Bicycle Cover for Receiver Bike Rack behind 5.0 TA?

[phalaney]

First of all, I searched unsuccessfully, but apologize if this ? has been answered over and over.

We have a durable, dependable, heavy duty 2" receiver bike rack and have carried 2 bikes behind our 5.0 TA for at least 15000 miles in the last 18 months. Our bikes were older, and we "protected" them with only handlebar and seat covers. But Peg just got a new Evelo mid drive with the NuVinci Harmony auto transmission, and we would like to have it completely covered and protected, going down the road. Any recommends/experience with durable, lasting bike covers designed to be exposed to wind, sun, rain, snow, the occasional rocks, mud splat, etc.?

FYI, Evelo only sells a cover good for static use, but we see them on carried bikes from time to time. Except for the battery and display, the bike closely resembles a normal step thru, with 26" tires. We would of course remove the battery and seat for transport.

[padlin]

I went with a Formosa, similar or the same as this one. https://www.amazon.com/Formosa-Cover.../dp/B000WENDUS

It does not fit like a glove, I use a few bungee cords along with the built in straps to keep it snug. I've driven maybe 20k with the bikes in the bag, I have no complaints. It is fairly bulky when not on the bikes, pretty heavy duty. Goes on and off fairly easily.

[phalaney]

Thanks padlin. Now, we have a holdup rack (should have said that already), so does the cover just get pressed between the tire and holdup? The amazon pic doesn't show it on any kind of rack.

[rotateclockwise]

Do you feel the cover creates a wind drag?

[padlin]

I'm going to guess the Holdup rack will work fine, but I've never seen one in person. I have a Swagman Dispatch.


I imagine there must be some drag, but the truck doesn't seem to care.



I had all the bikes screws rust on a 3 month trip before I got it, fine since.

[Upfisk]

We also bought the Formosa cover from Amazon. $50 plus $18 shipping is what we paid in April. Had it delivered to Dad in Portland, OR and avoided sales tax. Worked great in rainy and muddy conditions to Osoyoos and back home. We've driven through some pretty dirty construction zones, the cover and trailer looked awful. The bike chains, shifters, and cassettes are all as nicely oiled as when we covered them. There are a lot of straps for fitting the bikes, so it is not loose. I'll likely add another tightening strap once we get home as there is need for another strap on top of the wheels to better shape it.

The cover goes over the top of the bikes and under the rack. We do not have a platform rack, but a Swagman RV II rack with supports for the wheels on the bottom. The bottom of the cover has tube like feature fastened with velcro which covers securely the bumper hitch extension to the start of the rack. With both bikes on we have one pedal that fits right under the spare tire, the bike cover is between the spare tire and pedal. We wrapped the pedal with a hand towel to keep from ripping the bike cover.

[tractors1]

Similar cover; I bought a "spider web" elastic bungee cord style cargo cover for a full size truck bed and it wraps all over the cover to keep it snug over 2 bikes. Like this one: https://www.amazon.com/SE-BCN46-Blac...g-goods&sr=1-5

[phalaney]

Originally Posted by padlin

I'm going to guess the Holdup rack will work fine, but I've never seen one in person. I have a Swagman Dispatch.


I imagine there must be some drag, but the truck doesn't seem to care.



I had all the bikes screws rust on a 3 month trip before I got it, fine since.

Maybe my bike rack nomenclature needs work. My bike rack is similar to yours in design. Do you cover just the bike and the adjustable hold down, or do you cover more/all of your Swagman Dispatch?

[padlin]

everything gets covered, right to the shank that goes into the reciever.

[arniesea]

I have a 1UP bike rack so the bicycles are in a tire tray rather than hanging via the frame. I have used the Pro Bike cover for over two years and thousands of miles and am very pleased with it. They are available on Amazon but their website linked below shows all the different models and sizes. https://www.probiketool.com/us/produ...tdoor-storage/

[KatrinaOstby]

My bike shop recommended the covers from usaroadbag.com They are a bit expensive, but seem to hold up much better than the inexpensive covers. I'll be ordering one to protect my electric bike.

[StarvingHyena]

Oh, I like the usaroadbag as mentioned above. Especially like the reflective stripes. One thing about a bike bag on the receiver, is that it will likely cover your stop / turn signals. As an option, I added the extra lights installed above my rear window. I kinda wish I could find a clear bag so my signals could shine through - muffled yes but I like my trailer to be noticed.

Tom

[Donna D.]

If a bike bag covers your tail lights, it probably also covers the license plate on the trailer. May not matter much, but it's one method small town officers can use to pull you over. Don't ask me how I know!

[padlin]

mine is clear, okay, clearish, on the ends. You can see the lights thru it.

[MarianB]

Originally Posted by arniesea

I have a 1UP bike rack so the bicycles are in a tire tray rather than hanging via the frame. I have used the Pro Bike cover for over two years and thousands of miles and am very pleased with it. They are available on Amazon but their website linked below shows all the different models and sizes. https://www.probiketool.com/us/produ...tdoor-storage/

Do you have the 1UP rack for 2 bikes? If so what size Pro Bike cover did you get?
Thanks!

[arniesea]

Originally Posted by MarianB

Do you have the 1UP rack for 2 bikes? If so what size Pro Bike cover did you get?
Thanks!

I use the road bike Large size cover. One for each bike.