Where to go with Bikes

[jerber]

We have a Chevy Traverse SUV & Towing a Wolf PUP 18TO. I have been looking at different options what to do with the bikes while on the road. I did buy a hitch receiver for the bumper, but after reading some Forums, that isnt really recommended. I also found another option for a trunk Carrier, thats high enough to clear the WDH while towing. Anybody else had this problem? what did you do?

[ependydad]

I had a SUV and a pop-up camper and went with a hanging carrier on the back of the SUV. It held them high enough that they didn't interfere with the camper at all. I can't find a picture now, though. It was a Thule Raceway 3.

Otherwise, depending on how many bikes it is- roof mounting them on the SUV is another option.

[41ford]

I've seen quite a few trailers with bicycle carrier racks installed on the roof access ladders. Search Camping World and Amazon for them.

[Restcure]

We use an Arvika rack, made here in Canada. It carries the bikes on the trailer's A-frame.

[mdebs]

I have a swagman rv bike rack on a double hitch extension between mph and toad. This might work for a trailer or 5th wheel as well. Let me know if you want a picture.

[dmeyer]

When i was pulling a PUP I had a hitch that had the bike rack built in to it. All one piece it was built so the bikes were high enough to clear the frame of the trailer when doing a tight turn.

[SkipBest]

We are a traveling couple so we only have two bikes. With our 2503S Mini Lite we put the bikes in the trailer. I have an old bedspread which we put on the sofa. The bikes lean on the sofa and the bedspread keeps the bikes from moving as well as protecting the sofa. Once we are in the campground we lock the bikes to the chains on the trailers A frame.

[itat]

For 2 bicycles, I'd go with either the type the Ependydad mentioned (we had one with our minvan/popup combo) or the roof rack unless you're trying to keep the weight off your SUV. Both are simple and relatively inexpensive.

If you have bikes with quick release fork mounts, you could put fork mounts on the underside of the dinette seats. Check out this thread:
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...tml#post636480

The Arvika system is very nice but extremely pricey so it wouldn't be my first choice, but if you need to keep some of the weight off the Traverse, it is a viable option.

[KingJames]

We have bought folding bikes and bags. JuSt put thme in the back of the 4runner.

[rockfordroo]

I pulled my Roo 19 one season with my Traverse. Wasn't a happy camper, got a Silverado. Your TT seems about as heavy as mine, but may be a bit more aerodynamic. If you put your bikes (you don't say how many) on either the A-frame of the trailer or the back of the Traverse, be aware you may end up over payload. My Traverse's payload is 1598 lbs. If you's is AWD, it's probably less. Wife, kids, anything in the Traverse, hitch weight of the Wolf Pup, weight of any WDH you may have (and you should have one) plus the bikes and bike rack, will all be payload.

Good luck.

[The_Rhino]

I too saw the Dinette Modification thread, so that's how we haul 4 of our bikes now. This frees the PU bed/fiberglass cap for generators, firewood, etc.

[Big Bill]

A RV tech told me RV ladders are not designed to carry weight, even tho racks are sold every day for them

[tande]

For us it's, "Bikes/Up/Front"......front mounted hitch with rack......never a question about "Wonder how the bikes are doing??"......

[doc73]

Just need to make sure it is legal. To have them up front in your state.. And, technically, the state you are visiting. Like the over the a frame if the bumper does not work.

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[actadh]

I have the stamina for about 30 minutes at a time no matter what the exercise option - riding, walking, hiking. So while I like a bike and own a nice hybrid, I hate bringing it and taking up the room in the travel trailer or truck bed and then needing to find a place to secure it when at the campground.

What works for me is bringing a folding Micro Pedalflow seatless bike and a folding Xootr adult kick scooter. Both ride on the floor next to the bunk beds when in transit. They go in the bunks each night since by then the chairs etc. are outside. The Pedalflow is 16 lbs and the Xootr is 13 lbs which is still less than the weight of my bike and a lot easier to stow. The Pedalflow is good on paved surfaces, gravel, wooden boardwalks, and bumpy roads as is has pneumatic tires. The Xootr needs paved surfaces for the polyurethane tires.

Occasionally I bring a Sbyke P20, which is a cross between a bike and a skateboard and needs paved surfaces for the rear skateboard wheels - it has a 20" bicycle tire in the front. I lash it to the table leg with a bungee cord when underway, and lock it in the truck cab or store it in the bath tub at night.

All are hugely fun to ride and I don't miss my bike a bit.

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by actadh

What works for me is bringing a folding Micro Pedalflow seatless bike and a folding Xootr adult kick scooter.

OK, I just HAD to google this seatless bike, because, I have to tell you, my mind was going where it probably shouldn't have!

[jjuscg]

I've run the gamet of bike carrying techniques, inside the bedroom, trailer bumper hitch carrier, and trailer tongue. I would agree with the above post that the LADDER is not attached well enough to carry two bikes on most RV's. Bumpers are strong enough, but the key is how they are attached to the frame. If securely welded, as some are, there is no reason it would not be strong enough. I hauled two to Alaska this way.
I also have gone beyond all that and fabricated a receiver hitch welded to the frame rather than attached to the bumper that I use to carry a 400lb motorscooter on the rear. I found that it only reduced the tongue weight by about 100lbs, so it didn't cause me any concern. That carrier took my scooter to Florida and Utah from Ohio without a stutter. When my scooter took up the rear carrier, I was able to find a car bike carrier that attached securely to my up front propane tanks. The bikes also joined me on the Florida and Utah trips up there. Curt also markets an RV receiver hitch that bolts to the frame - plenty strong enough for bicycles (but probably not a motorcycle)
As I write, my Canadian neighbor in the campground (here in Pa) has an Arvika carrier on the front frame of his 16 ft camper. It looks really well designed and substantial, but I haven't seen what the price is.

[dennisewitte]

We already own a rooftop Yakima rack with Q Towers, round bars, and Raptor bike carriers that we have been mounting on our Ford Explorer and Dodge minivan. I just ordered the Q clips to put the rooftop rack on top of our F250. I may need a crane to hoist the bikes up there!

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by jjuscg

As I write, my Canadian neighbor in the campground (here in Pa) has an Arvika carrier on the front frame of his 16 ft camper. It looks really well designed and substantial, but I haven't seen what the price is.

Per this website: Arvika RV Bike Carriers at Racks For Cars - www.racksforcars.com

They say current exchange rate is $75 USD per $100 CN.

The frame for the Arvika is $300 CN (~$225 USD). A 2 bike rack to put on it is $300 CN, 3 bike rack is $400 CN and 4 bike rack is $500 CN.

So a 2 bike setup would be $450 USD; 3 bikes would be $525 USD and 4 bikes would be $600 USD.

[deartruc]

bike rack on the back of my suv (3 bikes). High enough to back it in to any site. 4th bike in the trailer. Would like for FR to build a bumper that can handle a receiver for a bike rack. Good luck on your decision.