The NV 2.0 Hitch Rack + Pivot Swing Away Ext. by Küat [In-Depth Review]
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- čas přidán 13. 05. 2019
- Visit Adventure Rig here: adventurerig.com
The NV 2.0 Hitch Rack plus the Pivot Swing Away Extension made by Küat is the ultimate setup for hauling your bikes behind your van, truck, or SUV. The functionality of the NV 2.0 and Pivot is unmatched and the finish is like a piece of art. Aside from the amazingly durable premium gloss metallic powdercoat finish and anodized orange accents, the Küat NV 2.0 includes features that impressed us immediately.
Out of the box, the Küat is easy to put together and install. All necessary parts and hardware are included so you won’t have to embark on a mid-project hardware store run. While you can extend the NV 2.0 to a four-bike rack with a 2-bike extension (sold separately) the two trays are perfect for our adventures. It should be mentioned that the NV 2.0 comes in both a 1.25” hitch size and a 2” hitch size. Only the 2” hitch size can accept the 2-bike extension.
The NV 2.0 can carry a wide array of bikes, which makes it even more accommodating for those who ride road bikes and mountain bikes. It fits 20” - 29” tires, holds wheelbases up to 48” and tires as large as 4.8” (Phat Bike Kit is included). For 20” to 24” tires, you will need to purchase the $9.99 wheel adapter. For us, we both ride mountain bikes with 29” wheels and this rack works flawlessly. The NV 2.0 can carry 2 bikes up to 60lbs each and weighs in at 52 pounds.
The ease of use of the rack will make you laugh the first time you use it. We’ve really only used roof rack mounted bike racks before and if you’re in the same boat, you’ll know that sometimes the struggle is real. Throwing your bike on the NV 2.0 is easy, quick, and struggle-free. The main front wheel arm is secure and easy to cinch with one hand.
It’s evident that Küat racks are made by cyclists because of the attention to detail in materials used so not to harm your gear. Both the front arm and the strap for the back wheel are made with materials that will not rub paint, etc. Although we don’t have $6000 mountain bikes, if we did we would not hesitate to haul them with the NV 2.0.
While we love the NV 2.0 and appreciate it for all it is, this system wouldn’t be the same without the Pivot. Essentially the Pivot is what makes this the perfect system for a van as it allows you to swing away the rack enabling access to your back doors (or tailgate or truck bed). This works extremely well for our Promaster and it is with the removal of one pin and unlatching one latch that the NV 2.0 swings 90 degrees away from your vehicle. While the Pivot is an additional investment on top of the NV 2.0, it’s absolutely worth it.
Aside from the amazing finish, we think that what sets the NV 2.0 apart from comparable racks on the market are the included accessories. First of all, the integrated locks are a huge bonus. The cable locks are located in the tray and stow out of the way. The cable runs through the rear triangle securing your bike to the rack. The NV 2.0 also comes with a hitch pin lock which is keyed alike with the integrated bike locks. It’s a simple thing really but to only have one key for 3 locks is huge for us. The Pivot also comes with a hitch pin lock however since the Pivot is sold separately, it is not keyed alike with the NV 2.0.
The included Trail-Doc is innovative and so useful. Tyson is always trying to figure out ways to bring a bike stand with us on trips but we never have the room so it’s always left at home. Now, with the NV 2.0, we have a built-in bike stand! That means less clutter and being able to work on our bikes on the road with ease. You can even buy a stand for the Trail-Doc for at home use. We love the idea and the fact that Küat takes their products and innovation to the next level with simple accessories and ideas.
Definitely be sure to watch the video provided above as it gives you a first-hand look at many of the included features of the NV 2.0 and Pivot system and dives into the ease of use, measurements, and more. The NV 2.0 + Pivot is a game changer when it comes to hauling your bicycles and you won’t be disappointed.
If you're interested in buying some Küat gear, doing so using our provided link supports us in that we get a small kickback from your Amazon purchase. We appreciate the support!
