Bike Rack when towing TT

[burch42]

I have been looking at different ways to be able to bring the bikes on vacation for a while now. I didn't want a hitch put on the back of my trailer so that was out. I liked the idea of the one over the propane tanks but i found this to be an already crowded area. didn't want to take up room in the truck bed and was against putting them inside the trailer. So I came up with this system;




I can still get into my truck bed even when the trailer is attached (last panel still opens) so I can have access to my tools and levelling wood thats in there. when not in use a couple turns of an allan key and it all comes off in a couple minutes. When the rack is not in use its very clean an not noticable.



This should make bringing the bikes easier now and as the kids grow i can fit four across no problem.

Happy Camping

[SuicideSaints]

I have been thinking of doing what you did. I like the look and room it frees up. If you dont mind sharing how much was it for the setup?

[burch42]

I'll start by saying its not cheap, but i think its cheaper then the Aviva Rack that goes over the tongue of the trailer. and its safer then the bumper.

all together with all the parts and racks for the actual bikes it was about $700CDN.

I installed it myself took a couple hours only because i measured everything 15 times as i was a little afraid of drilling into my truck. I also like that when I am not using the rack theres nothing bulky attached just the rails and they are flush with my tonneau cover

[SuicideSaints]

Ok, thanks. That is about what I expected (550ish USD). I like the look and I have a 2012 dodge. I am still trying to figure out what to do because I want a kayak mount too, I would like to take 2 kayaks and 2 bikes. Thanks for the post!

[itat]

Thanks for the post, burch42. I like it! Like you, I'm not keen on putting the bikes in the trailer and I want to keep my truck bed available for "stuff" although with our new TT we don't have to put anywhere near as much stuff in the truck bed as we did with our Roo.

Looks like you used Thule's TB(42" or 60"?) Tracks and Rapid Podium Feet?

It looks like Yakima has a similar rail system. I have 3 Yakima Raptor Areo bike racks left over from our old Coleman popup setup that I could use with some Yakima towers and round crossbars.

I'll have to see if I can get something like that to work on my F-150. I've got a roll up tonneau with the frame resting on the bed rails so I'm not sure if I have enough width on the bed rails to accommodate the tracks and crossbar mounts.

[bikendan]

Best solution for a truck!

[burch42]

itat,
I did in fact use a Thule only because i already had the square cross bars from before. I used 42" rails as I didn't need the 60" but if someone was wanting to have a kayak on there I would recommend the 60" rails. I also did not use the flare nuts that they provided. I drilled right through and used bolts. felt a little more secure and after having my tailgate assist fail with a flare-nut design i was a little hesitant.

[joshuaerdman]

Very nice. Is there an option so you don't have to take the front wheel off? It's not as easy on the kid bikes.
Thanks

[Vern]

check out my post #28 in this thread:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...tml#post653450

I'm still happy after about 4 years with mine.

[joshuaerdman]

Originally Posted by Vern

check out my post #28 in this thread:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...tml#post653450

I'm still happy after about 4 years with mine.

That isn't bad but I'd still like to be able to use my cover and with this I wouldn't.

[chicagoslick]

This is how I did it for our Yukon Denali....Works very well...Also travels very well...

[burch42]

josh, yes there is an option to use for kids bikes where you don't have to take off the wheel. That is the reason i went with this option as i still get full use of my bed and it is covered for weather.

[joshuaerdman]

Originally Posted by burch42

josh, yes there is an option to use for kids bikes where you don't have to take off the wheel. That is the reason i went with this option as i still get full use of my bed and it is covered for weather.

Do you have a list of parts or part #'s you used or are needed?
Thanks

[burch42]

i can get the list, I dont have the part numbers for the kids bike rack attachment, but you can get one at any store that carries things like that.

[Rockwoodjoe]

Chicagoslick: Ditto. Keeps my truck bed cover free for my 8' kayak




2015 Rockwood 2703ws\
2013 Ford f150 5.0

[frozen]

I recently installed a 2x2 receiver under the front bumper of my Ram, and slid in a Swagman bike rack. I can just see the handlebars above the hood. Nothing interferes with my view of the road or the headlights although fog lights are slightly blocked. The system is very solid. The receiver was about $200 although lighter ones are available for less money. With the bikes removed, the rack can't be seen from the cab, so need to remember it's there when pulling into the garage. If I'm on the road and suddenly the handlebars disappear, no need to go back to get the bike. It's flattened.

[MtnGuy]

I also carry my bikes over the bed of the truck:



All of the bike rack gear was left over from past applications, so nothing to buy other than some metal pieces to attach the rack system to my TrackRac rails. I also have a TracRac tonneau cover, which I can roll up all of the way if I need to get in the truck bed.

I don't think my rack system is gonna work when I get a 5th wheel.

[bmcilravey]

I bought a bike rack that goes on the top of the trailer (pop up). Called "ARVIKA". Its perfect...easy to use, light weight..holds 5 bikes.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by bmcilravey

I bought a bike rack that goes on the top of the trailer (pop up). Called "ARVIKA". Its perfect...easy to use, light weight..holds 5 bikes.

The OP asked about bike rack for a TT, so one for a popup roof won't work.

[Loraura]

I mounted fork mounts to the UNDER SIDE of the dinette boards. When we travel I flip the board over and mount the fork to the fork mount. When we arrive I wheel the bikes out and lock them to the back bumper and flip the dinette boards over. Invisible until I need it. Fork mounts are about 20.00 each. I have two mounted but easily have room for 4 or more. Have the bikes with you when you mount the fork mounts so you can space everything properly.

I used these for our mountain bikes: http://static.jensonusa.com/images/D...8/RA242Z00.jpg

These work for road bikes, and you can use an adaptor with them if you have 15mm or 25mm thru-axle MTBs:http://www.amazon.com/Sunlite-Bicycl.../dp/B000AO7GRG

Adaptor:
https://www.coloradocyclist.com/thul...FQipaQodFWEBmQ