Promaster Camper Van Electric Bike Setup and Swingaway Hitch Rack
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- Опубліковано 6 тра 2020
- Finally, I have a great setup for my Promaster camper van and the electric fat tire bike called a RadMini from Rad Promaster bikes. I have it mounted to a swingaway hitch bike rack, with an 8 inch extender, hitch tighteners to prevent wobble and bounce, and a VeloSock to keep the bike from getting damaged during travel.
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★Products mentioned in this video:
RockyMounts Backstage Swingaway Bike Rack: amzn.to/3fyfTKe
VeloSock Bike Cover: amzn.to/2Lbt4CC
Kryptonite Bike Lock: amzn.to/3bNtOZu
Folding Steel Bike Lock: amzn.to/35GbyQo
Ibera 2 n 1 PakRak Panniers and Trunk: amzn.to/3frZYwN
Ibera Bike Rack: amzn.to/2SHX9OA
Left Handlebar Mirror: amzn.to/3cf83mq
Cloud9 Bike Seat: amzn.to/3bae8iJ
RadMini: www.radpowerbikes.com/product...
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★Products mentioned in this video:
VeloSock Bike Cover: amzn.to/2Lbt4CC
RockyMounts Backstage Swingaway Bike Rack: amzn.to/3fyfTKe
Kryptonite Bike Lock: amzn.to/3bhxl1TFolding Steel Bike Lock: amzn.to/35GbyQo
Ibera 2 n 1 PakRak Panniers and Trunk: amzn.to/3frZYwN
Ibera Bike Rack: amzn.to/2SHX9OA
Left Handlebar Mirror: amzn.to/3cf83mq
Cloud9 Bike Seat: amzn.to/3bae8iJ
RadMini: www.radpowerbikes.com/products/radrover-step-thru
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Story Chasing 😀
I was looking at putting that 8” extension on my rig for a rear wheel mount issue with a pivot hitch and eTrailer said the extension would reduce my carry capacity by one half. That’s no good for me because I need to haul 2 rad bikes, the rover and rad runner. Have you heard of this? If true is it just over protection? I know Rad Bike told me you could actually haul up to 50 more lbs on each of their bikes also. Maybe the hitch extension thing is just over cautious?
You are awesome! I just purchased The bike rack mentioned in your vid for my Van. I was worried how I was going to get my E bike up onto the rack. I love your work around and now I know how to get my E bike onto the rack. Thank you so much for your time and your incredible video.
Such an awesome set-up! Love that swing away arm and hitch tightener!
Estevan Garcia it definitely works well with this set-up.
Wow impressive setup & review Amber. You really thought of everything!
Val Edwards Thanks. It's fun!
Great videos, all the time. Thank you.
Glad you like them and thanks for watching Robert.
I think I watched this out of order but I really like how versatile the rack is. Cool that it worked to fit your needs!
The Calvin Chronicles It's been amazing so far. Glad you watched. Hope you're doing well friend!
Thanks for the tip on the Hitch Tightener! We had our Yakima Rack on the back of our Class C several years ago and the swing was scary! Thank you! Safe travels.
Denise B. You're welcome. Yeah you don't want the hitch failing. Do you still have it?
@@AmberJBaldwin We sold the C and are now in a Class B. No bike racks yet. Still deciding. But that hitch tightener is a must have!
great choices!! great review!!
Thanks so much!
Great review wish I saw this before I had a front hitch installed. That’s not a perfect solution for me so now I’ve ordered the swing away. I use the back of my van “garage for my WingFoiling stuff & outside shower in my StoryTeller Overland Mercedes 2500. I’m going from Fl to Hood River & back this summer. 1 st big road trip - super excited. Thanks for your amazingly detailed review & explanation 🎉❤
Super! Have fun exploring. 🚲
Thank you, I will for sure!!!
Love the setup.. and I like that you are wearing lovely colors :) and the weight loss is coming along nicely. Look good :)
Olga Marcondes thank you so much for your sweet compliments. Yes, weight loss is still happening slow and steady. :)
Slow and steady wins the race.. and like I said.. color looks good on you :)
Never heard of a hitch tightener. Thanks for the info!
No problem!
Good planning and execution
Yes, thanks
Super helpful !
Glad it was helpful!
Congrats. Nice vid
Go Small. Live Large! Thanks so much!
Thanks so much for your videos! I am 5'2" and it is helpful to hear your perspective. Ebikes are not as popular in the east and so I don't have the option to test ride a varied selection. I kept coming back to the Rad Mini Step Thru. Reviews say the tires are 24", but at RadPower it said 20" so I noted you said 24". I think that would be a good size. By the way have you ever had to change a flat tire? The tires are supposed to be puncture resistant. Thanks again and safe travels!
thanks very helpful video! would you do a video on how much the bike rack moves up and down during driving? with that length there should still be some flex or movement? or is it rock steady?
