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Old 05-16-2012, 06:53 PM   #1
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Arvika tongue mount bike rack

After not many options available, I finally ordered the Arvika tongue mount bike rack out of Quebec. I purchased the DFX rack and brackets to use on a hybrid. I had their poptop rails on our pup and really liked them, so I should like this one too....

I was really surprised how fast the dealer got it in, I ordered it Monday and it came in Tuesday evening. I picked it up today and installed it in about an hour. It was not very difficult at all, only needed a 1/2" and 9/16' wrench, rubber mallet (for end caps on rails) and my hands. Very simple indeed.

I ordered the 3 rail unit with a fourth added to the rear of rack. This rear one works out really well for smaller bikes! I also needed the front stabilizer bar that attaches to the jack. All in all I am impressed so far. You do need a step ladder still as the rails are about 56" off the ground. Set up and take down is relatively simple. I uploaded pics to an album on my profile and am going to attempt links to my you tube videos....

The unit complete was $1016 CDN including tax.


Arvika RV bike rack - YouTube
Arvika RV bike rack 2 - YouTube
Arvika RV bike rack 3 - YouTube
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Old 05-16-2012, 07:02 PM   #2
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That is a nice bike rack for sure. Ideal for a hybrid and does not stress the little rear bumper... and I keep seeing them on the highway bouncing up and down.

Expensive yes, but then all quality bike racks are, Thule, Yakima and so on.

Thanks for sharing.
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Old 05-16-2012, 07:40 PM   #3
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hey doug, this is exactly what i am looking for, 3 full size bikes and 1 smaller....
in the event that the handle bars of the smaller bike are an obstruction with the trailer i assume the goose neck of this bike could be loosened and the bars turned to give more space.
all that said, can you give me the part numbers for what you ordered.
this will great on our 17' roo
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Old 05-16-2012, 07:58 PM   #4
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Hey mml, I have the DFX-300-A (anodized) also comes in black or white, DFX rack brackets, extra gutter for rear bike and front support. I ordered this through a local dealer. Unfortunately the parts listing on their website isn't cooperating! They are about 2.5 hours from you, south of Montreal if you wanted to get it direct... Check their site at Arvika.ca
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Old 05-16-2012, 08:00 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by miatared View Post
That is a nice bike rack for sure. Ideal for a hybrid and does not stress the little rear bumper... and I keep seeing them on the highway bouncing up and down.

Expensive yes, but then all quality bike racks are, Thule, Yakima and so on.

Thanks for sharing.
I read those posts regarding lost bikes, broken bumpers and massive weld jobs to mount.... I think this was well worth the initial cost!
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Old 05-17-2012, 02:52 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Canuck_Doug View Post
Hey mml, I have the DFX-300-A (anodized) also comes in black or white, DFX rack brackets, extra gutter for rear bike and front support. I ordered this through a local dealer. Unfortunately the parts listing on their website isn't cooperating! They are about 2.5 hours from you, south of Montreal if you wanted to get it direct... Check their site at Arvika.ca
so i emailed arvika and they suggested the 7000 series because it folds up and suggested it would be for quicker setup not sure if she was correct since the website suggests that the dfx series is meant for hybrids. i've got another email in to them to clarify...
btw she mentioned that they have 4 space racks for either series, were you aware of this or did you choose your system specifically.
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Old 05-21-2012, 09:56 AM   #7
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Arvika bike rack

Doug,

Thanks for the post and for all of the pics in the album. After much research, I ordered my DFX this morning.

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Old 05-21-2012, 03:10 PM   #8
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i've always wondered why Yakima or Thule haven't come up with something similar.
especially Thule, since they've had a line of RV-related items.

having a single manufacturer makes the price really high, since there's nothing similar out there.

maybe i'll ask some of the factory reps at the Sea Otter Bike festival.
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Old 05-22-2012, 09:02 PM   #9
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I can say after this past weekend, May 2-4 long weekend here in Canada, the bike rack worked out great. I had a few peeps come by to check it out. First run was only an hour and a half away to Rockpoint Provincial Park, but all went smoothly.

After loading everything up Friday, I weighed the tongue and was astonished that my 183 only weighed in at 360 pounds! Considering the factory specs say that it is supposed to be 374 pounds dry, I highly doubt the accuracy of that as I didn't have much for weight beyond the trailer axles except for the black tank at less than a quarter full, no grey or fresh on board.... hmmm....
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Old 05-24-2012, 11:22 PM   #10
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Doug,


I also purchased the same rack for my Rockwood Roo 19. However, I have not install it yet and did not purchase the support bar? Was the additional support bar something that the dealer recommended? Did you ever try the rack without the support bar?
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Old 05-25-2012, 11:12 AM   #11
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The literature for the rack as well as the dealer said that the support is strongly recommended for 3 bikes. I just got it and put it on with the rack trusting they knew what they were talking about. I can imagine the flex created by 3 bikes would be substantial.
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Old 05-25-2012, 01:13 PM   #12
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I ordered my Arvika bike rack on Monday, and received it on Thursday. It only took about 1/2 hour to install and was very easy.
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Old 05-25-2012, 04:54 PM   #13
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Looks good!
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Old 08-15-2012, 11:08 AM   #14
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Doug,

That rack looks great! After a few months of use would you buy the same rack again? I am really close to ordering one myself.....so close I probably will before I read your reply I have emailed Arvika and it seems I will be able to order directly from them.

Thanks for the information and the utube videos, they really helped me make my decision!
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Old 08-21-2012, 02:49 PM   #15
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No problem Joe! And yes, the racks have been great. I get a few people approach me at set up and break down to check it out. I should apply to Arvika to be a salesman! lol

Only thing I've changed is that I now crank the trailer right down and no longer need a step ladder to reach up. The rack is stable, all the bolts and hand nuts are holding up well after multiple tightening and loosening.

I am happy with this rack!
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Old 08-22-2012, 09:24 AM   #16
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We just got back from a 1250 mile, 8 day camping trip between Colorado and South Dakota. The DFX rack for 2 bikes and no extra supports worked great. I would recommend it to anyone.

Thanks for putting me on this Doug.
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Old 08-23-2012, 08:37 PM   #17
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Doug, Dave,
I purchased the rack last week; it arrived Monday. After it quit raining I started to unpack it and install it until dark. Darn work got in the way, had to go out of town the last 3 days I got home late this afternoon to complete the install. It got dark before I could get everything set up the way I want it....I will finish it up before we leave for our week long camping trip tomorrow.

This sure looks like a very well built bake rack. I was a mechaninc for years before I went back to school to become a Civil Engineer. I am sure the bike rack will work out great. I will let you know when we get back. Can't wait to get camping!!!!!!!
Thank you again for the information.
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Old 09-25-2012, 10:27 PM   #18
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Any caution with regard to tongue weight?
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Old 09-25-2012, 11:08 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bikendan View Post
i've always wondered why Yakima or Thule haven't come up with something similar, especially Thule, since they've had a line of RV-related items..
Looks like Thule do, check out page 42 in the link. There's one that bolts onto the back of a trailer provided there is support installed, I think if FR hooked up with Thule and installed the backing it would be a great option for them to add to their trailer lines.
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Old 09-25-2012, 11:10 PM   #20
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Another link

Thule*-*RV Bike Carriers
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