How to add Bike Rack to Roo - Page 2

hockeytownmom · 05-04-2011, 10:00 AM

LOL, I love the emoticon.

MtnGuy · 05-04-2011, 10:20 AM

How about something like this: WILD BOAR PRODUCTS: Cargo Racks & Accessories for your Jeep Wrangler

winty03 · 05-13-2011, 03:57 PM

Just had a 2" reciever with added square tubing and 45 steel angles in all the corners added to our 233S. Going to go with the Swagman Orignal. Seems to be the only bike rack willing to take on RV use.

Swagmanbikeracks.com :: RV/Towing :: Swagman Original 4 Bike 64675 Towing **$183.00**=

Cp1971 · 05-14-2011, 07:59 AM

I put a 2" receiver on my bumper. I know a lot of people talked against it. I have had it on for 2 years now and have seen no signs of stress on the welds. I used a type that slides over the bumper.

**Herk7769** · 05-14-2011, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cp1971

I put a 2" receiver on my bumper. I know a lot of people talked against it. I have had it on for 2 years now and have seen no signs of stress on the welds. I used a type that slides over the bumper.

Since you did not post what you camp with, this may be fine. Heavy frame campers and MHs have no issue with these clamp on receivers. Ultra-lites on the other hand do. When the welds on an Ultra-lite's bumper break the entire bumper just falls off and whatever is attached departs the camper forever. Worse yet, the bumper is the structural support for the rear of the camper's frame members. The next closest cross beam is a 1/2 high angle iron about 24 inches in from the bumper.

**bikendan** · 05-14-2011, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cp1971

I put a 2" receiver on my bumper. I know a lot of people talked against it. I have had it on for 2 years now and have seen no signs of stress on the welds. I used a type that slides over the bumper.

agree with herk's comment. it doesn't help the OP, and others, if you don't say what RV you installed it on, cause it does make a difference.

ultra-lite trailers have weaker bumpers/welds than the big MHs and 5th wheels and larger TTs.

i have a Roo 23SS and am an avid bicyclist. my bikes are not cheap bikes.
there's NO way i'd put them on such a fragile setup as my rear bumper is. you add that with the fact that the trailer has no shocks and the physics involved with a bike rack and you asking for trouble.
have someone follow you and video what the bikes do while driving, that'll scare you.

i wouldn't even go with a welded/braced 2" receiver there. i want them where i can see them.

Triguy · 05-14-2011, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikendan

i have a Roo 23SS and am an avid bicyclist. my bikes are not cheap bikes.
there's NO way i'd put them on such a fragile setup as my rear bumper is. you add that with the fact that the trailer has no shocks and the physics involved with a bike rack and you asking for trouble.
have someone follow you and video what the bikes do while driving, that'll scare you.

i wouldn't even go with a welded/braced 2" receiver there. i want them where i can see them.

And I agree with Dan. Our bikes would be difficult to replace in short order. Also, it would not be a comfortable drive having to worry about what I can't see happening back there.

fwiw I am looking into three options: Inside the trailer (cheap but inconvenient), a rack on the tongue over the batteries (harder to find, expensive but safe and convenient) or use a roof rack on top of our TV (somewhat expensive, but Yakima and Thule make a proven system. Adds to cargo however).

**Herk7769** · 05-14-2011, 10:10 PM

How we traveled with our bikes.
I retied the front bike when I saw that tire.

jeffro1962 · 05-17-2011, 09:10 PM

I can sympathize with the towing concerns. I have a 2009 dodge nitro SLT, 3.7 liter, 4x4, has standard trans cooler, viscous clutch fan, class II hitch, 7 pin connector, with proper weight distribution hitch it can tow 3500 with 350 tw, and up to 5000lb with 500 tw. Dealership and RV dealer both told me there is no issues towing my new 2012 rockwood roo 17" with the nitro. I had the electronic braking installed by rv dealer, bought the weight distr hitch, sway bars and stabilizer bars setups. I only have towed it home from the rv dealer, it didn't feel too bad :O), just waiting to hit some hills and see what happens. I will be upgrading brake pads and also going to synthetic oil to help keep things cool and well lubricated. I will be carrying a few kayaks and 2 mountain bikes....will let you know how it goes.
I inquired to Roo about wt on the rear bumper , they said keep it around 100lbs. I bought the Swagman 4-Bike RV Bumper Rack, it has four contact points to how it bolts to the bumper. So I hope this spreads out the load so it's not concentrated on one point of the bumper....Will let you know how that goes in a few weeks. Enjoy

**Herk7769** · 05-17-2011, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffro1962

I inquired to Roo about wt on the rear bumper , they said keep it around 100lbs. I bought the Swagman 4-Bike RV Bumper Rack, it has four contact points to how it bolts to the bumper. So I hope this spreads out the load so it's not concentrated on one point of the bumper....Will let you know how that goes in a few weeks. Enjoy

I contacted FR and they stated 150 pounds but it had to be located within 6 inches of the bumper (like a spare tire carrier) due up/down torque on the bumper welds. My dealer said "either the spare tire carrier OR the bike carrier, but not both."

My suggestion: Have someone drive your rig on several different types of roads while you follow behind watching the bikes. You may find the education disconcerting.

Stevea1956 · 05-17-2011, 10:00 PM

I found this handy bike rack on amazon. I'm not sure if they make a simular product for 4 bikes.
the nice thing is that it will fold up and store in a nylon bag.
Amazon.com: Heininger 1011 Advantage SportsRack V-Rack 2-Bike Carrier: Automotive

**Herk7769** · 05-17-2011, 10:13 PM

That is neat!

MtnGuy · 05-18-2011, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffro1962

I have a 2009 dodge nitro SLT, 3.7 liter, 4x4, has standard trans cooler, viscous clutch fan, class II hitch, 7 pin connector, with proper weight distribution hitch it can tow 3500 with 350 tw, and up to 5000lb with 500 tw.

Huh ?? Which is it ?? Usually, a Class II hitch is rated at 3500 lbs. with a 350 lb. tongue weight.

There should be a sticker on the hitch with maximum weights.....you may have to crawl under the vehicle to view the sticker.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffro1962

Dealership and RV dealer both told me there is no issues towing my new 2012 rockwood roo 17" with the nitro.

They will tell you anything to make a sale.

Triguy · 05-18-2011, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevea1956

I found this handy bike rack on amazon. I'm not sure if they make a simular product for 4 bikes.
the nice thing is that it will fold up and store in a nylon bag.
Amazon.com: Heininger 1011 Advantage SportsRack V-Rack 2-Bike Carrier: Automotive

I saw that Heininger bike rack on the CW website (much more $ there) and i thought it looked like a good idea. The only worry is its sturdiness - it doesn't appear to be too heavy of a gauge of steel. I might try it for two of the kid's bikes.

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