Bike covers

[sofmerc]

so I'm going to get the 1Up double heavy duty rack. I'm mostly going to be a solo traveler and need to get a bike cover. I like the Pro tool bike or the Obsidian offerings. I'm leaning towards the Probike single cover. For the few times Ill have 2 bikes loaded, I think it would be too baggy to get the 2 bike cover and only have 1 bike most of the time.
Thoughts or suggestions?

[HABBERDABBER]

Go the one bike size. For the rare occasion, carry an el cheapo single or double, if you must.
Just my meager opinion, but I'm a Philistine.....I don't cover.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by sofmerc

so I'm going to get the 1Up double heavy duty rack. I'm mostly going to be a solo traveler and need to get a bike cover. I like the Pro tool bike or the Obsidian offerings. I'm leaning towards the Probike single cover. For the few times Ill have 2 bikes loaded, I think it would be too baggy to get the 2 bike cover and only have 1 bike most of the time.
Thoughts or suggestions?

I'm a solo traveler. When I bought the 1Up a couple of years ago, I went with the single and an add-on. I've hauled my bike lots of places and lots of times and have never used the add-on. I didn't want something sticking out further in the back, when it wasn't necessary. But, I have it if someone ever goes with me. Hoping one of my granddaughter's will join me one of these days....

Something to consider.

[sofmerc]

Both good suggestions.. Thank you!

[John in Santa Cruz]

I have the Formosa 2-bike cover, and its excellent. they make a 1bike version too,
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RQNBN2W/

the 2-bike cover not only covers two full sized upright bikes, it goes around the BOTTOM, and snugs right up around the hitch receiver.

[LtDan]

I’m glad this thread came up. We’re moving from a van pulling the camper to a p/u, now carrying the bikes back of the camper. I was thinking of a cover but won’t that block the tail, brake lights? How do y’all deal with that?

[John in Santa Cruz]

The Formosa cover has translucent panels on both sides, so the tail/brake lights shine through

[LtDan]

We’ll that makes sense, thanks John

[Fender]

Slightly off topic but I'm wondering what people think of the 1up bike rack? I like the option of a single rack that extends just 16" beyond the hitch. The Thule XT2 seems to get the best reviews but of course is only available in a double rack that adds almost 3 feet behind the trailer, and I'd rarely need room for 2 bikes.

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by Fender

Slightly off topic but I'm wondering what people think of the 1up bike rack? I like the option of a single rack that extends just 16" beyond the hitch. The Thule XT2 seems to get the best reviews but of course is only available in a double rack that adds almost 3 feet behind the trailer, and I'd rarely need room for 2 bikes.

I love my 1Up. when you're not using it, it folds up flat against the vehicle, although the spare on the Escape 21 is somewhat in the way. For RV use, and for an ebike, you definitely want the super duty version.

The 1Up will outlast any Thule by decades, there's no rubber or plastic components to sun rot.

2 bike 1Up on my Escape loaded with 2 ebikes...

[Rossue]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

I have the Formosa 2-bike cover, and its excellent. they make a 1bike version too,
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RQNBN2W/

the 2-bike cover not only covers two full sized upright bikes, it goes around the BOTTOM, and snugs right up around the hitch receiver.

The Fomosa for us did not last very long as the translucent plastic area ripped easily and very quick. They did refund me for it.

[Fender]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

I love my 1Up. when you're not using it, it folds up flat against the vehicle, although the spare on the Escape 21 is somewhat in the way. For RV use, and for an ebike, you definitely want the super duty version.

The 1Up will outlast any Thule by decades, there's no rubber or plastic components to sun rot.

2 bike 1Up on my Escape loaded with 2 ebikes...

Nice setup John! I can't find a dealer in Canada so hopefully 1Up will ship.

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by Fender

Nice setup John! I can't find a dealer in Canada so hopefully 1Up will ship.

afaik, they only sell direct. Their shopping cart lets you pick Canada as the shipping address.

[dfandrews]

Originally Posted by LtDan

.... I was thinking of a cover but won’t that block the tail, brake lights? How do y’all deal with that?

Whether a cover is used or not, bikes tend to obscure the rear lights.

We had ETI install an extra set of tail/brake/turn lights high on the trailer rear, and I really appreciate the ability to totally bathe the vehicle behind me in bright red light when traffic is suddenly slowing in front of me.
I don't see that in the option list now Are the upper lights now std?? Anyone know?

[Upfisk]

The high taillights and brake lights are now standard

[Randy in Maine]

I requested a basic 4 prong trailer wiring harness back there on my new 21NE also for a nice bright light bar when I am carrying the bikes and they told me they could not do that.

[richardr]

Originally Posted by Randy in Maine

I requested a basic 4 prong trailer wiring harness back there on my new 21NE also for a nice bright light bar when I am carrying the bikes and they told me they could not do that.

That's too bad. ETI installed a 4 prong trailer outlet for me back in 2017.
I use a 1up bike carrier for my mt bike and recumbent road bike. I have a Formosa cover. I find the covers last about 2 years with full time use. I need to get my third cover. I have the license plate addition to the 1up bike rack. It has tail, brake and turn signal lights. Although the trailer tail lights can be seen through the Formosa cover at night, the license plate cannot be read.