-
Want to remove ads? Register an account and login to see fewer ads, and become a Supporting Member to remove almost all ads.
Newscutter
Member
Just saw this pop on the new posts list--- so here's my 2 cents.
The hitches are superbly built and if you have any remote inclination to haul bikes or other gear, DO TAKE this opportunity to pick one up on sale.
(and make sure you get the hole cut correctly--- so sorry for you pl804, at least it's mostly invisible)
Here's my tale of the installation with lots more pictures of how it is done: TESLA Pittsburgh.com: My Baby Gets Back: Torklift EcoHitch Review
The hitches are superbly built and if you have any remote inclination to haul bikes or other gear, DO TAKE this opportunity to pick one up on sale.
(and make sure you get the hole cut correctly--- so sorry for you pl804, at least it's mostly invisible)
Here's my tale of the installation with lots more pictures of how it is done: TESLA Pittsburgh.com: My Baby Gets Back: Torklift EcoHitch Review
Xenoilphobe
Well-Known Member
Mind does the same thing - its not an anti rattle pin issue - it is the connection bolt to the hitch 2 inch receiver and I can't figure out how to stop the movement. Shims?
What's the other side of this look like? What does it thread into? Are the threads on the shoulder bolt shanking out?
Torklift Centrals EcoHitch for the Tesla Model S Review - TESLARATI.com
Torklift Centrals EcoHitch for the Tesla Model S Review - TESLARATI.com
Last edited:
Newscutter
Member
Not sure what you're referring to-- but happy to photograph if it would help someone.
I haven't had and real shaking on mine (see the video clip on the review) once weight it applied. With back unmounted it has a little movement but once fully loaded and re-tightened, all good.
I haven't had and real shaking on mine (see the video clip on the review) once weight it applied. With back unmounted it has a little movement but once fully loaded and re-tightened, all good.
beeeerock
Active Member
A few people have made comments about possible bike rack options. I've been using one from North Shore Bike Racks that is suitable only for mountain bikes with front suspensions. The beauty of the design is it folds down easily and puts some of the weight ahead of the hitch, reducing the torque applied. I've had it on my Benz for a couple of riding seasons and will have a hitch receiver installed on my Model S when it arrives. You can hang up to four bikes with this system, although mine is a two bike rack due to the 1.25" receiver limitation on this car. You hang the bike by the fork and clip a cord around the back wheel. Loading and unloading is faster than anything else I've used.
Given the concerns about any sort of hitch on the Model S, the weight distribution of this rack system might be superior to the typical 'stack them out the back' systems.
Not the best angle to see the rack, but it gives you an idea...:
Given the concerns about any sort of hitch on the Model S, the weight distribution of this rack system might be superior to the typical 'stack them out the back' systems.
Not the best angle to see the rack, but it gives you an idea...:
Morristhecat
Member
@beeerock, that's a nice bike rack. But is it really only for mountain bikes? Kids bikes won't work? I am looking for a 4 bike rack but I only have the 1-1/4" eco hitch. I guess I could get the 2" adapter from echo hitch if necessary. Nice that they are local.
Interesting rack with some good features, eg weight distribution. Also wondering if other bikes wouldn't fit. One drawback is you can't open the trunk with bikes loaded, of course. Unless there's a tilt away mechanism.
beeeerock
Active Member
The rack hangs the bike by the wide fork of a shock system. A suspensionless bike wouldn't typically be wide enough (although a fat bike might be...). You'd have to compare a kids bike fork with an adult bike to see if there's a chance it would fit. The other consideration is whether the wheelbase is long enough (kids bike) to reach the rear tire support lower down on the rack. There is some latitude, but you'd want to keep it all firmly in place!
Their web site has some good photos and explanations if you want greater detail from the horse's mouth... they're good folks to deal with, in my experience.
- - - Updated - - -
As noted in my last reply to Morristhecat, the way the bike is gripped limits the bikes that will fit. It was designed here in BC where mountain biking and downhilling is a big deal - the rack was built with that in mind.
The rack does pivot from the hitch horizontal member. Backwards to allow the trunk to be opened, or to fit on a van or hatchback with less space for the front tires above. The quick pin release has several positions and you can go all the way down to the point where the bike tires sit on the ground.
Center of gravity is much further forward than virtually every other rack system I've seen, which really helps the hitch receiver!
AlbertOnMars
Member
Greetings! The Torklift hitch looks nice, and I already have a Kuat NV rack that I've used with another car, so this would be ideal. Can anyone tell me how expensive the piece is that needs the whole cut into it?
Thanks!
Thanks!
AlbertOnMars
Member
Ahh, I didn't realize it was the actual bumper cover--I was thinking it a separate piece behind the bumper. Well, in that case, I'm sure you're right, that would be quite expensive!
DFibRL8R
Active Member
Also massive range penalty with 5 bikes at speeds beyond 45mph. My 60kWh would only do about 130 miles on a range charge driving at posted speeds on I-95. On the return trip, I actually removed some of the wheels from the bikes and stowed in the rear hatch to decrease the sail effect (it helped).
Last edited:
AlbertOnMars
Member
Love the photo with five bikes hanging on the back!! Amusing about the Supercharger access, and thanks for the warning. 
DFibRL8R
Active Member
Yeah, I'm pretty used to getting looks in the Model S but the look percentile went up substantially with 5 bikes on the back!
I think it must blow some folk's minds that this awesome/sporty EV can also be a practical choice and not just a "toy" as I have seen some refer to it. For my family of 5, this is our minivan/SUV for road trips (in addition to a great looking/performing sedan).
I think it must blow some folk's minds that this awesome/sporty EV can also be a practical choice and not just a "toy" as I have seen some refer to it. For my family of 5, this is our minivan/SUV for road trips (in addition to a great looking/performing sedan).
Morristhecat
Member
@DFibRL8R, thanks for posting that pic. I think that is one that allot of us wanted to see. Good info on the range hit too.
beeeerock
Active Member
Is that an inch and a quarter receiver??? What rack system allows that many bikes on a small receiver? Or maybe it just looks small and it's actually a 2 inch?
It would be interesting to compare range loss with this 'across the car' method of carrying, compared to the 'wheelie' position of the Northshore Racks system I use. One is broad and low, the other tall and narrow.
DFibRL8R
Active Member
It's the 2 inch receiver. I'm using a Thule 915XT. I was pretty amazed at the range losses but I was also hauling 5 people and a lot of stuff so some of the inefficiency was also weight gain and couldn't all be blamed on the bike-parachute on the back. The hitch itself is 38 lbs and the rack is 28 lbs.
Last edited:
Just thought I'd share our pic. We've been using the torklift hitch for about a year for our 2 single bikes or for the tandem. Maybe it has been said somewhere in 99 posts but beware of driveway or roadways that have steep ramps. The hitch will drag and that is a very disconcerting feeling ... Still, we are avid cyclists and need the bike rack. The camera distortion makes it look like the tandem is much wider than it is. The bike is only 8" wider than the car.
Similar threads
