUSA rack (2" receiver). If I were to buy a new one I would look at their SuperDuty that is rated for up to 75 lb each slot.