QuietKat QK 1UP Bike Rack With Fat Tire Kit Review

Assembly and Installation of the QuietKat QK 1UP Bike Rack With Fat Tire Kit

Assembly of the QuietKat QK 1UP Bike Rack was pretty simple, even though I ripped the direction in half when trying to open the package.  Nevertheless, I opened the blue knobs 90 degrees, flipped the bike holders out, and closed the blue knobs again once they had been properly extended.  

Now, you’re ready to install the bike rack into your hitch.  Thankfully, it comes with a locking hitch pin and a unique Allen wrench to adjust it to the proper length away from your bumper/tailgate.  This adjustability is crucial to ensure the bike doesn’t rub against your vehicle while traveling.  There’s also an adjustment that will raise or lower the height of the bike rack, but I didn’t have a reason to adjust it from the original factory setting.

This entire process from start to finish only takes a few minutes.  The only thing you have to install is the locking hitch pin.

Features of the QuietKat QK 1UP Bike Rack With Fat Tire Kit

• Build: Anodized Aluminum | Built in the USA
• Compatibility: Fits a 2” standard receiver on vehicles and is compatible with adapters.  Unique design allows for maximum adjustment.
• Security: Includes Standard keyed hitch lock
• Weight: Single Rack – 28 lb.
• Capacity: Up to three 75lb* eBikes safely and securely
• Fits: 16”–29” wheels, 1Up Spacer Kit pre-installed for fat tire compatibility.  The maximum wheel base of 54″.
• Foldable: Rapid tilt and folding mechanism.  Easy to store when not in use.
• Robust: arms close to secure tires without touching the frame.  The hitch bar has a built-in anti-wobble mechanism

How many bikes will the QuietKat QK 1UP Bike Rack With Fat Tire Kit hold?

QuietKat offers this bike rack in three different versions.  A single, double, and triple bike rack.  For me, I tested the single bike version as I only needed to utilize one bike at a time, but now I find myself wishing that I could haul an extra bike for my son or hunting buddy.  If you plan on buying another bike or riding with someone who owns a bike, splurge and buy the double bike rack.

How hard is it to load an eBike onto the QuietKat QK 1UP Bike Rack?

Understanding that e-bikes are heavy is the first step.  Some of today’s high-end electric bikes weigh 70 pounds or more. So manually handling the bike is the hardest part.  I don’t try to pick up the entire bike at one time and place it on the rack, instead, I utilize the rear brakes of the bike to help lift the front end of the bike onto the bike rack and then the rear tire.

First, parallel your ebike with the bike rack.  Next, firmly grab the rear brake, while pulling the handlebars upwards toward the rear tire.  The front end should lift, allowing you to place it onto the bike rack.  Once the front tire is on the rack, hold the front brake and lift the rear tire onto the bike rack.  You’ll need to brace the bike firmly until you lock it into place with adjustable arms that fit over each tire.

The unloading process works the same, just be sure to stabilize the bike when unlocking each adjustable arm.  Also, if you’re not parked on the flat ground, the bike will want to roll downhill when unlocked from the bike rack, so watch for movement in all directions.  Dropping a heavy ebike on yourself is going to hurt no only you, but your expensive bike as well.

Do you need to utilize additional straps on the QuietKat QK 1UP Bike Rack With Fat Tire Kit when hauling?

Personally, I haven’t needed to utilize a ratchet strap to further secure a bike to the bike rack but I could see where you’d want the peace of mind of having the additional support.  The bike locks in tightly and this bike rack is built well enough to withstand the constant bouncing and vibration that might cause other bike racks to fail.  If I were going on a long trip, I’d probably throw one on just for additional support but I haven’t needed to do that yet.

I’ve been impressed with hauling the bike to and from the field as the bike rack seems to absorb road vibration and minimize the movement of the bike.  Neither my bike nor tailgate takes a beating during transportation, which is a good thing.  I’m more concerned about someone stealing the bike rather than it falling off, so locking the bike to the bike carrier is important.  I utilize a Masterloc Python Lock and it gives me the confidence to leave the bike in the rack while I’m traveling.

