Bike storage & transport?

mn_308 · 03-18-2007, 09:12 PM

Just wondering if anyone has suggestions/comments on bicycle storage and transport...

Back of the truck generally get pretty full with other gear, and was thinking about having a reciever welded to the rear of the TT frame to host a rack for them.

I've seen front mount (over the tongue), but not sure if this will fit for me.

What are you using?

Hokiehall · 03-18-2007, 09:38 PM

How many do you have to transport? We have two and transport them inside the trailer. I just put a couple of blankets around them to prevent damage to the interior of the trailer.

MrSen · 03-18-2007, 10:16 PM

I have heard and seen trailer hitches on the back of TT for bike carriers.......the only thing you would have to worry about is weight distribution and not bringing the tongue weight up. I know this is a concern on smaller trailers but I think your Roo will be ok. Make sure you load up the front of the trailer with your gear to level the weight.

You will also have to remember your slide out is there also, you may have to take bikes off to slide out your bed if doing a quick stayover while travelling, or you would have to leave the slide in.

I am currently modding a setup for the bikes in the back of my pickup, I haven't finished yet, but will post the pics when it is done.

mn_308 · 03-19-2007, 08:56 AM

4 bikes total, 2 adult and 2 children.

I asked about the rear reciever at the dealership, and they commented that they have welded many receivers to the frame, so this is still an option.

If I do go this route, I think I could safely manage it by proper loading, and the correct hitch set-up... but again, I'm new to the whole deal.

I do run a rack on top of the truck, so maybe I'll just buy the brackets to haul them up there....

I look forward to your pics, MrSen.

dimurrrw · 03-19-2007, 07:28 PM

Maybe you could buy a reciever for the front of the truck and carry the two larger bikes up there. It might come in handy for other things, too. Like spotting the trailer or adding a cargo tote.

Grand Surveyor · 03-20-2007, 10:55 AM

We carried our 3 bikes in the trailer in prior years pulling with a conversion van. The design of the trailer did not accomodate adding a receiver on back. This year we have the pickup and are adding 2 kayaks to the mix. I am fashioning a combination bike/boat rack for the pickup. The rack will serve as a place to store the kayaks between trips in some corner of the back yard and will be made so that totes of wood & other stuff can be loaded under the rack in the truck bed - kind of a 3-tier event. Seems the more we camp the more we accumulate!

mn_308 · 03-20-2007, 09:42 PM

Checked on this thread again and realized that everything is already covered from front to back in only 6 posts!

#1 - opening post, and started on the back of the TT
#2 - inside the TT
#3 - back of truck
#4 - (me again) thinking about the top of the truck
#5 - front of the truck
#6 - back on top of the TV

Only thing missing now is someone carrying them in the cab!
(another possibility

)

Keep’em coming people!
Anyone have negative experiences with bike storage to direct me away from any location?

flagstaff · 03-21-2007, 06:47 AM

Hey MN308
I got an extended cab and tried that but I kept getting a handle bar in the ear and a pedal in the. let's just say it doesn't work.

MrSen · 03-21-2007, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flagstaff

Hey MN308
I got an extended cab and tried that but I kept getting a handle bar in the ear and a pedal in the. let's just say it doesn't work.

LOL........Well, that was going to be my next suggestion.......LOL.

MrSen

mn_308 · 03-22-2007, 09:22 PM

That is a good one flagstaff!

For some reason it reminded me of a steep downhill descent in a regular cab long box truck, that began with a large generator loosely loaded near the tailgate... didn't take too long before we realized that the generator really wanted to ride in the cab with us.

Glad it wasn't my truck and I wasn't the one driving.

Now, back to the bikes... Where and how is everyone bringing them along?

flagstaff · 03-23-2007, 06:40 AM

Really two adult bikes on a ladder rack. A little unhandy at times but efficient.

chemisd · 04-04-2007, 08:54 AM

We transport two (20") kids bikes and two ("26") adult bikes on the rear of trailer. The bike rack is bolted on and I've never had problems with it. Can actually act as a platform when bikes are off. I think my loa is about 35' with rack. Still not optimal and can be difficult to work bikes on and off when there is a steep slope behind the pad.

mn_308 · 04-04-2007, 09:39 AM

Chemisd

Do you have any pics available of your set-up? Thanks.

wildwood · 01-22-2008, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hokiehall

How many do you have to transport? We have two and transport them inside the trailer. I just put a couple of blankets around them to prevent damage to the interior of the trailer.

I was planning to store inside TT. So there is plenty of room to put through door? i think the doors are about 30 inches wide arent they

thanks and hope you are well

phil

zgoose68 · 11-05-2008, 04:27 PM

Do you have pictures of your rack and how you mounted the bikes?

**Bama Rambler** · 11-06-2008, 08:36 AM

I want to build a tongue mount but I haven't yet. I have the design all worked out in my head. I just can't get my derrière in gear.

I'll post pics one of these days when I get around to fabricating it.

MtnGuy · 11-06-2008, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mn_308

Checked on this thread again and realized that everything is already covered from front to back in only 6 posts!

#1 - opening post, and started on the back of the TT
#2 - inside the TT
#3 - back of truck
#4 - (me again) thinking about the top of the truck
#5 - front of the truck
#6 - back on top of the TV

OK, how about position #7??

I have a Trac Rack system with tonneau cover on my truck. I had a bunch of left-over Yak Rack parts from previous vehicle set-ups, so I came up with this: I made adapters to connect a Yak Rack gutter mount to my Trac Rack rails, added 6.5" crossmembers, and Yak Copperhead bike racks to the mix. Total amount additional money spent was under $5 for aluminum flatbar and screws.

This system has worked out good for us. It is a little trouble to step over the racks if I need to get to the front of the bed (if I can't get to the item by reaching over the side), but doable. If you don't have any type of bed rail system, then you could clamp it or bolt it to the bed rail.

Chap

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