Two Inch Hitch-Mount Bike Rack Receiver

[TimD]

Our 2021 OEII came with a 2" hitch mount rack receiver but the installation was (in my view and with respect to a lot of other good work done by the prior owner of our trailer) not quite up to 'factory standard'.  In fact the U-bolt-based attachment method distorted the receiver shape just enough to make installation, and especially removal, of our 1Up hitch rack next to impossible.   So I sought to improve upon it.

After some research I settled on a receiver ostensibly designed for use on certain Lexus GX460 models:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRKR1Q4X

Drilling and attachment was straightforward given a drill press, a decent 1/2" bit, appropriate measuring tools, and a center punch.  The aluminum is relatively soft and drilling oil was not used.  I have not been able to get all the chips out of the interior, but did not try too hard to remove an end cap and access the box section beam interior that way.  The hardware is 3 1/2" x 1/2" stainless with stainless and yellow zinc washers.

We have not tested the setup on the road yet, but static fitment went fine.   The receiver and backing plate are fairly heavy; according to the retailer, about 10 pounds.  This item is designed for towing, when attached to a GX460; it is likely overkill for this application, but that's OK by me.   A side benefit is the receiver has safety chain mounts through which a cable lock could be passed.

I discussed this with Jason and he indicated the factory were considering offering a 2" receiver option moving forward.  Our bike rack is 2", our cars and TV have 2" receivers, and use of an adapter was not appealing to me.  

In hindsight I might have painted it white, or silver 😀

Enjoy!
Tim

Edited March 27 by TimD

[Ronbrink]

Most receivers I’ve seen are mounted on top, seems the bottom-mount (shown in the first pic) would impede opening of the rear compartment. The hitch and backing plate look very solid; the chain holes may prove useful, but a locking hitch pin will serve the same purpose. Nice mod!

[TimD]

As mounted the rear compartment / bumper clears the back of the receiver by about 1".  😀   The receiver has a raised surround about 3/16" high, so I positioned the receiver far enough aft so that the raised portion is not atop the beam.  It would be possible to move the receiver forward, but not by much, in which case it might or might not interfere with the rear compartment / bumper swing.

Thanks!
Tim

 

[Ronbrink]

On 3/27/2024 at 3:27 PM, TimD said:

A side benefit is the receiver has safety chain mounts through which a cable lock could be passed.

I see now where the holes can serve in securing the bikes with cables or even chain. Please post a pic of your setup with the rack and bikes mounted, thanks.

[TimD]

I will get to that next time we have the rack on the trailer.  Might be a while.

Thanks
Tim

 

[TimD]

Following up now.  No bikes, obviously.

Tim

 

[Wayne and Karen]

Tim,

I have been looking for some time to install a 2 inch hitch receiver on the back of my trailer and the modification you have done is exactly what I was looking for. I have a welder/fabricator that is ready to do my install in the next few weeks.

Can you tell me the dimensions of the aluminum that you used for this modification and how thick it is? Assuming the thickness is only around 3 inches if you were using 3.5 inch bolts but wanted to confirm.

 Thanks 

Wayne 

[MAX Burner]

On 3/28/2024 at 5:35 AM, Ronbrink said:

Most receivers I’ve seen are mounted on top, seems the bottom-mount (shown in the first pic) would impede opening of the rear compartment.

Excellent point, brother!  I'm thinking why not turn the OEM crossbar upside down so the receiver is on the bottom - that way one could access the spare w/o taking apart the rear assy.  But then the bumper may not clear the receiver - need to look into this.

[ZLarryb]

Just a big thank you to Tim D for this mod. I installed it today, no issues and there is more than enough clearance to get to the sewer hoses.  I have a short trip this week before we head out for five weeks and will try it out.  Thanks!

[Minnesota Oli]

On 5/10/2024 at 9:31 PM, MAX Burner said:

Excellent point, brother!  I'm thinking why not turn the OEM crossbar upside down so the receiver is on the bottom - that way one could access the spare w/o taking apart the rear assy.  But then the bumper may not clear the receiver - need to look into this.

This does work as far as bumper clearing the receiver and now you have easy access to the spare.

 

 

Edited June 21 by Minnesota Oli
add 2nd pic

[mossemi]

@Minnesota Oli

I don’t remember you mentioning the license plate hold open stick mod.  Care to elaborate?🙈🙉🙊  Hope you are not affected too severely by the high water and dam trouble in your area.  Our prayers are with y’all!

Mossey

[MAX Burner]

2 hours ago, mossemi said:

I don’t remember you mentioning the license plate hold open stick mod.  

