Author: ElectricBikeReview.com via YouTube
https://electricbikereview.com/forums/threads/electric-bikes-for-rvs-tips-on-accessories-and-replacing-a-towed-vehicle.43285/ My father recently retired and bought his first RV. He considered using a tow vehicle to navigate jeep trails, but the added expense and hassle of towing worried him. Eventually, they decided to buy a couple of ebikes instead! This is his story, including why he chose RadRovers and all of the upgrades and accessories that make the bikes work well (links to locations and products are listed further down, more details are listed in the EBR forums linked at the start of the description). Feel free to share your thoughts, any ideas for improving this build, or your own unique RV ebike solutions 🙂
0:00 Introduction, why ebikes vs. a tow vehicle
1:57 Why he chose fat tire electric bikes
3:29 RV upgrades (solar, cellular wifi, hitch riser)
4:57 Bike rack setup and loading demo
5:28 Why they chose Rad Power Bikes RadRovers
6:58 Tip: lock suspension fork when transporting
7:54 Tip: aover bikes and use a bungee net
9:24 Hub motor and throttle benefits, bike armor
12:07 Rear rack and bag contents (first aid, locks)
12:52 Thule T2 Pro XTR rack, folding bike options
15:17 Tip: additional bottle cages for more water
16:45 Tip: stem riser for taller riders
17:16 Taking the bikes off and on the hitch rack
19:26 Upgraded handlebar and grips for ergonomics
21:43 Additional lights for safety, motion sensor!
22:40 Tip: light positioning and rescue tape mounting
26:51 Inspecting the bottom bracket for damage
28:17 Rear rack, trunk bag, and pannier bag details
30:12 Charging options, range of the bikes
31:15 Steep climbs, deep sand, friends in jeeps
34:12 Tip: staying cool when riding in the heat
36:28 Handlebar mirrors for safety in traffic
37:32 Tip: puncture protection for desert riding
40:55 Using a smartphone, USB power, GPS
41:45 Additional reflective stickers
42:16 Suspension upgrades and adjustments
44:24 Closing thoughts, site resources and forums
45:54 Arizona desert ride begins, hill climb
49:10 Continued riding, Cholla cactus observation
Roads with restrictions that the RV could not handle:
– Death Valley Artists Palette https://www.nps.gov/places/artists-palette.htm
– Death Valley Twenty Mule Team Canyon https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/drive-twenty-mule-team-canyon.htm
Jeep roads:
– Mojave Desert Lava Tube Trail https://www.hikespeak.com/trails/lava-tube-mojave/ and https://www.nps.gov/moja/planyourvisit/upload/cinder_cones_sb_bl_lowres.pdf
– Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves https://californiathroughmylens.com/arroyo-tapiado-mud-caves/
Bike trails:
– Grand Canyon Rim Hermit Road https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hermit-road.htm
– Hoover Dam Historic Railroad Trail https://www.nps.gov/lake/planyourvisit/hikerr.htm
– Goat Canyon Railroad Trestle https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/goat-canyon-trestle-bridge-via-carrizo-gorge-road
– White Tank Mountains https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Tank_Mountains
Electric bikes with all details listed
– RadRover 5 https://electricbikereview.com/rad-power-bikes/radrover/
– RadRover Step-Thru 1 https://electricbikereview.com/rad-power-bikes/radrover-step-thru/
Electric bike hitch rack and covers for RVs
– Thule T2 Pro XT/XTR https://amzn.to/2T0vOtD
– PRO BIKE TOOL Cover https://amzn.to/3cllhQC
– Bungee Cargo Net https://amzn.to/3cdMpBd
– Wireless RV Rear Camera https://amzn.to/34PwqVG
Bike locks for transporting and riding
– Abus Bordo GRANIT X Plus https://amzn.to/2SeaHnE
– Abus Bordo Big https://amzn.to/3plpUiY
– 15FT Security Braided Steel Cable https://amzn.to/3ckMuD5
Tire protect to prevent flats
– Tannus Arrmour Tire Inserts https://amzn.to/3fOe4uy
– Flat Attack Tire Sealer https://amzn.to/2Sa35Tk
Light and reflector upgrades
– BrightRoad First https://amzn.to/2TJmZoE
– Rescue Tape https://amzn.to/3uSlwJA
– Bafang Extension Cable https://amzn.to/3gdqfjs
– Black Reflective Stickers https://amzn.to/3pqtus7
Rear rack, trunk bag, pannier bags
– Ibera Bike Rack https://amzn.to/3chrgGn
– Ibera Bike Trunk Bag https://amzn.to/3pmGU8x
– Ibera Panniers https://amzn.to/2TJntes
Swept back handlebar and ergonomic grips
– Jones H-Bar https://www.jonesbikes.com/jones-h-bar-sg-2-5-loop-aluminum/
– Ergon GC1 Grips https://amzn.to/3vUgPjA
– Small Bar End Mirror https://amzn.to/3fPslqN
– Longer Adjustable Mirror https://amzn.to/3vUh5z4
Water bottle upgrades and expansion
– Dual Bottle Holder https://www.cascademanufacturing.com/products/bottle-holder-mounting-bracket
– Stem Riser https://amzn.to/34QP1Rg
– Ibera Bottle Cage https://amzn.to/3z4eapp
– Polar Insulated Water Bottle https://amzn.to/3uPM8eg
Comfort and armor upgrades
– SR SUNTOUR SP12-NCX Suspension Seat Posts https://amzn.to/3cliRlg
– Aftermarket spring kit for NCX https://www.srsuntour.us/products/sp12-ncx-spring-kit?variant=27528527875
– Non Quick Release Seat Post Clamp https://amzn.to/3fSBDm2
– Skid Plate for RadRover 5 https://www.cascademanufacturing.com/products/skid-plate