Is a fold out Bke rack (hitch) worth the extra $$

[Mister Ug]

Kinda have it down to two. Saris Freedom2 ($379 cdn does not fold out to allow access to hatch) and the Yakima ON ramp ($800, does fold out to allow access to hatch).

LIttle concerned about getting the more expensive rack, but then realizing a 100lbs of ebikes is really difficult to fold??

 

[Rickman1]

If you need access to the rear of an SUV or truck bed then yes a tilting rack is worthwhile. Have checked the Hollywood hitch racks?

 

[TrevorB]

Thule make nice platform rack, that tilts. Also folds for easy storage. Rated at 60kg so good enough for 2 ebikes.
Strong, I didn't click tilt in place before driving off, dropped down at 100kmhr, was surprised it never broke. No damage.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Kinda have it down to two. Saris Freedom2 ($379 cdn does not fold out to allow access to hatch) and the Yakima ON ramp ($800, does fold out to allow access to hatch).

LIttle concerned about getting the more expensive rack, but then realizing a 100lbs of ebikes is really difficult to fold??

Have you looked at 1Up hitch mounted racks? In terms of price point, they cost more but IMO are a worthwhile investment when it comes to transporting the weight of a single or more e-bikes. The HD version is rated at 50lb/bike and the super duty can carry up to 75lbs. I like the fact that you can simply attach an add-on depending on how many bikes you are transporting on any given day.

Compare Our Racks

Compare Our Racks

www.1up-usa.com

The racks also have a tilt down feature plus there is an optional extension handle available that attaches onto the release bar without having to reach below to activate it. Another hitch attachment (albeit rather pricey) called the Rakattach allows one to pivot the bikes out allowing even more convenient access to the rear of the vehicle. I pasted this image of another forum member’s setup who utilizes this accessory.



I've attached my SD version on both of our vehicles and have used it to carry both a single as well as two e-bikes. It's an absolutely rock solid, super stable rack that meets all of my requirements.

 

[harryS]

My current rack doesn't fold. I've used racks for over 25 years with SUV's, minivans, and wagons, I plan my trip so that I don't need to open the hatch with bikes on the rack. Now $500 amortized over 25 years is a couple of bucks per month, so there is that.

 

[Deacon Blues]

I love the 1up rack, but once you convert to Canadian dollars and factor in shipping and possible duty this ends up being very expensive.

 

[Prairie Dog]

I love the 1up rack, but once you convert to Canadian dollars and factor in shipping and possible duty this ends up being very expensive.

True enough. This is my first hitch rack and may be the only one that I intend on purchasing for quite a while so I want it to last hence, I was willing to spend a bit more. Once I took delivery of it, I saw how well it was designed and built and the only plastic that I could see on it were the wheel chocks so I know that it is going to hold up extremely well over time. The main selling points for me were its anti wobble stability and the ability to add-on trays feature. It’s extremely compact in size when raised up in place towards the rear of the vehicle with only the single connected to the hitch. My only beef perhaps are the accessories which can add up depending what your requirements are. The only other rack on my list was the Kuat NV 2 which didn’t seem as solidly built and was around the same price.

 

[Deacon Blues]

I'm happy with the rack I have, But if I had it to do again I'd pay the extra money and go for the 1up. I like that it supports both front and back wheels.