Can You Carry a Catrike Dumont with the Easy Load ELT? A Compatibility Deep Dive
Can You Carry a Catrike Dumont with the Easy Load ELT? A Compatibility Deep Dive
If you own a Catrike Dumont—or you're eyeing one as your next recumbent—figuring out how to actually get it to the trailhead is half the battle. Its full-suspension frame and 26-inch rear wheel make for a fantastic ride, but they also mean you can't just toss it in the trunk. You need a rack built for a trike, not a bike.
That's where the Easy Load ELT Standard comes in. Here's how the numbers stack up and what to know before you buy.
The Catrike Dumont, by the numbers
The Dumont is Catrike's full-suspension flagship — a tadpole trike (two wheels up front, one in back) built for riders who want a smoother ride over rough pavement and trail without giving up performance.
- Weight: ~43 lbs
- Folded size: 45.25" L x 32.5" W x 25" H
- Rear wheel: 26"
- Seat recline: 42°–49°, adjustable
That 43-lb frame weight is the number that matters most for transport — it's what your rack actually has to carry.
The Easy Load ELT Standard, by the Numbers
The Easy Load ELT Standard is a ramp-loading trike carrier that mounts to your vehicle's 2" receiver hitch. Instead of lifting a 40+ lb trike onto a rack, you roll it up two 5-foot ramps—a meaningful difference if you're loading solo or dealing with any physical limitations.
- Maximum payload: 85 lbs
- Carrier weight: ~36 lbs
- Hitch requirement: 2" receiver
- Ground clearance needed: 16" (a riser with a second Hitch Tite is required if your vehicle has less)
- Ramps: Two 5' ramps with extensions (a 3-ramp version is also available)
- Wheel chocks: Steel, reversible for loading from either side
- Folds vertically when not in use, so there's no need to remove it between trips
- Built in the USA
Does the math work?
Yes, with real margin to spare. At roughly 43 lbs, the Dumont uses about half of the ELT's 85-lb payload capacity — leaving around 40 lbs of headroom for accessories, cargo, or a slightly heavier build (like an eCAT electric-assist version).
That's worth calling out because payload isn't just about the trike itself. If you're running a Dumont eCAT with a battery and motor added, or you've got fenders, bags, or a trunk bag mounted, that additional weight comes out of the same 85-lb budget. For a standard non-electric Dumont, though, you're well within safe range.
What to check before you buy
The specs above cover the trike and the rack — but compatibility also depends on your tow vehicle:
- Confirm your receiver hitch is a genuine 2" opening. The ELT is built specifically for this size; 1.25" receivers won't work without an adapter.
- Measure your ground clearance at the hitch. If it's under 16", budget for a hitch riser and the required second Hitz Tite.
- Skip it for large motor homes. Per the manufacturer, the distance from the rear axle to the hitch box on large motorhomes puts them outside the ELT's intended use case.
- Decide between 2 and 3 ramps. The standard ELT ships with two; a three-ramp version (ELT-3R) is available if you'd prefer extra stability while loading.
Why ramp-loading matters for a 43 lb trike
A lift-style rack asks you to hoist the entire trike weight up and over—awkward with a wide tadpole frame and genuinely difficult to do alone. The ELT's ramp design turns that into a push, not a lift: wheel the Dumont up two 5-foot ramps at a shallow, manageable incline, secure it with the built-in wheel chocks and tie-down straps, and you're done—no second person required.
Bottom line
For a standard Catrike Dumont, the Easy Load ELT Standard is a solid match on paper: hitch-mounted, ramp-loading, and rated well above the trike's actual weight. If you're running the eCAT electric version or plan to load extra gear, it's worth totaling that weight against the 85-lb limit before you order—and if you're unsure, All Around E-Bikes, an authorized Easy Load dealer since 2023, can help you confirm fit for your specific setup and vehicle.
At All Around E-Bikes, we encourage you to embrace the joy of cycling—whether it’s cruising through the park, conquering hills, or choosing an e-bike as an eco-friendly transportation option. For detailed information about our e-bikes, including features and warranties, please reach out to our team at support@allaroundebikes.com or call us at 1-888-725-4887. We're here to help you make the most of your e-bike experience!
