Tiny Life Consulting

Trailer Hitch eBike and Cargo Carriers Add Valuable Storage Space

BAM Electric BikeThey make it look so easy!

We live in a tourist town at 7500′ elevation. The Rocky Mountains rise around us, and there’s not a flat road in sight. The air’s mighty thin up here.

Yet these lowland tourists come to visit and bike around town without gasping for breath. Their fat-tire eBikes do all the work, leaving them free to gawk at the jagged peaks scraping the deep blue sky. While other travelers repeatedly circle the shops and restaurants looking for a place to park their RV, these folks leave their rigs in the campground and whiz into town, nimbly navigating the downtown core.

Some folks rent bikes here, but more and more are bringing their eBikes with them.

Trailer hitch cargo carriers are a great way to transport your eBike. Even if you have a tow vehicle, if that vehicle has a trailer hitch receptacle on the back, you can attached a carrier there.

EBikes are becoming popular option for RVers to get around at their destination. EBikes are a bit heavier than a regular bicycle (between 60 and 100 lbs). That’s a pretty hard lift for an old guy like me. Trying to wrestle one onto a bike rack might be too much. Read on for remedies for the lifting problem.

To learn more about the different types of eBikes on our page EBikes and Scooters.

 

Motorcycle Carriers can be used as eBike Carriers

Trailer Hitch E-Bike and Cargo Carriers

Traditional bike carriers will only handle about 66 lbs. (2-bike capacity) as their maximum load. A four bike carrier can handle a 132 lb. load. But motorcycle carriers can handle hundreds of pounds, and they have a ramp to help load the bike.

See the photo at the top of this page. It’s a motorcycle carrier by Black Widow. There is also a two bike carrier of the same type with a 600 lb. load capacity.

These motorcycle carriers are constructed of lightweight aluminum so there’s no rusting.

 

 

Covers to Keep your Bikes Clean and Safe on your Trailer Hitch eBike and Cargo Carriers

EBike Cover
Keeps bikes safe from sun rays, water damage, and dirt while traveling and while storing.

Thick, heavy-duty 300 D poly with wide, clear, see-through PVC panels ensure that your taillights can be seen.

This cover by Formosa shown comes in sizes to fit one, two, or three bikes. Bikes can face either direction.

Fully encloses your bike with zipper all around the edges and drawstring to completely enclose even your hitch. Package includes 2 bungee cords that MUST BE USED to securely strap down extra material. Failure to use the additional cords may result in air pockets ballooning with air and cause cover damage.

 

Covers and All

 

Add Security to your Trailer Hitch eBike and Cargo Carriers

EBike Security
Use a cable lock to secure your valuable eBikes to the trailer hitch. Run the cable through the bike frame and the safety chain loop on the bumper hitch. I use the MasterLock Python cable lock.
Python Cable Lock
I also use one of these to secure my surge protector to the power pedestal.

Adjustable cable bike lock with key has a patented locking mechanism that holds the cable tight at any position for a perfect fit.

The braided steel cable can’t be cut with a bolt cutter. Also, it is vinyl coated so it won’t scratch things.

Add a locking hitch pin to prevent theft of the entire cargo carrier.

Other Versatile Cargo Carriers to Make Use Of Your Trailer Hitch Receiver

Trailer Hitch E-Bike and Cargo Carriers
This Hitch Mount Cargo Carrier folds up when not in use. I really like the railing around the circumference. It comes with a cargo net, ratchet straps, and a waterproof cover. It also has a hitch tightener to stop it from rattling in the hitch tube. Holds up to 550 lbs. Just $159.00* (a lot less than similar carriers). Fits a 2″ receiver.

I use mine to carry firewood, the chain saw, and other dirty stuff I don’t want inside. Some boondockers use it to carry their portable black-water tote tank.

Click on image to see details at Amazon.com.

Specific Use Cargo Carriers

Trailer Hitch E-Bike and Cargo Carriers
This Mobility Hitch-Mounted Carrier For Wheelchair Electric Scooter Medical Disability With Rack Ramp is made of aluminum to avoid corrosion and holds up to 400 lbs.

The basket area is big enough and strong enough to carry a riding lawnmower. Platform dimensions: 28″ x48″ Length of ramp when expended: 42″. Some assembly is necessary when you get it. $196.00*.

The ramp is actually a good idea to use for the black-water tote tank too because they are very heavy when full.

 

 

To Keep Valuables Safe and Sound, Use This Chest

Cargo Chest
This storage chest is made of lightweight, dent-resistant, high-density polyethylene. It has two lockable hasps. A determined thief could eventually get it open, but it would be quite a struggle and you’d hear the commotion by that time.

Capacity: 6.3 Cubic ft. Dimensions: 17.25″(H) x 19″/13.25″ (D) x 44″/41.25″ (W). Fits all of the carriers shown on this page.

These chests are a great way to add additional safe storage space for your RV.

For information on eBikes see this page

EBikes, Electric Bikes and Scooters are a great way to get around.