Links
NV 2.0: amzn.to/2Q2i5xb
Pivot Swing Away Extension: amzn.to/2Hnkn7r
More Reviews: goo.gl/5cuWol
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![KUAT Pivot V2 - Wait for V3? [An Honest Review]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/us9UhnqcmGk/mqdefault.jpg)
![KUAT Pivot V2 — Wait for V3? [An Honest Review]](/img/tr.png)
I have the same van, so thanks for showing the details on how well this rack & pivot combo works.
Shari McTiver, Maj, CAP You bet thanks for watching.
cool van!!
Selected the video for the swing away pivot for cargo carrier potential (I do not bike). EXCELLENT speaker and presentation and actually enjoyed watching. Viewed the entire video.
1960skart We appreciate you watching!
Great video dude
Definitely sold me on this rack!
You're going to love it. Thanks for watching.
Very cool review, thank you so much!
Lisa D You bet thank you for watching Lisa.
Awesome job in explaining it can’t wait to get one
Thanks for watching Priscilla!
Excellent overview. I was not aware of the pivot swing. Thx.
Thanks for watching Roger.
Thanks for a great review!
You bet thanks for watching.
Great walk thru and review
Thanks for watching.
Excellent review brother!
REX OVERLAND Thabks for watching Rex!
great review, loved seeing your dog, that made my night
He's everyone's favorite! Thanks for watching.
Very informative!
John Foty Thanks for watching John.
Thankyou very much for your information
Thanks for watching.
well done review. i'm sold and ordering one. thank you. cool shades, where can I get the same one??
You won't be disappointed. www.adventurerig.com/review-take-life-by-the-helm-the-helm-sunglasses-by-spy/
I've watched this video several times. Thanks so much for posting such a detailed review. I see that the pivot is finally available so thinking of ordering for our van. I have a Roadtrek built on a 3500 Promaster chassis. Unfortunately the hitch is only attached to the bumper so really decreased the load capacity. Since we have two 60 pound ebikes I opted to have a couple of brackets welded from the hitch to the chassis. I would be under the max that Kuat recommends for the pivot (they recommend less than 250 pounds). With my bikes, Hollywood rack and Pivot would be approx 220 pounds. So, wondering what your thoughts might be for my scenario? Thanks again!
It seems like having the extra brackets welded on will be more then enough for the rack and any weight you may have on it. And you're under the recommended max weight that Kuat publishes so I think you'll be just fine.
@@AdventureRig Thanks so much for offering your opinion. I did order the Pivot from REI so will give it a good test first. I was a little concerned about the doors opening with the Pivot attached as the bar that is horizontal to the bumper sticks up several inches from the hitch, but should function on my van as it does on yours. Either way, since it's an REI purchase, if not satisfied they have a great return policy. I'm having it shipped to my nearest REI so no shipping or return shipping. Thanks again for your reply and such an outstanding video.
surprise when hank pops out!
do you have to take the bikes off to access the pivot release pins, or is it just tricky to access with them on?
No you don't need to remove the bikes. It's not too bad getting to the pin with everything on.
Hello, I'm considering getting the same combo. The Pivot and the NV and I was wondering how it handles the rain? I plan on leaving it on all summer and I'm curious to know how corrosion resistant they are?
We spent 5 weeks in the Baja on the beach with it and it still looks new.
How to you stabilize it? I decided to leave it at home cuz the 2 e bikes were mounted were very wobbly over simple bumps. We had a stabilizer (the U thingy) to the pivot. Should I have add a stabilizer to the rack as well?
I have A pro master and a cool white Sherpa bike rack. I’m thinking about getting the pivot but was wondering if you have nasty interference when you have bikes on the rack while opening and closing the doors. Thanks
Hey Crunchy. You can see in the first 20 seconds of the video a shot of the doors open with bikes on the rack. We don't have any clearance issues.
I use it with a Thule bike rack and 2 mountain bikes. the only bummer is it sticks out quite a bit. I may add an additional hole in the receiver to push it in as far as it will go. Same with the bike hitch side.
