Bike rack headaches!

[sharradog]

Hello!
We have an r-pod that we tow with an Acura MDX. We normally put the kids bikes inside the trailer to tow but as kids get older and harder bike trails looking for a better solution.
I purchased the Swagman 64600 off Amazon thinking it would be a great solution as it slides over the hitch, but with our weight distribution hitch system there is not enough room for the bike rack. Apparently we cannot change the length of the hitch (shank?)
so now I'm wondering if we should ditch the WDH and go with a regular hitch so we can put some bikes on our trip.
I was trying to avoid putting bikes on the top of the vehicle, which seems like the only other option at this point.
Ideas? Thanks! I have found some ideas on the forums but hesitant to get a custom install over propane tanks, and don't want to mount bikes at the back of the trailer. What are the best solutions people with rpods are using?
Caroline

[bikendan]

the weight of the Rpod's tongue may dictate whether you can ditch the WDH or not.
the best solution is to get a good quality roof rack, like Yakima or Thule.
that way you can still use the WDH and the bikes stay safe.

[GorgePod]

The dealer I bought mine from has a choice for you. One is a factory bike rack that goes on the back or another that rides above the propane tank.

The bike rack is an option instead of the generator rack on mine.

[B and B]

I did with my old truck and still with my new. Bikes on Thule on Truck roof. Safest place! If you go somewhere there are trails you can drive to them with your bikes on the TV.

[sharradog]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will look into the propane tank idea, but the point about driving to trails (and doing day bike trips from home) is a good plus for the roof rack. Helpful!

[furpod]

We like rooftop.. It's handy, and as pointed out, good if the trail head is not real close.. Depending on truck model, a front mounted receiver is an option too..

[mommydog]

Thule makes a nice bike rack for the front, we added a receiver on the front of the truck

[Vern]

For any of you who R-POD owners who may be towing with an open-bed pickup (of which I recognize there may be few), you should consider:

http://www.amazon.com/DAKINE-Pick-Up...e+tailgate+pad

I have found this is easiest way to transport one or several bikes. It is so simple and comparatively inexpensive. Thule has a virtually identical product demonstrated in this YouTube video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goR0TuWuPuw

Bikes just ride there like a dream. I have found this system to be a great money, time and hassle saver. After 4 seasons of use, my Dakine is still working just fine. Happy camping!

[Loraura]

I've used the Thule version of the tailgate cover for years and never had a problem. Very easy to put the bikes in the back of the truck with their wheels over the tailgate. No damage to truck.

This covered the backup camera on our new RAM, so we also have a bed rack like this one.

For short trips we use that. For longer ones I have fork mounts on the underside of the dinette seats. Remove the cushions and flip the board over, instant bike rack inside the TT.

[Vagapod]

The easiest thing to do is remove the spare tire from the rack of your Pod. I put mine in the bigger of the rear storage areas. It just fits.

Remove the tire rack from the receiver. It's 1 and 1/4". Your Swagman 64600should fit right in.

[Arizona_Steve]

Where did you buy the bike rack? Is there a manufacturer name/number?
Thanks

[Vagapod]

Allen 522 RR. Got it from Walmart.