Rads are great bikes. I’ve had mine from the Midwest to the SW and back. To Florida to CA and back to the Midwest. Consider covering your display when not in use and I’d take that battery off for transportation. It will be $500 saved if the bike gets stollen and make loading/unloading easier. Nice choice on the Mini and Kryptonite lock and chain. Happy to have found your channel, save travels.
Donna Kay Great tips Donna! Thank you so much! What do you do to protect the battery prongs on the bike if you transport without the battery?
Story Chasing, just wipe them off before installing the battery or you might find a drawstring back to place over it. That’s what I do with my display. Even though mines under the bike cover , I like the double protection for the display.
wonderful job...
Thank you very much!
Another great video,,you should come to florida and hang out
Chris Diamond Travels :)
Hi! Glad I found your channel! I love your set up to be able to transport my ebike on a Ford Transit. Have you had any problems with people try to steal your bike? Thank you.
Great video but how do you load it without picking it up? Is there a ramp?
We have the same Rocky Mounts Backstage rack and the RAD Runner bike that is about the size of yours with the exact same fat tires. Our strap on the back tire isn't long enough to even get through the clip and certainly doesn't hang over extra like yours does in your video. Did you get longer straps from somewhere? If so where? Thanks, loved your video!
Question on the hitch. On our Hymer the hitch is rated 300lbs tongue weight. What’s the total weight of your setup, spare tire included? Is that the stock hitch? Did you have any welding done to reinforce the hitch? I’m trying to think of a way to add a motorcycle for a weekend getaway.
Hi Amber - thanks so much for the video! I am thinking of getting a cover like yours for my "Lectric" ebike as like you said most others flap in the wind. I see you have the one for the Triathlon bike (1 of the 3 styles). Looks like it fits well. How did you know which one to choose or was it just a try out and see thing and you got it right?
Melanie Kramme dumb luck actually. I thought it was just different colors, but interestingly the mountain bike one is shorter in length than this one. It fit the Rad Rover, but was snug and it was 7 inches longer than this RadMini.
Thanks for sharing your setup! I would love to know how you deal with the (off-grid) charging of your bike battery as part of your setup. Maybe you can let us know or make another video about that part...
Julian Stiber You're so welcome and thanks for watching. I charge it from the van using the outside plug sometimes or just take the battery off and bring it inside. I like to charge while I'm driving if possible so it decreases the need for draining the battery while stationary. Otherwise I just make sure I charge on super sunny days when I'm bringing in lots of solar.
Nice video! Did you already do a video of how you strapped down your bike? I'm getting step-through soon.
Yes I have and its in the same playlist as this video. 3 in all.
Thanks for the great review! We are getting two Rad Rovers and looking for rack. With this rack,, can you tell me if you have rear back up sensors do they still work? Also how is the back up camera affected? Much appreciated!
cStu444 😀 Super cool and you're welcome. Backup sensors do not work with the spare tire on and how Hymer configured it for some reason, but the backup camera works just fine. No issues.
Looks awesome!! I'm hoping to get a rad bike too, do you love it?
Yes I do! Loving it so far.
I've heard the zippers fail on those bike covers, how has yours held up?
Cool setup. I ran across this video looking something else up but I'm actually entertaining the idea of an ebike for when I hit the road again. My question is how difficult is it to recharge the ebike battery off grid?
My Road Tours I haven't had any issues charging off grid. I have 250 watts of solar and 2 lithium batteries. Seems to charge up nicely with no issues.
@@AmberJBaldwin You just gotta love them Lithium batteries with Solar! Thanks!
Tnx for direction to reall tech stuff. What engine it has = gass or diesel ? Yeeee, You made Right thing by remuving from outside body all logos. I made on mine right after I got it.
sofabike 😀 It's gas. Thanks!
What’s the name of your cover? Is there a link for it?
Hi Amber! What a great setup and so cool you are riding Rad! Couple of questions for you: Which Promaster do you have. Mine is a 3500 so curious if the Backstage will swing out all the way if yours is the 2500. Also, I wouldn't need the hitch extender as I don't have a spare tire on back, do you think the Backstage and more importantly the hitch on my Promaster can handle that rack and two Rads? I'll more than likely remove the batteries as that will save about 16 pounds. The rack says it can hold 120 pounds which is almost exactly what the two Rads weigh, but I'm really curious if the hitch can handle the rack and two Rads. Thanks so much!
Glad I found your channel. Looking forward to watching more!
I have the 2500 chassis. Oh yes it will work on the 3500 as well. The rack is rated for 60 lbs each rack so I would just remove the battery and you should be fine. Especially if you don’t have the hitch extender.
@@AmberJBaldwin thanks much. And thanks for a great review of your set-up!
Does this bike rack have a ramp?
Do you use a ramp to get the bike on the rack? I have a Rad Runner Plus which is very heavy, no way I can lift it!
I didn’t. I lifted the front wheel up first and secured it and the back wheel and secured it.
can i go from fat tire tray rest to regular tire tray rest or do i have to buy a special tray rest? i would want to go back and forth without two set ups ... great job on the video
D you can use both types of tires in this rack.