It does cause it to stick out a little further. On the current setup I have a spare tire on the back so it works well because I need it to stick out a little extra. But I agree you could try shoving it in a little more.
@@AdventureRig It would be nice to mount a spare tire somehow on it as well. Not sure if it will handle the weight of an additional 35" wheel.
Just what I was looking for. I own a promaster camper van, so seeing both the swing away and the bike rack on yours does help me a lot. Would this set-up accomodate 2 ebikes?
Yes it should as long as they fall within the weight limit. If I recall Kuat has a limit of 60 pounds for each bike.
@@AdventureRig One more question: I know that there is a version that swings toward the driver's side. As far as a ProMaster camper van goes, would you see an advantage or disadvantage in this version? Thanks,
@@rdblanchette It really depends on your preference. Some things to think about... If you’re camping and you’re using the passenger sliding door a lot as well as getting in and out of the back, with the bikes swinging towards the passenger side like they do in this video then it can feel like the bikes are in your way a lot. However if you find yourself parking on the sides of roads often then if they swing towards the drivers side they will be swinging into traffic. Just some thoughts. But either will work on the promaster.
Great video, but I have a question. When the pivot arm swings away does it have a secondary pivot point at the end the allow the bikes to rest perpendicularly to the van if it is fully extended? Just wondering if when the bikes are on if there is full clearance for a hatch on a VW Eurovan to be raised?
It just has the one pivot point but should allow plenty of clearance.
It just has the one pivot point but should allow plenty of clearance.
Curious if your promaster hitch is factory or aftermarket. I have the factory hitch, which sits pretty tight to the bumper.
It’s a Curt that I put on.
Great review. Thank you! The pivot v2 comes in driver side or passenger side swinging. If you had the choice now which would you choose? I have a 2004 sprinter and both rear doors open all the way back to the sides. I’m thinking driver side swing since when we’re camping we’re mostly going in and out the passenger side with the sliding door etc.
Thanks for watching Phillip. I would probably agree and go with the drivers side swing as it will be a lot easier to access the back while camping since you’ll be primarily on the passenger side of the van.
finding a rack that allows wheelbases over 48" is harder than I thought... seems like many newer large trail and especially enduro bikes are going to be longer. Im on an XL 140mm travel 66.5 HTA with a fairly short chain stay and mines a bit longer at 48 inches.... I’m sure it would work but what if I buy a slacker park bike. (Edited to correct WB)
Yeah that is pretty long.
Nice video. Would like to have seen 60# mountain bikes loaded on there. Yours look like conventional mountain bikes and you're strong and having no issues as you quickly and easily place and remove them. But if you do have other heavier bikes, have you used the extra ramp that is available? If not, do you lift up one end at a time?
We don’t have any heavy bikes.
I have the hollywood rack with the Yakima swing away. I was waiting a year for the kuat pivot and gave up. the swing away has a 250 pound limit so my two e bikes and the rack are under that. I load one wheel at a time front tire first while braking rear and then lift the rear up. I also remove the batteries that is about 7 pounds off.
@@mtnride4930 That's a great technique to load them.
Dang, Kuat should pay you for this review. Nicely done. I have this rack (without the pivot). It is built like a tank, yet looks like a piece of art. I use the trail doc for minor adjustments while I'm out on the trail. I also like how you can tighten the rack inside the receiver to where you have nothing rattling back there. Yes, the rack is on the expensive side, but I'm guessing it will outlast similar racks by many years. Again, great review. (Subscribed, too!)
Great input Mark and thanks for watching!
Can you attach a trailer into the 2" hitch on the rack? So your bikes are between the vehicle and a trailer?
No I think the tongue weight would be too much.
I drive a Lexus GX460 with a rear door that pivots on the passenger side. I have a 4 bike Kuat rack and am looking to add the Pivot V2 but I'm having a hard time figuring out whether I should get the drivers side or passenger side swing. Do you have an opinion/recommendation?
