Factory Bike Rack Limits

[cornfed78]

Hi Everyone,

I'm doing some research, and I was wondering if anyone knows what the weight capacity is on the factory-installed foldable bike rack?

Thanks in advance,
Matt

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by cornfed78

Hi Everyone,

I'm doing some research, and I was wondering if anyone knows what the weight capacity is on the factory-installed foldable bike rack?

Thanks in advance,
Matt

On what unit?

Mine says 450# on my sabre.

TURBS

Goshen is my playground.
The last man standing also has a sharpie

[BigTJohn]

I hate to think of them as "bike racks" no matter what the salesman or brochures say. I think of them as storage racks, which can be modified to carry what one wishes. That said, the one on my Gray Wolf was a 250 lb limit ( would remove the spare tire and put it in the truck bed when carrying/storing something on the rack) and my Columbus has a 450 lb capacity. Lots of stuff to store if need be, and I modified it to carry bikes and use a grill cover to keep most of the road crap and rain off the bikes. Works great.

[cornfed78]

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

On what unit?

Mine says 450# on my sabre.

TURBS

Goshen is my playground.
The last man standing also has a sharpie

Hi- sorry, should have mentioned.. I'm looking at a Wildcat Extralite (295RSX, specifically). Thanks!

[Wildcat Chris]

Originally Posted by cornfed78

Hi- sorry, should have mentioned.. I'm looking at a Wildcat Extralite (295RSX, specifically). Thanks!

Wildcat's factory-installed folding bike rack (made by BAL) is rated to 250 lbs.

[cornfed78]

Great- thanks for the info!

[Jeff in NC]

Wilcat Chris,
Can the factory frame mounted bike rack be added to a Wildcat that did not have it when it left the factory? If so, is it welded to the frame or bolt on and what part # would I ask my dealer to quote?

[Wildcat Chris]

Originally Posted by Jeff in NC

Wilcat Chris,
Can the factory frame mounted bike rack be added to a Wildcat that did not have it when it left the factory? If so, is it welded to the frame or bolt on and what part # would I ask my dealer to quote?

Good question. The new factory bike rack is only able to be added to 2014 models built in the summer of 2013 (I apologize for not having a specific date). It is a special bolt on piece that works in conjunction with the bumper assembly (the frame is specially designed to work with the rack via pre-drilled, spaced and tested anchor points). If you have some question about whether or not your Wildcat is able to add the bike rack, please send me a Private Message with your VIN# and complete contact information and I'll have one of my parts people contact you.

[lateknight]

Thinking about getting this option on a 295rsx I am about to order. My question is whether this is a bike carrier (has someway to secure bikes) or if it is more of a cargo carrier or a combo of both. If anyone has then please let me know.

Thanks

[Herk7769]

I would be hesitant to use my ladder as a bike rack. I know many people do and they do make and sell a rack for the purpose. In my opinion, just because you can does not make it the right thing to do.

There is a big difference between a 250 pound guy climbing that ladder and a 50 pound loaded bike rack bouncing up and down on it for hours on end. (tying it down tight so it can't bounce might help; might not)

I think over the long haul, the mounting screws could work loose or break the water seals and begin rusting out. Your first indication of a problem could be loss of ladder and bikes.

Just a thought...

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by Wildcat Chris

Good question. The new factory bike rack is only able to be added to 2014 models built in the summer of 2013 (I apologize for not having a specific date). It is a special bolt on piece that works in conjunction with the bumper assembly (the frame is specially designed to work with the rack via pre-drilled, spaced and tested anchor points). If you have some question about whether or not your Wildcat is able to add the bike rack, please send me a Private Message with your VIN# and complete contact information and I'll have one of my parts people contact you.

If I replace my Flagstaff, a Wildcat would definitely be a model to consider!

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by Herk7769

There is a big difference between a 250 pound guy climbing that ladder and a 50 pound loaded bike rack bouncing up and down on it for hours on end. (tying it down tight so it can't bounce might help; might not)

Just a thought...

Having everything secured to the rack so there is no movement will make a huge difference on the structural integrity of the rack. I think this is what gets many in to trouble when mounting to the bumpers. The design of the bumper mount bike racks allows for some play and the continuous jarring breaks the welds.

[Wildcat Chris]

Originally Posted by lateknight

Thinking about getting this option on a 295rsx I am about to order. My question is whether this is a bike carrier (has someway to secure bikes) or if it is more of a cargo carrier or a combo of both. If anyone has then please let me know.

Thanks

I would call it more of a combo, since it doesn't specifically have bike "tracks" or rails to insert the wheels like some other racks in the marketplace; the platform is a wire mesh surface to allow for dirt and moisture to easily pass through. It does have a removable t-bar upright for bike securement. That being said, it's still only intended for 250 lbs. maximum weight -- just because the rack is there and could be potentially be used for cargo doesn't mean you should overload it!