@@AmberJBaldwin thank you
Nice video! I have a ProMaster, same bike rack, and a Rad Rover. I was thinking about getting a cover for my Rad Rover, but my license plate isn't visible when the bike is covered up. In some states it's illegal to have your license plate not visible. Have you run into any issues with your bike cover and your license plate not being visible?
Steve Travis Thanks so much! ☺️ No issues, but that doesn't mean I won't. I'm not sure what to do about it just yet.
Hey.. We are getting two Rad Rovers and looking for rack. With this rack,, can you tell me if you have rear back up sensors do they still work? Also how is the back up camera affected? Much appreciated!
Love that set up, are you able to charge the bike via solar? Just found your channel so 👍 and 🔔 and I have some catching up to do. Also, is the hitch tight on upside down?
John Long Thank you. Technically the bike charges from the battery, but battery is charged by solar - so in a roundabout way...yes. I'm not on shore power. I've some some hitch tighteners flipped the other way, but the instructions show exactly as you saw it in the video. www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Anti-Rattle/etrailer/e99007.html
@@AmberJBaldwin Thank you for the reply and the work you put into getting your videos out to us, stay safe.
So this rack works ok with an e bike with fenders? I was worried the fenders would get in the way and couldn’t tell from your video. Much appreciate the overview! I want to purchase for my radrunner
Yes it does!
“ Not for use with fender equipped bicycles..” ( from Amazon description )
I would like to know about the spare tire swing away. What brand do you have?
we5 girls 😀 It's custom by Edge Vanworks for the Promaster.
Would your bike rack system hold two electric bikes? Or is that too much weight?
Katy Seybold 😀It's rated for 60 lbs each rail, so it's pushing it if it's a Rad. You have to take the battery off to get the weight down.
Did you change the seat out? Is the factory one comfortable?
Cate Mistruzzi [Staff] yes check out the RadMini review: ua-cam.com/video/yCZ5TZpFuHM/v-deo.html
Show how you get it off n on??
I have other videos related to that if you look around the same date.
The bike (69lbs) exceeds the rack's spec (60lbs/bike). Now that you've had your setup for a couple of years, have you had any issues?
C-Q C-Q 😊 If you take the battery off then it's fine. No issues, but I've down sized to a 35 lb bike for other reasons. So far so good the rack has been amazing.
@@AmberJBaldwin Did you downsize to a 35lb electric bike? If so what brand? Many thanks
Can you show putting it on and taking off the rack please.
Rustic Nature Reimagined Yes I actually did that in the video just about the bike...take a look: ua-cam.com/video/yCZ5TZpFuHM/v-deo.html
😔 When you're 5'1 and you go to check the specs.... Recommended Rider Heights
5'4" - 6'2" Sweet set up though! 🙌🏻
I’m guessing you didn’t see the video that came before this one: ua-cam.com/video/yCZ5TZpFuHM/v-deo.html. It’s a RadMini and specs are different than a Rad River.
@@AmberJBaldwin I didn't. You just showed up on my recommended. I will now though. I appreciate the link!
Grate product . but for me with my pore Canadian money this set up cost 1000$ . plus installation . that's why I opted for my Mazda CX-5 and my big E-Bike of 60 pounds. for a motocross rack set up for 150$. that can hold 500 pound and make the job whit fat tire
Martin F Nice hack Martin!!! Does it have a ramp too so you can load the bike?
Next time you are at Walmart get a can of camp dry spray. Waterproof be in shoe polish section.
Paula Tudor Thank you for the advice and recommendations! I'll keep that in mind for sure. 😊
I remove the Battery and seat when transporting.
Ride RAD
Mark Wilson How do you protect the battery prongs from getting debris while traveling?
Mark Wilson :)
Story Chasing go to the web site 1860 Northwest. They sell a set of plugs that perfectly protect the pins on the battery and the connection on the bike. Ride Rad
Like your bike and rack. FYI You are filming your license plate, not sure this is safe for you.
Web Browne I used to not film the plate, but now a days I don't care. I can't figure out how anyone would use it that would be unsafe. Thoughts?
Story Chasing they are visible in public anyway, but it’s not like anyone can follow you home. :) Pulling license plate info is also illegal.
I dont want to be rude but you need a normal bike and go on a 30min-1h bike ride every day. Your overweight is not healthy. Best wishes.
But yet you were rude. Maybe you should watch other videos and find out more on this subject matter or even how an ebike works and why I wanted one. Just sayin.
@@AmberJBaldwin Right on Amber! Myself and many others, we buy ebikes so that we can get out and exercise and also use as transportation that best meets our needs. If not for a ebike, I would not exercise at all and boy do I need that. We know there are always going to be 5% that have to say "uncool things" Keep up the great work Amber you are an inspiration to me and so many others!
Exactly and good for you as well! 😊🎉
Exactly!
I snort laughed. Thank you for that and so true. Most of the comments I get from people on here are super kind, considerate, and empowering and then you get comments like these from people who, well, I just think they don’t have good judgment or compassion. It really says a lot about who they are rather than who they are talking about.