Annie Schwemmer Hi Annie. Are you saying the handle to open the door is on the drivers side and when you open it the doors swings to the passenger side of the vehicle? When the door is open does it go beyond 90 degrees?
@@AdventureRig Hi! Yes, the handle for the door is on the drivers side and it swings to the passenger side. It does not open beyond 90 degrees.
Annie Schwemmer If it were me I would prefer to have it open to the passenger side like the door. That way you don’t have anything that obstructs the rear of the vehicle as you get in and out of it with gear while the bikes are swung out of the way.
What do you do when you have fenders....is there a way to make this rack work ?
No
My Kuat Pivot has a pretty bad wobble. The holes on my truck’s receiver are larger than the pin that came with the Pivot. I would use the larger pin, but there appears to be a threaded chunk of metal welded on the inside that forces you to use the smaller pin. Any suggestions?
When you tighten the pin down that came with the rack it doesn't take up all the slack and prevent it from wobbling?
Adventure Rig I bought the rack second-hand, so I only have a standard locking pin. Is there a another pin that tightens it into place?
@@charliethomas4824 Yes
Adventure Rig Alright, thank you so much! I’ll see if I can find it somewhere online. Stay safe and healthy
@@charliethomas4824 You bet. It has threads on it and will lock the rack into place so there's not any wobble.
How is it with a cargo carrier? concerned about weight
mike abner Are you referring to the swing away portion? We haven’t had any problem with weight and it’s worked great.
I would love to find something like this that can handle two e-bikes AND still allow my van to tow our travel trailer!
I think that will be tough because of the weight of the e-bikes as well as the extension you would be putting in place to tow a trailer off the back of the rack. With each foot of extension you lose a tremendous amount of capacity that the hitch can support. I'm not sure anything would be strong enough. Are you able to put a hitch on the back of your trailer and put a rack on it? Or build something on the tongue of your TT that would hold the bikes.
I put a 2” receiver on the back of my toyhualer camp trailer just to haul bikes while towing
How is your Pivot 2 operating after a couple years of use?
Still great. We always wash after use and take good care of it.
Can you easily remove the rack when not in use for a season?
Yes
@@AdventureRig - epic review, thank you! In follow up to Jane’s question: I’m short and 120lbs. Will I be able to get this rack on/off myself when traveling solo and don’t have a need for it?
@@vango4127 I suppose it depends on how strong you are. But it's heavy and cumbersome so I think it may prove to be challenging.
Weight not an issue on a Subaru Crosstrek I tow a 14' whaler 600lbs.
Shouldn't have any issues with this hitch set up then!
Does anyone know where to find one of these that can hold a motorbike?
I've seen them but they've all been fabricated. It's asking a lot out of a hinge by throwing on a 250# bike and then swinging it out.
The Kuat website says this rack is NOT RV compatible???
Wonder why.
I also got this reply from KUAT "Thanks so much for reaching out to Kuat! When we say RV rated, we are referring to Class A and Class C. Your Class B is perfectly fine to use the Pivot and the NV rack."
How do you manage the sensors?
I imagine you’re talking about reverse sensors. I turn them off.
@@AdventureRig oh wow how because I was told only the dealership can turn them off. Right now I have mine covered with weather window seal foam.
@@ghostchicken69 what vehicle is it?
@@AdventureRig 2020 promaster.
@@ghostchicken69 I’ve since sold that van but I don’t recall it being a problem. Maybe I never noticed it. In my pickup I have the option to turn it off.
Pui tradurre in italiano
Thanks for watching Silvia.
This man is mandated to be outside due to his severe intestinal gas issues.
I do enjoy being outside.
@@AdventureRig with a bowel like yours… I’m not surprised 💩😉
So annoying because it is like Kuat does not make them. Nobody has had them.
That’s pretty much everything these days. No one has it.
@@AdventureRig so true. “
Lol - crazeee
I was waiting a year for kuat pivot, gave up and got a yakima 250 pound limit and happy with it.
Your bike release instructions are exactly reversed from what is optimal. Clearly your video is clickbait.
Thanks for watching Don.