Kuat

Piston Pro Platform Rack

$1,289.00
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Pickup available at Sandy Vans HQ

Usually ready in 2-4 days

Two bikes, e-bikes included, on a rack that never touches the frame.

The KUAT Piston Pro is Kuat's all-metal 2-bike hitch rack. OneTap pneumatic arms open with one tap and clamp the tires, FastFit chocks take 18 to 32 in wheels without tools, and it carries bikes and e-bikes up to 67 lb each on a 2-inch receiver.

Fits: Universal, any van with a 2-inch hitch receiver, including the Mercedes Sprinter. Not compatible: 1.25-inch receivers (this listing is the 2-inch version).

  • 67 lb per bike on the 2-inch 2-bike setup, e-bikes included
  • OneTap arms, no frame contact
  • FastFit wheel chocks for 18 to 32 in wheels and tires up to 5 in wide
  • Locks: semi-integrated 12mm cable lock (110 in) and a stainless hitch lock
  • Expandable to 3 or 4 bikes with Kuat Add-Ons
  • All-metal, Sandy Black powder coat, Kuat No Worries Limited Warranty

Pair it with: KUAT Pivot XD swing-away to open the rear doors with bikes loaded · Piston E-Bike Ramp for heavy bikes. Want LED taillights? See the Piston Pro X.

See it on your van. Add the Piston Pro Platform Rack to your build in our 3D Van Builder and preview it on a real Sprinter before you buy.

Product Details

Why we carry the Piston Pro

Most of our customers haul mountain bikes and e-bikes, and the Piston Pro handles both without touching the frame. It's the same platform as the Piston Pro X, minus the LED taillights and Kashima coating.

What makes the Piston family different

  • OneTap arms: tap the lever and the tire arms open on their own. Push them down until they click.
  • No frame contact: the arms hold the tires, so carbon frames and fresh paint stay untouched.
  • FastFit chocks: squeeze and slide to fit 18 to 32 in wheels, no tools.
  • Pedal pivot: fold the rack up or down with your foot.
  • Flatlock hitch cam and hitch lock: a tight, rattle-free fit in the receiver, locked.

Built to grow

The 2-inch Piston Pro takes Kuat's 1-bike and 2-bike Add-Ons, up to 4 bikes total. Capacity per bike drops as you add trays: 67 lb with 2 bikes, 50 lb with 3, 40 lb with 4. Ask our team about Add-Ons.

Piston Pro or Piston Pro X?

Same capacity and Add-Ons. The Piston Pro X adds LED taillights, Kashima-coated struts, a Galaxy Gray finish and a locking security tool. Pick the Pro X if your bikes block your van's taillights.

Getting into the back of the van

A hitch rack blocks the Sprinter's rear doors. Put the Piston Pro on a KUAT Pivot XD swing-away and the whole rack swings aside with the bikes still on.

Fitment & Compatibility

Fits: Universal, any van with a 2 in hitch receiver, incl. Mercedes Sprinter

Not compatible with: 1.25 in receivers (this listing is 2 in); bike covers; Add-Ons or adapters on RV hitches

Not sure your build qualifies? Reach out to our team.

Specifications

BrandKUAT (Kuat Racks)
ModelPiston Pro, 2-bike, 2 in receiver, Sandy Black
FitsUniversal, any van with a 2 in hitch receiver, incl. Mercedes Sprinter
Capacity67 lb per bike (2 bikes); 50 lb (3 bikes); 40 lb (4 bikes)
RV use2 in 2-bike only, chassis-mounted RV hitch, 42 lb per bike
Wheel size18 to 32 in
Max tire width5 in (18 to 29 in wheels), 2.25 in (32 in wheels)
Max wheelbase53 in (18 to 29 in wheels), 50 in (32 in wheels)
LocksSemi-integrated 12mm cable lock (110 in), stainless hitch lock
Add-Ons1-bike and 2-bike Add-Ons, up to 4 bikes
LightsNone (see Piston Pro X)
Construction99 percent metal, stainless hardware
FinishSandy Black powder coat
Rack weight62 lb (2 in, 2-bike)
Shipping76 lb, 35 x 28 x 10 in
WarrantyKuat No Worries Limited Warranty

What's in the Box

  • Piston Pro centerbeam assembly
  • 2 tire trays
  • Foot lever with M6 bolt and washer
  • 2 M10 x 165 bolts and 2 M10 nuts
  • Hitch pin and hitch lock
  • Cable lock
  • 2 keys
  • 8mm security hex key and 5mm hex key
Install Time30 min to 1 hour
DIY FriendlyYes, assembles in the hitch, no drilling
Drilling RequiredNo

The Piston Pro arrives in pieces: the centerbeam, two tire trays and the foot lever. Kuat recommends assembling it in the hitch. Plan on 30 minutes to an hour. Kuat's user guide shows each step.

