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Old 04-08-2013, 09:54 AM   #1
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Newbie question about bike rack mount

I am getting no information from various dealer about the bike rack option on A-Frames. Two sales guys have just made guesses by looking at the bumpers of the trailers in stock. The other just said he didn't know anything about them. The situation generates that infuriating put off feeling that the sales guy is just dodging the request because he doesn't have stock with the options.

Can any one here fill me in with what they know.

Is it an option that is available on all Forest River A-Frames?
Is it a factory required install of a kit that can be installed aftermarket?
Are they really useful without throwing off the balance of the trailer?

I plan on keeping this trailer for a long time and want to make an informed buy to enhance the flexibility of use when camping.
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Old 04-08-2013, 10:21 AM   #2
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A 4 bike rack is listed as an option for select floorplans on the A Frame campers on the web site. The phone # on the back of the brochure is 574 642 2640 for the tent camper division...give them a call with your question.

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Old 04-08-2013, 10:28 AM   #3
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Thanks. I now have a voice mail in with the pop up group. Hope to get an answer soon.
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Old 04-08-2013, 10:37 AM   #4
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Let us know what they tell you in answer to your questions. I'm sure other A-Frame owners might have the same questions.
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Old 04-08-2013, 12:10 PM   #5
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I've seen other site members here with bike rack mods and they seem pretty sound. Usually the manufacturers prices are a bit expensive. Look through the forum, you might just find what your looking for. Good luck none the less.
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Old 04-08-2013, 01:01 PM   #6
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Look for threads by ko777. He has a bike rack mounted on the tongue of his A-frame and it shows in some of the photos he's posted.
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Old 04-08-2013, 01:53 PM   #7
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Look for threads by ko777. He has a bike rack mounted on the tongue of his A-frame and it shows in some of the photos he's posted.
This is the same information I got from Forest River. The rack sold to the dealers is a front mount system from ProRac Systems. The front of the bikes sit on the front a frame while the rear tires sit on the camper. The longer campers (those with storage trunks or decks) can hold 4 bikes while the shorter can only hold two because of interference from the front bubble windows. The rack is an aftermarket add on.

Brent at Forest River was surprised when I told him that salesmen at different dealers had looked at the bumper. Clearly the company has not educated the sales force about this option.

Now that that is done, I can get to the hard ball part of negotiating a price.
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Old 04-08-2013, 05:16 PM   #8
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Here is the link to my thread post#38. Since the bike rack is a 2 inch receiver, I used my old bike rack that is good for 3:http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...tml#post242079

It works great but adds a lot of weight in front. Here is the link of the bike rack:http://www.support-rack.com/wsf/produits/

BTW the bike rack was included in my package deal for a A128S.

Welcome to our A-Frame forum, good thing you found us. Lots of information here to help you enjoy your rig.

Good Luck!
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Old 04-08-2013, 10:42 PM   #9
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We got the bike rack with our new 122BH last year. It's the pro-rack version and we really like it. We've used it only with two bikes, but it will hold four just fine, and you can even do it with six if you get additional mounting brackets.

Using the bike rack instead, we can use the cargo space for other things (firewood, cooler of drinkables, etc).
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Old 04-22-2013, 04:08 PM   #10
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There is a company in Quebec that makes A-frame and front mounted racks for 5th wheels. Arvika - Home hope this helps.

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Old 04-23-2013, 02:02 PM   #11
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There is a company in Quebec that makes A-frame and front mounted racks for 5th wheels. Arvika - Home hope this helps.

Cleon
That is a nice looking system.
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Old 04-29-2013, 12:19 PM   #12
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During my research noted every A Liner comes with a receptacle on the bumper allowing you to add a hitch bike rack of your choice. Wonder why they don't with these? Wonder if I could have a welder add one or wonder if the bumper assembly could support it?
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Old 04-29-2013, 02:27 PM   #13
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My dealer said he could have one made/welded on for "x" number of dollars but is getting back to me on the "will it void the frame warranty?" issue. The bumper has a factory sticker stating it is not designed for weight carrying accessories. We have opted to go with a front mounted truck receiver which will accomodate our existing bike rack.
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Old 04-29-2013, 02:33 PM   #14
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Thanks for the reply. Would love to see a picture or more info on the type of bike rack you have.
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Old 04-29-2013, 03:49 PM   #15
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During my research noted every A Liner comes with a receptacle on the bumper allowing you to add a hitch bike rack of your choice. Wonder why they don't with these? Wonder if I could have a welder add one or wonder if the bumper assembly could support it?

Few weeks ago I was talking to someone with a Aliner and I mentioned how the only downside to the Forest River hard sided pop ups was having no receiver on the back end. He said that the receiver they put on the Aliners is so flimsy that he would never put anything on it. I think he also mentioned the weight limit is like 80 or 90 lbs. I wouldn't even consider putting a bike rack with my two bikes on it (Good rack is 25-30lbs and my all mountain is 35lbs and the other 24-25lbs. So 90 lbs right there).

We then proceeded to look at it and it is pretty much the same bumper as the Forest River with a receiver tied right into it. If it had extra bracing it may be ok, but I would not be able to trust it.

I also talked to the dealer about this and they said any frame modifications will void the frame warranty.
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Old 04-29-2013, 04:21 PM   #16
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perhaps consider carrying bikes on the vehicle roof?
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Old 04-29-2013, 04:22 PM   #17
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Originally Posted by Jsusluvsyou View Post
During my research noted every A Liner comes with a receptacle on the bumper allowing you to add a hitch bike rack of your choice. Wonder why they don't with these? Wonder if I could have a welder add one or wonder if the bumper assembly could support it?
A welder could most likely add one but it might not be wise. First, the backs of the trailer are very bumpy rides, every bump you feel in the TV from hitch is amplified on the back. Second, the weight of the mount, rack and several bikes will lighted the tongue weight and increase the potential for trailer sway. If you do decide to add a rear rack and potentially void your warranty, make sure the trailer can still be towed within the axle rating and in balance (10% to 15% of the total weight on the tongue).

Or just use the manufacturers recommended rack.
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Old 04-29-2013, 04:27 PM   #18
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Thanks, don,t want to void warranty. We camped next to an a liner ( that is why we bought an a frame)' anyways they had 2 bikes on the back of their trailer and drove it from s. Carolina to Florida... Sure wish it was possible on the back but seems not so will keep the bikes on the front open storage area of our 122BH. thanks!
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Old 04-29-2013, 04:37 PM   #19
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but isnt that what the open area is for? 122 BH (bike hauler?) LOL ;-)
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Old 04-29-2013, 04:59 PM   #20
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DUH... LOL.... I was hoping to use the front for other storage, cooler, chairs, etc... But will need to downsize and use front for bikes,. From all the inside pictures I have seen on the forum seems the inside is packed a lot, and we have the perm. Bed wich believe leaves less storage. I am so happy with out a frame choice!
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