bike rack

[TracieWho]

We decided that we need to bring our bikes with us when we take our Palomino 1251 pop-up camper. I am interested in inexpensive but effective ideas that doesn't require modifications to the camper. I don't ask for much! haha

[SS Sixteen O four]

A hitch mounted bike rack works for us. With an 16" extension it works on the front or the back. The front hitch is a Curt and installs using the existing tow hook bolts in just over an hour. About $300 invested in total and bugs haven't been an issue.

[TracieWho]

Can you tell me why you would use the rear hitch vs the front? It looks like the rear hitch makes it difficult to get in and out of the camper.

Originally Posted by SS Sixteen O four

A hitch mounted bike rack works for us. With an 16" extension it works on the front or the back. The front hitch is a Curt and installs using the existing tow hook bolts in just over an hour. About $300 invested in total and bugs haven't been an issue.

[SS Sixteen O four]

The rack is actually not an issue on the rear. We have a truck with an 8 foot box so our 7' camper doesn't stick out over the back and we can leave our tailgate on as a back porch. We have a 16 inch extension on the bike rack when it is on the rear so that it clears the tailgate. In the attached photo you will see a hitch Basket in place of the bike rack with the 16 inch extension.

We prefer to run with the hitch Basket in the front but it causes the transmission to heat up a little bit so we run the bikes instead. In the fall/spring and in cooler weather we always run the hitch Basket in the front to make for better weight distribution on the truck.

Hope this helps

[TracieWho]

Wow....very cool! We don't have that option and will have to install in the front. Thanks for the info!