If you’re looking for efficiency storage, then this 1UP bike rack review is for you!
During the summer, I usually go on long vacations and take my bike with me. I always have my bike rack mounted on the back of my car and ready to go.
However, when summer days are over, I wouldn’t say I like keeping the rack-mounted, so I store it in the garage. Usually, I just lean it up against the wall or keep it on the floor, but these solutions weren’t ideal.
You can easily mount it to your garage’s wall and keep it clutter-free. It’s a small piece of gear that’ll keep larger pieces out of the way.
Let’s dive in!
1UP USA Rack Stash – Hitch Mounted Bike Rack Storage Review
1UP USA Rack Stash, Hitch Mounted Bike Rack Storage
Description
The 1UP rack stash is a helpful solution if you have more than one item stored in your garage. It’s handy if you tend to store your bike for long periods.
Before purchasing one, I had some issues with storage.
For starters, it takes up a vast floor space that can be used in keeping anything else. Also, storing the rack without a rack stash caused some damage.
Sometimes the rack falls, leaving marks on my floor, and sometimes it even leaves marks on the wall. Other times, the rack itself gets scratched.
Also, when my garage is messy, it’s always harder to find stuff, and I tend to stumble upon gear, so the idea of the rack stash is a lifesaver for me.
You might think that a rack stash is a luxury item, but let me tell you why it’s worth it.
Let’s start with the design. The rack stash is made of durable steel. It’s powder-coated as well, so you can tell that it’ll last.
The inside parts are made of aluminum, while the hardware is zinc-plated. The rack stash is grey and red, which makes it aesthetically pleasing.
Some specific features make this rack stash stand out. Let’s check them out!
The Extra Inserts
This is more than just a gear to store your bike rack.
Typically, the bike rack should go into the red aluminum parts. However, you’ll find a few holes around the grey area. These holes come handy for different purposes.
You have the central oval hole that allows you to insert a locking pin for security.
Furthermore, there are 2 square holes; 1.25 inch and 2 inches, that can be used to add extra accessories, hitches, or any other gear you have.
Keep in mind that whatever you add shouldn’t exceed a total of 90 pounds as recommended by the manufacturer.
Also, make sure you don’t over tighten the extra accessories, so as not to damage the rack’s holes.
Aside from maintaining the rack off the floor, the 1UP rack stash is also an excellent option if you want to lift your bike while working on it or filling the tires with air.
Furthermore, some people use it to mount cargo carriers, mounted baskets, and ski racks.
It Supports Different Rack Sizes
When you buy the 1UP rack stash, you get to change between 1.25 and 2-inch hitch racks. All you need to do is to remove the red aluminum inserts and turn them 180 degrees.
I loved this feature because I initially had a 2-inch bike rack, but then I bought another one that’s 1.25 inches, and I didn’t have to worry about purchasing a new rack stash.
It’s Easy to Install
The rack stash comes with a thorough manual that gives you clear instructions on how to install your rack stash.
You can use it to mount the rack vertically or horizontally. It’ll take you about 10 to 15 minutes to install it.
So, what will you need to install the rack stash?
It already comes with three 1-inch fender washers and three ⅜ x 2 ½ inches lag bolts. However, you’ll need to get extra tools to help you install it.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Drill
- ¼ inch drill bit
- Ratchet with 9/16 inch socket
- ⅛ inch hex wrench
- Stud finder
- Spirit level
- Pencil or marker
- Measuring tape
It’s essential to take all the measures before drilling. You don’t want to install the rack stash then find out that there isn’t enough space on the wall for the whole rack.
It’s also essential to keep the rack stash as close as possible to the stud’s center to be able to add up to 90 pounds without safety issues.
Finally, I’d recommend trying to place the rack stash at the same level as your car’s mount. This will help you remove the hitch rack from the wall, turn around, and install it easily to the car without any hassle.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 12.7 x 5.6 x 3.1 inches
- Hitch racks: 1.25 or 2 inches
- Mounting hardware: included
- Weight: 3 lb
- Weight limit: 90 lb
Pros
- It’s easy to installIt’s sturdy and made of durable materialIt comes with its hardware
- The instruction manual is clear and easy to follow
- It’s suitable for two different hitch sizes
- It can be used to lift your bike during maintenance
- It’s aesthetically pleasing, and it saves space
Cons
- It’s on the expensive end
- The weight limit is 90 pounds only
Video – 1UP USA Bike Rack Storage Review
More Ideas for a Clutter-Free Garage
The rack stash will handle the bike racks, but what about the rest of the garage? Besides the car, you use the garage to keep your bikes, gear, tools, and many other things. That’s why you’ll need to make use of every inch.
A pegboard panel is one useful item to organize your garage. You can place it on any wall and use it to hang tools, rakes, and shovels.
Wire shelves and baskets are one of my favorite items. They’re inexpensive, and you can get them in the size you want and place them anywhere.
If you’re storing some tools that you don’t use frequently, you can add some shelves near the ceiling to benefit from it.
Finally, there are storage racks that you can hang from the ceiling. They’re a nice option if you already used all the walls.
When all is set, get some labels and stick them on the shelves or racks so that you can find what you’re looking for easily.
FAQs
If you still have some questions about the 1UP rack stash, then maybe you’ll find your answer here.
Can I use it with a Kuat carrier?
Kuat racks are heavy, and luckily they’re compatible with the 1UP rack stash. There have been a couple of minor complaints, though.
Some users say that when mounting a 1.25-inch Kuat rack, the paint can be scratched a bit by the red parts.
Others implied that the width is a little too wide, causing the rack to wobble. However, it works perfectly with the 2-inch Kuat rack.
Can I use it for my Thule bike rack?
Yes. It goes just fine with different models of Thule racks, even the four bike ones. All in all, any rack that’s 90 pounds or less should be mounted easily.
How far does the Thule t2 Pro Xt stick out from the wall when mounted?
If it’s folded, 23 inches, and if it’s opened, 45 inches.
Can I install two rack stashes on the same all stud?
Wall studs are durable, and they’re designed to bear the loads, so theoretically, you should be able to install two rack stashes on the same stud.
However, you should take all the necessary measures of the racks ahead because you don’t want them overlapping.
I’d personally prefer to keep them on different studs so that if any issue comes up with one stud, I’ll have the second rack stash safe and sound.
Can I mount my rack stash on a concrete wall instead of wooden studs?
Yes. Mounting your rack stash on a concrete wall should be a piece of cake.
The hardware provided is for wooden studs, so all you’ll need to do is get cement anchors, and you’ll be good to go.
Conclusion
The 1UP rack stash is a suitable option if you don’t want your rack to get in the way. Moreover, if the total weight is under 90 pounds, you might have the opportunity to mount your bike on the wall as well.
I don’t know about you, but I’m not a fan of coming home to a messy garage, that’s why I love the 1UP rack stash. Some people find it pricey, but I think it’s a good deal for what it offers.
Some people also complained that the rack stash only fits racks of 1.25 or 2 inches without converting. The reason behind that is that they didn’t adjust the red pieces according to the manual.
That was all on the 1up bike rack review. Now, are you ready to declutter your garage?
