Bike Racks for E Bikes

Jay_and_Kat · April 7

@Bayliss you're quite welcome!

Here's a link to not long after we'd gotten the rack, prior to my getting an e-bike, and you can see what I mean about the tub not *quite* opening all the way.
First impressions: T@B 400 Boondock and Arvika bike carrier

One thing to keep in mind is that the height of the rack isn't set by holes in the supports, it's all by screw-knobs tightened down, so when we first mounted it, we didn't elevate it a whole lot. When we finally need to refill the propane tank, we will need to remove the rack, which involves just loosening or removing the four star handle screws (two rear uprights, two front uprights) and lifting the rack off.
Which, granted, is a two person job, only because it can be a bit unwieldy and awkward.

And, to be honest, I think it was your post about your Jack-It failing that drove us to retire our Jack-It after only one season, once the wife got her e-bike.

So I just went to Arvika to see what the difference between the "short" and "long" boondock models are, it seems the "long" is for campers with a longer distance from the tongue jack to the camper.
Seems Arvika also will use the photos you can send them to try to win something (I forget what) because the first photo shown for the "short" rack is the same one I linked to above! LoL

Bayliss · April 7

Thanks, @Jay_and_Kat. Maybe the "Long Boondock" version would make a difference in providing sufficient clearance for the aluminum tub lid. It doesn't make sense that Arvika would design it in a way that blocks full access. I suppose that the best way to resolve the question would be to contact Arvika directly.

Interestingly, assuming they are still in business, RVUpgrades.com (an Ohio distributor) advertises the Arvika "7002AFTABUTILITY-2" two-bike rack, which looks just like yours, but they depict a mock-up of the carrier as being attached to the outer vertical Boondock platform vertical/rounded bars, as shown below.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/jd/sujsus8yjsif.jpg

I could not find that specific model number on the Arvika site, but I saw it on another site identified as the "7002AFT@B" model. Either way, I was interested in the "mock-up" depiction, because I was curious if that would potentially eliminate the blocking of the aluminum tub lid. I am assuming that the "mock-up" depiction is simply inaccurate, because the installation instructions do not give you an option as to how you attach the carrier to the Boondock platform.

In reviewing the Arvika installation instructions, I noticed that you must have 3" minimum of the upper vertical supports ("S posts") inserted into the lower vertical support posts. However, there is no indication as to the total length of the insertable (upper) portion of the two posts (but it does not appear very long.) It seems unusual (to me) that there are no adjustment holes along the length of the upper posts. Although that is contrary to what I would expect as far as creating a fail-safe support system, I suppose friction or pressure from the screw in bolt pressing against the upper posts hold them securely in place. Regardless, they must work well, because the carrier can support up to 200 lbs, which is very good.

Interesting stuff. Again, thank you for your thoughtful and informative posts.

Teampieco · April 7

About opening the front tub. You can situate the height of the rack enough to turn the propane on and off. The upper portion of the rack is easily removed for tank replacement. we have not traveled extensively with the rack yet is we do not have any real insight. Our rack is about shoulder high so I carefully lift each bike up.

BarrettWinsmere · April 9

Check out the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider for E-Bikes — rated for 80 lbs per bike and sits lower for easier loading. The Thule EasyFold XT is another solid option with a ramp and compact fold. Both should fit well between your tow vehicle and 320CSS without needing to lift the bikes too high.

Bayliss · April 10

@BarrettWinsmere, I took a look at your suggestions, but I do not see how you would install/carry those with a T@B. The only possibility might be to use a hitch extender, but that can create towing stability problems.

BarrettWinsmere · April 11

@BaylissYou're right — clearance and stability can be tricky with a T@B. Some folks have had success using a dual hitch adapter or a front-mounted hitch on the tow vehicle to avoid the rear clearance issue. Just need to make sure weight and tongue load are properly balanced.

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