RAXzilla: VelociRAX’s Heavy Duty Bike Rack for E-Bikes & Dirt Bikes

The RAXzilla is VelociRAX's boldest rack yet. Built for riders who are tired of wrestling heavy e-bikes and dirt bikes onto traditional hitch racks, it's the first platform rack from a brand that has long been synonymous with high quality bike transport. The result is a hitch rack for e-bikes that can handle up to 275 lbs per load, loads bikes in under 10 seconds, and requires zero lifting. Here's a full look at what makes it different.

Why Choose the RAXzilla Rack?

VelociRAX has built a reputation on vertical bike racks that are strong, reliable, and easy to use. The VelociRAX MAX took that a step further by adding an increased weight capacity and increased durability with heavier e-bikes in mind. But even with that improvement, one challenge remained, once your bikes are loaded, you still have to manually lift the rack, and all that weight, back into the vertical position.

With the widespread availability of e-bikes, transporting these heavy duty bikes has become much more difficult than their standard counterparts. Standard racks can technically handle e-bikes, but the lifting involved often makes the experience impractical for riders. Compared to lift required racks, the RAXzilla takes an entirely different approach. As VelociRAX's first platform rack, it includes an extendable ramp that eliminates lifting entirely and was specially designed so that any rider of any age can easily load and unload their heavy e-bikes. Here's how it compares:

If you regularly carry two heavy bikes and want the fastest, most effortless loading experience possible, the RAXzilla is the rack for you. If you need to carry three or more bikes, the VelociRAX MAX remains the better fit.

Interested in carrying more than 2 E-bikes? Check out this article for more information. Choosing the Best Bike Rack for E-Bikes: A Comprehensive Buyers Guide

What is the RAXzilla Hitch Rack?

The RAXzilla no-lift bike rack is VelociRAX's heaviest-duty rack yet, capable of carrying anything from a lightweight road bike to a 275 lb dirt bike. Here's a closer look at what makes it different.

Key Features

1. Roll in Roll out Loading

Loading heavy bikes is often the most difficult part of any ride. The RAXzilla addresses this with a built-in extendable ramp, allowing you to easily roll any bike up to 275 lbs onto the rack without lifting.

2.  Automated Tire Clamp

Once your bike reaches the correct position in the loading process, the RAXzilla's clamp automatically begins to close, securing the front tire. After that there is no need to balance the bike as you engage the rear clamp and stow the ramp.

The standard tire clamps are compatible with tires from 24" to 29" in diameter and up to 5" wide, making the rack suitable for road bikes, e-bikes, fat-bikes and dirt bikes alike. (Note: With every purchase included tire adaptors enable the rack to carry 19” dirt bike tires)

Loading speed is one of the standout benefits of this system. Timed trials with staff clocked full load times at under 10 seconds.

3. Folding Bike Tray

The RAXzilla platform bike rack includes three tray positions to help with space management and vehicle access:

• Vertical — Folds the tray upright when not in use, reducing horizontal footprint by over 50%. This position may not be compatible with vehicles that have an external spare tire.

• Horizontal — Standard loading and unloading position

• Tilted — Angles the rack downward with bikes still loaded, providing clearance to lower a truck tailgate or open an SUV hatchback with bikes still stored on the rack.

Interested? Check pricing and availability for the RAXzilla on our product page.

What Bikes Fit the RAXzilla Hitch Bike Rack?

The RAXzilla no-lift bike rack is compatible with anything from lightweight road bikes all the way up to heavy e-bikes or dirt bikes. Here are a few tips specific to each type

Mountain and E-Bikes

Most mountain and e-bikes roll onto the RAXzilla bike rack without issue. A few things to keep in mind:

• On the RAXzilla 2, offset bikes so the front tire stop closest to the vehicle is one slot farther forward than the neighboring bike. This prevents handlebar contact.

• Lightweight bikes may not trigger the clamping mechanism. Lightly pressing down on the bike while loading can ensure the system triggers.

• Large fenders may interfere with the tire clamps. Remove fenders before loading to ensure a secure fit.

• For E-bikes over 90 lbs additional high strength straps are required and sold separately. We recommend linking these straps from your pedals to the metal anchor included in the strap kit.

Road Bikes

Road bikes are light enough that you may not need the retractable ramp, but rolling the front tire over the automated clamp is still recommended. This ensures the rear tire stop engages correctly and stays close to the tire, avoiding contact with the frame.

For frequent road bike use, removing one of the front tire clamp dampers can reduce the pulling force needed to unload the bike and speed up unloading considerably. However, it is important to keep both dampers in place for all other bike types.

Use this link to access a video guide on how to remove one set of dampers. 

Dirt Bikes

The RAXzilla hitch bike rack can carry dirt bikes up to 275 lbs. However, when carrying Dirt Bikes or Surrons we recommend offsetting the bike trays by roughly 4 inches rather than adjusting the front tire clamp angle. This will prevent contact with the handlebars and promote easier use.

For any bike over 90 lbs, additional high strength straps are required and sold separately. The straps will come with a small metal anchor allowing you to securely link the strap from your bike's footpeg to the rack.

