bicycles

[2Susan]

Does anyone have nifty tips suggestions ideas or thoughts on fitting potentially 5 bicycles (3 for children 2 for adults) on or in the Georgetown? We have the bunk model.

Other than piling them on the bed....

If they are outside on a hitch mounted carrier I don't think I can access that part of the back storage area without unloading them. Has anyone used one of those hitch mounted bike carriers and do you have any suggestions tips or tricks? Other than piling bikes on the bed I'm not sure how you'd put them inside - the children are buckled in at the dinette and couch while we're driving.

I saw the other thread about bicycles - but perhaps someone else with a motor home rather than a trailer has figured out a unique solution?

[NWJeeper]

I believe someone makes a rear carrier for the hitch which is on a hinge system with some internal springs and can be lowered down out of the way of the storage area. The internal springs counteract the weight of the bikes and makes it easier to lift them all up at once into the travel position.

[flyrotor]

Thule and Yakima both offer bike racks that drop down, they also offer racks that swing out of the way enough to clear a rear hatch as on a Suburban or Tahoe type vehicle

[2Susan]

Here is the text from a reply I received in response to my questions about which of their bike racks would work on our RV:

From: The Rack Warehouse / Luggage Warehouse [mailto:info@rackwarehouse.com]
Sent: June-23-10 8:26 AM
To: Susan
Subject: Re: need advice / product suggestions

Good Morning Susan,

We're not sure if your aware but all of the hitch mounted bike racks that we sell are not recommended to be mounted on motor homes / campers / rv's because of the extra bounce created by these vehicles. The extensive stress created by these vehicles over time could result in failure of the racks. If you were to mount any of the bike racks on any of these types of vehicles it would void all warranty. Other than the hitch mounted bike racks unfortunately we do not have any other options for carrying bikes on these motor vehicles. They're other options on the market that are specifically designed for these vehicles but we do not carry them. I hope this helps. If you have any other questions we will be more than glad to help.

Customer Service

The Rack Warehouse
The Luggage Warehouse
620 Lawrence Place
Williston, VT 05495
(802) 878-1023
(800) 272-5362
www.RackWarehouse.com

[MtnGuy]

I can understand the extra bounce on a trailer, but not a motor home. Can't be that much worse then a car.

[2Susan]

Originally Posted by mtnguy

I can understand the extra bounce on a trailer, but not a motor home. Can't be that much worse then a car.

I wouldn't have thought the bounce would be enough to undo the welds on the 2 inch tubular steel from which these are constructed. My guess is that they wouldn't say the warranty is voided if used on a trailer / camper / rv unless they'd had problems. Still would the bounce be different if used on our pick up?

Costco has a 4 bike 2 inch tubular bike rack for $50. Doesn't tilt (but then it's only $50. So you remove the bikes to open that access door.

[dlitten]

I believe that I've seen ladder mounted bicycle racks at the Camping World store. I don't know how many it can carry or if it will clear your storage door, but you might check them out.

[bobandpatsyrvers]

Look the other way. Hitches can be mounted in the front of your RV. Many bike racks are made to carry up to four bikes. The bike rack will then fit into the front hitch. However, I don't know if you can find any racks to carry more than four bikes. You can also find some bike racks that mount on the roof tops of many vehicles. Again these are able to carry a number of bikes.
Good Luck.

[LadyWindrider]

You asked for ideas, so here is My 2 cents, and something to think about. I haul motorcycles in toy hauler, so no motor home owner here. What about a small, relatively cheap trailer, like sold at Lowe's, and put the bikes on that. Would be light enough to unhook and maneuver by hand so you could back in to your spot, and would be handy for hauling a little firewood also, or anything else you didn't mind getting wet if it rained. Wouldn't require brakes if under 2000 pounds which it would be. Just don't forget it's back there.