Embodiments of the present invention include an equipment rack for a vehicle, such as a vertical, tire-mount bicycle rack, that is specially adapted for heavier bicycles like e-bicycles, that is significantly more robust than prior vertical bicycle racks by using a high-powered actuator coupled with a base structure that optimizes both leverage and stability through a wide, cradling hinge plate and post member pivot axis that is located aft of the post member when the post member is in a generally vertical position.