How to Use the RAXzilla Bike Rack

Want a closer look at a RAXzilla bike rack in action? Take a closer look at this video introduction and guide.

 

What Vehicles are Compatible with the RAXzilla?

The RAXzilla platform rack requires a Class III 2" (50mm) hitch receiver with a minimum tongue weight capacity of 500 lbs and at least 3⅜" (86mm) of depth past the center of the hitch pin hole. Most standard trucks, SUVs, and crossovers with a Class III hitch will be compatible, though owners of newer Subaru Crosstrek, Subaru Outback, and Ford Ranger models should verify their factory hitch receiver meets the depth requirement before purchasing. 

The rack is compatible with vehicles that have an external spare tire like a Jeep or Bronco. However, you may need to angle the bike slightly while rolling it on to clear the spare tire before straightening the bikes as the clamps engage. Additionally, the spare tire's spacing will prevent the RAXzilla bike rack from being raised into the vertical storage position, so the rack will remain horizontal when not in use.

For RV and trailer use, the same Class III 2" hitch specifications apply. However, bumper hitches, extension hitches, and hitches with cantilevered sections are not suitable due to excessive hitch movement. Please note that using any non-VelociRAX accessories such as swing arms, extensions, or sleeve reducers in conjunction with the RAXzilla will void the VelociRAX warranty.

Looking for more information on Trailer and RV rack compatibility? Check out our article here. Are You Looking for the Best Bike Rack for Trailers?

FAQs

How much does the RAXzilla Bike Rack Weigh?

The RAXzilla 1 weighs approximately 73 lbs while the RAXzilla 2 weighs 126 lbs. Both racks come with a small set of wheels at the base to assist with transport.

Can the RAXzilla Carry Heavy E-Bikes?

Yes. The RAXzilla can carry bikes up to 275 lbs on the RAXzilla 1 model, making it one of the highest-capacity bike racks available for e-bikes and dirt bikes.

How wide is the RAXzilla Rack?

The widest point of the rack is the bike tray at 60 inches wide.

Is the RAXzilla platform rack compatible with Vehicles that have an external spare tire?

Yes, with a couple of caveats. You may need to angle the bike slightly while rolling it on to clear the spare tire before straightening as the clamps engage. Additionally, the spare tire's spacing will prevent the RAXzilla bike rack from being raised into the vertical storage position, so the rack will remain horizontal when not in use.

What is the maximum bike weight?

The RAXzilla 1 bike rack has a max weight limit of 275 lbs of bike weight. However, the RAXzilla 2 has a max weight limit of 250 lbs on the tray closest to the vehicle with the farther tray having a weight limit of 130 lbs.

How fast is the RAXzilla Hitch Rack to load?

Due to the retractable ramp the fastest recorded load time is just under 10 seconds. Generally most users should be fully loaded and ready to go in under 90 seconds with minimal effort, if not faster.

How long will it take to ship?

After an order has been placed, shipments will leave our warehouse on the next business day. From there it should take approximately 3 to 5 business days for your packages to arrive within the US.

Can the RAXzilla bike rack hold more than 2 bikes?

No — the RAXzilla holds a max of up to 2 bikes. For larger loads, the VelociRAX MAX series supports up to 100 lbs per slot with a total bike weight capacity of 300 lbs. 

How do I assemble my RAXzilla rack?

Watch this video for a step by step guide on how to assemble your RAXzilla rack.

What kind of hitch do I need for the RAXzilla?

The RAXzilla platform rack requires a Class III 2" (50mm) hitch receiver with a tongue weight capacity of 500 lbs and at least 3⅜" (86mm) of depth past the center of the hitch pin hole. Most standard trucks, SUVs, and crossovers with a Class III hitch will be compatible, though owners of newer Subaru Crosstrek, Subaru Outback, and Ford Ranger models should verify their factory hitch receiver meets the depth requirement before purchasing

Does the rack block my license plate?

Like most platform racks, the RAXzilla may partially obscure your license plate when used. We recommend checking your local regulations regarding plate visibility. 

Can the automated clamp pinch my hands?

This is possible if a hand is placed directly between the tire and clamp during activation, though it’s uncommon. Pulling your hand away after triggering the rear tire clamp avoids this. However, the clamp is designed to prevent any lasting injury even in the event of accidental contact.

Can the RAXzilla Rack be used by older or less physically capable riders?

Yes. The RAXzilla rack was designed so that anyone capable of riding a bike should be able to easily load it without difficulty.

How long do the dampers last?

VelociRAX dampers are expected to last over 2 years under normal use. For any issues within that period, contact support@velocirax.com.

Is the RAXzilla worth it?

Priced at $1,199 and $1,999 respectively, the RAXzilla hitch bike rack is more expensive than many vertical bike racks on the market. However, the 275 lb weight capacity, durability, and 10 second load time speak for themselves. If you are looking for an optimal solution to carrying heavy e-bikes or dirt bikes we think the RAXzilla bike rack is absolutely worth it.

Interested in taking a closer look? Check out the RAXzilla 2 Product page here.