Pin Box Bike Rack...There are many like it, but this one is mine!

GreenImp · 07-31-2014, 12:05 AM

I wanted to share my version of this device as I addressed one shortcoming that my trailer would have with the design most people use. The issue is that my pin box is a Reese Revolution and mounting a receiver directly to it would not work as the bikes would hit the trailer in the slightest of turns (if it were activated/enabled). I designed mine similar to the Arvika 5WH2 but mounted so that the pin box can still rotate if unlocked. I do not currently have it unlocked as I am using a B&W Companion which is not compatible with an unlocked revolution but wanted the option for potential future use.

I really appreciated all the threads, pictures and ideas that I used to help reach my goal. Thanks to all that have shared their experiences before me.

GreenImp · 07-31-2014, 12:17 AM

Ready for paint

I ground down a "coupling nut" to fit the corner of the receiver tube to use as a stabilizer...works wonderfully.

GreenImp · 07-31-2014, 12:19 AM

painted and mounted

I apologize for the poor photo quality here (crappy phone pics)

The bracket just clears the rotating pin box

BigJohnD · 07-31-2014, 12:25 AM

Ready to see the installed picture. Is that angle 1/4 inch 2x2?

GreenImp · 07-31-2014, 12:43 AM

I am still working on the bike rack itself. I wanted a "platform style" rack and wanted it as solid as possible. All the racks I found had a folding hinge of one form or another that introduced slop and was not needed for my purpose. I found that the Thule T2 was designed where the platforms were simply bolted on to a standard 2" tube. I had the idea to buy the "2 bike extension" (cheaper) and just use the platforms on my own 2" tube. This makes the whole rack incredibly solid.

Also, I have a short bed so length is a concern. I was hoping for 4 bikes but dont think that will happen without raising the rack over the trucks cab. I am pretty sure I can squeeze 3 bikes on there though If I use a longer tube and place the bikes closer to each other.

With the current setup, I can easily load the bikes from the ground when the trailer is unhooked.

GreenImp · 07-31-2014, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigJohnD

Ready to see the installed picture. Is that angle 1/4 inch 2x2?

I initially planned on 1/4" 2x2 but went with 3/16" 2x2...it is plenty solid.

GreenImp · 07-31-2014, 01:12 AM

I've made one 600 mile trip with it so far and am very pleased overall.

I will definitely be adding a cover for the bikes...the return trip lasted well into the dark and the bikes were "bug blasted".

Also, I am concerned that the bike rack may hit the bed sides or roll back cover during very uneven terrain. I pulled in and out of a couple very steep driveways and it cleared, but not by much. I may raise the platforms a few inches for more clearance. I may even raise it over the cab for 2 reasons...the earlier mentioned ability to carry 4 bikes, and I realized half way through the build process that if I were ever in an accident where the trailer broke free and plowed into the truck, the bike rack would come right through the cab. I know this scenario is highly unlikely, but it is possible.

golfmedik · 07-31-2014, 03:13 PM

Fantastic job! I did mine a couple of years ago using an I-beam. If I had it to do over again, I would probably do it pretty much like you did. The bikes being there are safe and can be watched. Mine hardly move at all. I use a fold up platform 3 bike rack on mine and love it. That way I can leave the rack attached to the trailer and just fold it up out of the way. Very neat build and very clean. Congrats!!
Monty

GreenImp · 08-03-2014, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by golfmedik

Fantastic job! I did mine a couple of years ago using an I-beam. If I had it to do over again, I would probably do it pretty much like you did. The bikes being there are safe and can be watched. Mine hardly move at all. I use a fold up platform 3 bike rack on mine and love it. That way I can leave the rack attached to the trailer and just fold it up out of the way. Very neat build and very clean. Congrats!!
Monty

Thank you for the kind words. I almost PM'ed you regarding clearance over my bed cover because you were the only other person I found talking about this clearance (over your tool box). I went with the trial by fire method instead though.

GreenImp · 08-03-2014, 08:40 PM

I grabbed a few more pictures today...

Here is a close up of my stabilizer bolt. This stops both vertical and horizontal slop between the bike racks main tube and the receiver. The only minor issue is that because my bolt and the coupling nut I ground down are the same size, once in a while my socket tries to grab the coupling nut too. I have a longer bolt that I may switch to, which should prevent that from happening.

I intended to weld a small bead at the back of the receiver tube as a stop to prevent me from inserting the bike rack too far and scratching my front cap, but forgot.

GreenImp · 08-03-2014, 08:41 PM

Here are a couple better pictures of the underside. You can see that the 2" angle just barely leaves enough room for the pin box to turn, but it should work just fine.

GreenImp · 08-03-2014, 08:42 PM

Here is a little more info on the bike rack itself. I bought a Thule T2 "2 Bike Add-On" (918XTR) which is designed to extend the standard Thule T2 bike rack from 2 to 4 bikes. It is cheaper than the main rack by over $100. I just discarded the main tube the extension came with and used a 2" piece of square tube instead. This allows me custom length and eliminated all joints. There is a built in retracting cable for locking the bikes to the rack.

I am still deciding whether or not to add another bike platform or two, and whether or not to raise the platforms. I really like being able to easily load the bikes from the ground.

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