To secure the bike, simply slide a cable lock through the center section of the bike rack and the center of the frame of the bike.  Check out the photo for an example.

Frequently Asked Questions:  QuietKat QK 1UP Bike Rack

1. Is the QK 1UP Bike Rack With Fat Tire Kit compatible with different types of vehicles?  Yes, it comes standard for a 2″ receiver but there may be an adapter to help you mount it for other vehicles.
2. How easy is it to install and remove the bike rack?  Installation is easy, but keep in mind that the bike rack weighs 28 pounds (single bike rack), so use safe and proper lifting techniques.
3. Can the QK 1UP Bike Rack accommodate fat tire bikes of various widths?  It’s held each of my bikes, but they’ve all been 26″ tires.  I don’t think you’ll have an issue with most bikes, but the exception would be the Rungu ebikes that have two fat tires in the front.
4. Does the rack have any anti-theft features to secure the bikes during transport?  Yes, the bike rack comes standard with an anti-theft lock (hitch pin) that secures the bike rack to the vehicle but not the bike to the bike rack.  To keep your bike safe, I’d recommend picking up a few Masterloc Python locks.
5. How stable is the QK 1UP Bike Rack on different road conditions?  The QK 1UP Bike Rack is built for the offroader in mind, adjusting in height to accommodate off-road terrain.  Also, there’s and adjustment to ensure the bike is far enough away from your vehicle to prevent damage.
6. Is the rack suitable for long-distance travel, and does it minimize bike movement or vibration?  Yes, just ensure that you have securely locked the arms in place over each tire, not just one.  The offers superior stability and durability and is the only bike rike you may ever need.
7. What is the maximum weight capacity of the QK 1UP Bike Rack?  75 pounds per bike, 225 pounds for a three-bike hauler.
8. How durable is the rack, and does it withstand exposure to various weather conditions?  This thing is a beast and should last you longer than your bike and truck.
9. Are there any additional accessories or add-ons available for the QK 1UP Bike Rack?   I’d pick up a bike lock or Masterloc Python lock to keep bike thieves away.
10. What is the overall user experience with the QK 1UP Bike Rack, and are there any common issues or concerns?  I have zero complaints about this bike rack.  Very rarely do I test a product and can’t find a flaw, but the QK 1UP Bike Rack might be the first.  I only wish I would’ve purchased it sooner.
11. Can the QK 1UP Bike Rack be folded or stored compactly when not in use?  Yes, simply disconnect it from the receive
12. Are there any special considerations or tips for using the QK 1UP Bike Rack effectively?  Firmly lock the arms into place during transportation.  To release the arm, push in slightly to free up enough space to unlock lever.
13. Is there a warranty or customer support available for the QK 1UP Bike Rack?  There is a lifetime warranty on the frame and a 15-day risk-free trial.
14. Can you use the QuietKat QK 1UP Bike Rack With Fat Tire Kit on Other Brands of eBikes?  Yes, I have hauled multiple fat tire e-bikes without issue.  The locking arms fit like a glove on my QuietKat Ibex, QuietKat Apex 10, and Bakcou Storm.
15. Can the QK 1UP Bike Rack be used with other non-fat-tire bikes as well?  I don’t have any other bikes at the moment to test that out.

QuietKat QK 1UP Bike Rack With Fat Tire Kit Review Summary

Your biggest question is probably, “Would you recommend buying the QuietKat QK 1UP Bike Rack With Fat Tire Kit?”  For the last year or two, hauling an e-bike has been a pain in the butt, to the point where I just wouldn’t bring the bike along on the trip.  That’s not an issue anymore and it’s quick and easy to install.  The QuietKat QK 1UP Bike Rack With Fat Tire Kit has proven to be worth every penny.  From the ease of securing and hauling my heavy bike to the high-quality construction, it’s worth every penny.  My only regret is not getting a dual bike rack instead of a single bike rack, so that my family can join me.  If you’re going to buy an e-Bike, do yourself a favor and pick up the QK 1UP Bike Rack With Fat Tire Kit.  It is the best accessory you can buy for your ebike and it should last you for years.