Tips

  • Put the centerbeam in your hitch first. Kuat says it makes assembly much easier.
  • Pull the shipping security tabs out from under each OneTap lever before you use them.
  • Open the arms to reach the tray bolts and nuts.
  • Torque the M10 x 165 tray bolts to 40 to 50 Nm, never over 50 Nm. The foot lever bolt is 15 Nm.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Using a bike cover or rain cover. Kuat says never. The wind load can break the rack.
  • Leaving fenders loose. Fendered bikes need Kuat's Fender Strap Kit.
  • Skipping lock care. Add a drop of lube to the locks when you lube your chain.
  • Stacking adapters on an RV. On a chassis-mounted RV hitch, use the 2-inch 2-bike setup only, no Add-Ons, adapters or extenders, at 42 lb per bike.

Questions? Reach out to our team at products@sandyvans.com or (619) 812-1903.

Tools You'll Need

  • 8mm hex key and 8mm security hex key (included)
  • 5mm hex key (included)
  • Torque wrench for 40 to 50 Nm

Download the install instructions (PDF)

See all Sandy Vans install videos & manuals →

How to choose a hitch bike rack for your van

1. Will it fit your hitch?

How to choose: Sprinter receivers are 2-inch. Buy the 2-inch version for full capacity and Add-On support.

2. How heavy are your bikes?

How to choose: E-bikes need a rack rated for them. The Piston Pro carries up to 67 lb per bike on the 2-bike setup.

3. How many bikes, now and later?

How to choose: If the crew might grow, pick a rack that takes Add-Ons. Per-bike capacity drops as you add trays.

4. Do you need lights?

How to choose: If bikes block your taillights, pick a rack with its own LED lights like the Piston Pro X.

5. Can you still open the rear doors?

How to choose: Add a swing-away like the Pivot XD if you need the rear doors with bikes loaded.

Before you order

  • 2-inch receiver confirmed
  • Bike weights and wheel sizes checked (18 to 32 in, 67 lb max each)
  • Fender Strap Kit if your bikes have fenders
  • Swing-away decided

How the Piston Pro stacks up

  • Fitment: 2-inch receivers, including the Mercedes Sprinter.
  • Weight: 67 lb per bike with 2 bikes, e-bike ready.
  • Growth: up to 4 bikes with Add-Ons.
  • Access: pairs with the Pivot XD swing-away and the Piston E-Bike Ramp.
Will the Piston Pro fit my Mercedes Sprinter?
Yes. It fits any Sprinter with a 2-inch hitch receiver, and it's universal for any van, truck or SUV with one.
Can it carry e-bikes?
Yes. Up to 67 lb per bike on the 2-inch 2-bike setup. Add our Piston E-Bike Ramp to roll heavy bikes up instead of lifting.
What's the difference between the Piston Pro and Pro X?
Same capacity and Add-Ons. The Pro X adds LED taillights, Kashima-coated struts, a Galaxy Gray finish and a locking security tool. The Pro has no lights and a Sandy Black finish.
Can I add more bikes later?
Yes. Kuat's 1-bike and 2-bike Add-Ons take it to 3 or 4 bikes. Capacity drops to 50 lb per bike with 3 and 40 lb with 4. Reach out to our team for Add-Ons.
Can I use it on a camper van or RV?
Kuat approves the 2-inch 2-bike Piston Pro on chassis-mounted RV hitches at 42 lb per bike, with no Add-Ons, adapters or extenders. The hitch has to be chassis-mounted and within 64 in of the rear axle.
Can I open my rear doors with it on?
Partly. The pedal tilts the rack out to about 45 degrees to move the bikes away from the van, but the rear doors still won't open all the way. Pair it with the Pivot XD swing-away and the whole rack swings aside with the bikes loaded, so both doors open fully.
Can I use a bike cover?
No. Kuat says covers create enough wind load to break the rack.
Do fendered bikes fit?
Yes, with Kuat's Fender Strap Kit. Fenders can reduce fit and capacity.
Do you install products for customers?
Yes. Many SV products can be professionally installed at our San Diego shop. Reach out to our team to schedule. Email products@sandyvans.com or call 619-812-1903.
What is your shipping and return policy?
Most SV products ship free. For returns, see our Returns & Refunds policy or reach out to our team at products@sandyvans.com.
Can I reach a real person with questions?
Always. We are a small team in San Diego. Email products@sandyvans.com or call 619-812-1903 and you'll get a real answer, not a chatbot.
Where are you located?
9393 Trade Pl, San Diego, CA. Come visit the shop, we'd love to show you around.
Does Sandy Vans offer financing?
Yes. Many financing options are available. Set up a call with a sales associate to learn more.

Still have a question? Email the team and you'll get a real answer.

What You Should Know

Piston Pro Platform Rack $1,289.00