According to Jason E., that's another premium one-off upgrade offered to owners by invitation only - not a cheap date, I've been told.  Similar to OTT's handling of the one-off upgrade offered to increase the height in @Patriot's rain locker!

[Minnesota Oli]

4 hours ago, mossemi said:

@Minnesota Oli

I don’t remember you mentioning the license plate hold open stick mod.  Care to elaborate?🙈🙉🙊  Hope you are not affected too severely by the high water and dam trouble in your area.  Our prayers are with y’all!

Mossey

The  license plate mod was one of those that I wanted to keep for myself but I guess it's out in the open now.

 We had a total of 12" in two days, I live on 13 acres of land that you would call river bottom. Over the years that I have lived here I have built a half dozen water structures that deal with the large watershed that comes my way. My land is very soggy but no wash outs, thank God. Rapidan Dam is not that far from me it's on the Blue Earth River, so far it is still holding but a huge mess.  I have the Lesueur River going right by my property and it has crested today. There are a lot of people in my area who were badly affected by this weather so prayers are appreciated.

 

 

 

 

 

[Jim and Frances]

We just completed this mod ourselves.  Has anyone heard whether the weight limit of the 2" option is greater than the 150 lb limit on the 1.5" receiver option?

 

[Ronbrink]

42 minutes ago, Jim and Frances said:

We just completed this mod ourselves.  Has anyone heard whether the weight limit of the 2" option is greater than the 150 lb limit on the 1.5" receiver option?

 

The upgrade to a 2” receiver is to accommodate use of a wider range of rack brands, not to raise Oliver’s stated weight limit.

[MAX Burner]

We've got one of the original 2" bike rack receivers that @ScubaRx primarily designed back in the day.  Our Super Duty 1Up rack weighs 47lbs and the two cruisers are roughly 30lbs each - taking us to 107lbs for the full load giving us a 40% margin before hitting the 150lb max weight design limit.  Personally, the receiver kit is beefy - I'm thinking it could take more than the stated max... but I'm not going to find out.

Ride ON!

 

[SeaDawg]

20 hours ago, Minnesota Oli said:

The  license plate mod was one of those that I wanted to keep for myself but I guess it's out in the open now.

 We had a total of 12" in two days, I live on 13 acres of land that you would call river bottom. Over the years that I have lived here I have built a half dozen water structures that deal with the large watershed that comes my way. My land is very soggy but no wash outs, thank God. Rapidan Dam is not that far from me it's on the Blue Earth River, so far it is still holding but a huge mess.  I have the Lesueur River going right by my property and it has crested today. There are a lot of people in my area who were badly affected by this weather so prayers are appreciated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope you are doing ok. I saw the news on the collapse of one house, near the Rapidan dam. Please stay safe, and keep us posted.

[Steve Morris]

13 hours ago, MAX Burner said:

Personally, the receiver kit is beefy - I'm thinking it could take more than the stated max... but I'm not going to find out.

I’ve got 160 or so on mine. In over 7000 miles of carrying the bikes, it hasn’t loosened or wiggled more than the day I installed it.

 

Edited June 27 by Steve Morris

[Patriot]

Something to consider is a XXL Yard Stash cover. It really helps keep our bikes clean and dry. No issues with rear light visibility. 👍🏻
 

 

We recently added these Aventon class 3 Pace 500.3’s STs in “Basalt” color or putty gray to our stable with the current free extra battery promo going on. If you test ride one, you may will quickly come down with a permanent big smile and severe case of the “wanties”.  Aventon nailed it on the torque sensor. They reeeally are a blast to ride!
We ordered our bikes from our LBS before the recent $200 tariff price increase. I highly reccomend purchasing through a local bike shop and NOT online for many reasons, most importantly if you need any warranty work. We have an excellent relationship with the owners of our local shop which is a huge plus.
These bikes come with a solid 2 year warranty and very positive reviews on YouTube and individual owner reviews. Pedal On!! https://www.aventon.com/products/pace500-3-step-through-ebike?variant=43302187827395

Had the shop install these prior to pick up - https://tannusamerica.com/?tw_source=google&tw_adid=696203111208&tw_campaign=21175368863&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwm_SzBhAsEiwAXE2CvylXQsoLuEG60SH7YcvO73R0ySnlJ67FAjHIGwI4OVw3xpDThyf2NBoCjnsQAvD_BwE

Edited June 27 by Patriot

[MAX Burner]

Gee....  which bike is Kathy's and which one is Dave's?

[Patriot]

54 minutes ago, MAX Burner said:

Gee....  which bike is Kathy's and which one is Dave's?

Art,

Does the seat stem give it away? 😄

[MAX Burner]

Maybe just a little, Dave!  😜