Recommendations for eBike bed carrier?

[JackFlash]

Have you looked at this kind of setup? This works great for my needs

That could work, then I'd have the bed open, too. Who's the manufacturer?

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[Firn]

I was looking at a pair like the first you linked above - they are definitely a possibility - I'd need a pair for either side.

In any case, if I face the front forks foward and angled in - it looks like I could shut the gate (saw a few customer pics in AMZ doing this). Worst case remove the front wheels...

I have the first ones I linked and like them for general use. Only complaint is that when accelerating there isn't a ton of support, that wasn't an issue on my Tacoma, it certainly could be with the Lightning. I added a simple bracket to the front of the bed in the tacoma but without existing bolts holes in the lightning that's less easy. With a strap to keep the bike from rolling back i only ever used one mount per bike.

 

[jobofly79]

The cross bars are made by Billie Bars. The bike rack mounted to them is a Brass-knuckles bike.

 

[MidAtlanticLightningClub]

This one looks interesting

https://www.etrailer.com/Truck-Bed-...zWrKUwjlf9FZJwwTnHmejbxgqhbm653IaAtPgEALw_wcB

Lots of bars like that. They require front wheel removal, which is a bit of a pain.

 

[MidAtlanticLightningClub]

... but you could also lift it with the tailgate down to make it easier.

Going back to the OP's question, you usually can't lower the tailgate when hooked to a travel trailer.

 

[MachLightning]

Going back to the OP's question, you usually can't lower the tailgate when hooked to a travel trailer.

You seem quite determined to tell me I’m wrong. So I’ll let you. I’m wrong!

 

[MidAtlanticLightningClub]

You seem quite determined to tell me I’m wrong. So I’ll let you. I’m wrong!

You’re right

 

[Firn]

Lots of bars like that. They require front wheel removal, which is a bit of a pain.

Right. But like I said, it all depends on bike length. I'm not sure i could put two of my 29er's inside the bed without taking the front wheel off, even at an angle.

 

[MotoGary]

Is it not an option to mount a hitch receiver to the rear of the trailer?

 

[MidAtlanticLightningClub]

Is it not an option to mount a hitch receiver to the rear of the trailer?

It depends on the trailer. Many trailers have bumpers that are not designed for loads such as bikes (especially eBikes). Our trailer has a warning sticker that attaching any non-factory accessory to the bumper voids the frame warranty.

That said, I installed some bumper reinforcements and mounted a receiver on the trailer bumper for our trip this year. So far so good and definitely more convenient.

 

[JackFlash]

Is it not an option to mount a hitch receiver to the rear of the trailer?

Most travel trailers don't have a hitch receiver (frame mounted) and rather put a hitch receiver on the rear bumper - which won't support the weight of two eBikes. Most recommend not putting anything over 50lbs on these. They are typically 4" square light gauge hollow aluminum tube - not good for much other than storing the "stinky slinky".

eTrailer (and others) sell a frame-mountable hitch receiver to make up for this shortcoming, but between parts and installation, you're looking at minimum $400 even if you do it yourself. I installed this one myself, but use it to haul my large / heavy (100lb) dual-fuel 4500kwh generator (on a carry ramp). Frame mounted travel trailer hitch

Much easier for me to lift the eBikes into the bed of the pickup, but I could consider using a ramp to roll the 100lb generator up into the pickup bed, and using my existing eBike carrier on the hitch of the travel trailer.

Net-net: I've definitely considered what you're saying here..

 

[JackFlash]

Is it not an option to mount a hitch receiver to the rear of the trailer?

See my reply at the bottom.

 

[Calson]

I bought a truck with a 6.5 ft bed as I knew it would be long enough for our bikes to fit inside with both wheels left on the bikes. The short bed truck owners have fewer options.

I want our bikes locked away safely inside the bed with the fiberglass cap on the truck. With the black cloth curtains covering the windows a thief cannot look inside to see anything. I like being able to return from a ride and leave the bikes inside the bed for the next day and no worries about them being stolen.

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