Kuat NV 2.0 Bike 2" Receiver Rack and Spare Tire Clearance

[Beekeepers]

We are looking at the Escape E19 and currently own a Kuat NV 2.0 2" Receiver Bike Rack. https://www.kuat.com/product/nv-2-0/. We just looked at an ambassador's E19 this morning and I should have put a tape measure on the distance from the receiver to past the outer edge of the spare tire. Has anyone used the Kuat NV 2.0 on the E19? Someone mentioned a receiver extension but this is a heavy hitch (52 lbs.) and our touring bikes weigh in at 30 lbs. each, so we are looking at 122 lbs. hanging off the back.

 

[Donna D.]

We are looking at the Escape E19 and currently own a Kuat NV 2.0 2" Receiver Bike Rack. https://www.kuat.com/product/nv-2-0/. We just looked at an ambassador's E19 this morning and I should have put a tape measure on the distance from the receiver to past the outer edge of the spare tire. Has anyone used the Kuat NV 2.0 on the E19? Someone mentioned a receiver extension but this is a heavy hitch (52 lbs.) and our touring bikes weigh in at 30 lbs. each, so we are looking at 122 lbs. hanging off the back.

Whatever rack you get, make certain it's RV rated. Most aren't and I couldn't find where the Kuat NV 2.0 2" is RV rated on the website. There's a LOT of flexing and bouncing on the back of an RV that you don't have on the tow vehicle....

 

[Dee08802]

We relocated our spare tire to under the front frame below the batteries and propane tanks so we could minimize the bike rack overhang and transfer some weight to the front. It works well but you have to be aware of the reduced road clearance at the hitch.

 

[Mike G]

When I saw the word "clearance" I thought Kuat was having a clearance sale! Wondered why "spare tire" was mentioned, though.

 

[MrLynn]

We have the Kuat Transfer 2 Bike Platform Rack, bought back when we had our Casita. It works really well on both the Casita (had to install a third-party receiver) and in the factory receiver on our E21C. Don't move the spare tire. It helps keep the handlebars of the nearest bike from hitting the back window.

Here's a photo:

 

[shlm2umac]

Does anyone know what the dimensions on the bike rack holder piece on the back of the 5th wheel is? And I’m seeing a conversation about bouncing around. My truck has a pin weight of 1351. I’ll be traveling a long distance with 3 mountain passes.

 

[C&G in FL]

Does anyone know what the dimensions on the bike rack holder piece on the back of the 5th wheel is? And I’m seeing a conversation about bouncing around. My truck has a pin weight of 1351. I’ll be traveling a long distance with 3 mountain passes.

If by “rack holder piece” you mean the receiver, it is a 2-inch receiver which is welded to the underside of the rear bumper. It is rated by Escape for 150 lbs.

 

[Ooshkaboo]

Does anyone know what the dimensions on the bike rack holder piece on the back of the 5th wheel is? And I’m seeing a conversation about bouncing around. My truck has a pin weight of 1351. I’ll be traveling a long distance with 3 mountain passes.

I added a strap for a little better stability, it may not be needed but it can’t hurt.

I had to widen my tire rack due to my new bike having the fat tires.

 

[GPS]

I have the kuat transfer for three bikes and it's rv rated. It stays snug and keeps the rack stable by locking tightly into the hitch receiver. Unless the extension locked down the same way, you would lose that stability. Great, stable and easy to use rack though!

 

[DanK-ESC]

Do not use a hitch extension, it increases the force at the hitch . Try to relocate your spare if you can , we put ours in the bed of our truck . Look into reinforcing the reciever there have been a few threads on here to give you an idea how it can be done. An rv rated rack is your best option , we have the 1up super duty and we do need to turn the handlebars of the bike cloest to the window to keep it from hitting.i also use a hitch anti rattle device even though the 1up has one built-in

 

[skiman-ESC]

What kind of strap do you use? I was thinking a light duty ratchet strap. How did you attach it? I would think it would help the movement a lot. By the time I secure the bikes, attach the cover and bungee the excess cover it becomes a bit of a process. I have a 1up rack on a 21.

 

[John in Santa Cruz]

I love my 1up on the back of my 21C... Carries two ~40 lb EBikes very nicely. We're about 7000 miles into our current road trip all over rural Mexico with tons of really bad roads....

 

[Ooshkaboo]

What kind of strap do you use? I was thinking a light duty ratchet strap. How did you attach it? I would think it would help the movement a lot. By the time I secure the bikes, attach the cover and bungee the excess cover it becomes a bit of a process. I have a 1up rack on a 21.

That’s what I used, if nothing else a little less worry about what’s going on back there.
The two end hooks are just connected together.

 

[WannaBeEscaped]

For those who have the 1up, does the rack fold upright (i.e., clear the spare) when not loaded with bikes? Looking at the Heavy Duty model, as our bikes are only 35# each.

 

[John in Santa Cruz]

For those who have the 1up, does the rack fold upright (i.e., clear the spare) when not loaded with bikes? Looking at the Heavy Duty model, as our bikes are only 35# each.

It will on most cars/trucks, but on my Escape 21, the spare sticks out just enough that it won't go straight up vertical.

thats never been a problem for me, as if we've brought the bikes, then they are on the rack whenever the trailer is moved, and if we're not taking the bikes, we leave the rack at home.

 

[C&G in FL]

For those who have the 1up, does the rack fold upright (i.e., clear the spare) when not loaded with bikes? Looking at the Heavy Duty model, as our bikes are only 35# each.

My experience with folding the rack is similar to John’s, it will fold up but not completely vertical on the trailer. I actually have two 1Up racks, a single and a double. The double is on my spouse’s car. We use it to go to different riding spots when home in Florida, but never fold it up because we could not open the hatchback if it were in the upright position. She has no desire to take her bicycle when we are RVing so the 1Up single (purchased locally, preowned) stays on the Escape, because I ride for fitness purposes whenever I am able. The only time it is folded up is when the trailer is stored in my 3-sided carport, because the clearance is needed to walk all the way around the trailer when it is in the carport.

 

[JimW]

For those who have the 1up, does the rack fold upright (i.e., clear the spare) when not loaded with bikes? Looking at the Heavy Duty model, as our bikes are only 35# each.

My 1up superduty rack on my 5.0 will not lock in the vertical position. It will lock into the middle position.

 

[LRL]

For those who have the 1up, does the rack fold upright (i.e., clear the spare) when not loaded with bikes? Looking at the Heavy Duty model, as our bikes are only 35# each.

I just installed mine on the new 23, and it does clear the tire when fully upright IF I back it our from being fully inserted into the hitch… but it locks in quite nicely, and I’m sure it’s secure.

 

[John in Santa Cruz]

on my 21, I always install it as far out as the slot for the receiver pin/lock allows (1up has a unique receiver attachment, with a compression screw to keep it from bouncing/wobbling). and it still won't go vertical with the spare on its holder.

 

[WannaBeEscaped]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I guess I’ll just have to watch my knees, hips, etc, while in camp!
-Duane