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Old 12-27-2017, 10:01 PM   #1
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Using motorhome ladder as bike rack - Coachmen Pursuit

Anyone have any experience using the ladder on your motorhome as a bike rack for two mtb bikes.

We are towing a toad so hitch receiver is busy.
Or thoughts on best ways to bring the bikes along.

Planning for our winter trip....in the past I've put the bikes in the tow vehicle but...takes quite a bit of prep.

Any input appreciated

Thanks designfly
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Old 12-27-2017, 10:20 PM   #2
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We have used this type of bike rack on our TT ladder with no issues. As a precaution we added additional ladder standoff.
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Old 12-28-2017, 12:54 AM   #3
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I have used and am not a fan. Concerns are potential damage to trailer wall and ladder mount itself. I am in the process of installing a front end hitch on the truck.
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Old 12-28-2017, 06:04 AM   #4
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Why not add a receiver hitch to your toad? This would actually allow you to take the bikes elsewhere besides the camp ground.
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Old 12-28-2017, 06:18 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rockfordroo View Post
Why not add a receiver hitch to your toad? This would actually allow you to take the bikes elsewhere besides the camp ground.
Bingo!

That is my game plan... until I can afford some compact bikes like a Bike Friday or a Brompton.

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Old 12-28-2017, 08:35 AM   #6
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I used a bike rack on my ladder for two bikes several times with no problem. Made a receiver hitch on my car trailer and use a hitch type for two bikes with a bag to keep,them clean and dry. Cover came with rack.
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Old 12-28-2017, 08:43 AM   #7
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I put a bike rack on my toad for bikes or use a cargo rack for other items when not taking bikes. Problem solved.
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Old 12-28-2017, 09:05 AM   #8
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Consider a bumper mount

I have a leprechaun 260ds, 28' class c with a 4" square rear bumper / waste hose storage. I bought a Swagman rv receiver mount bike rack which also comes with a receiver which mounts to the 4" bumper with bolts that go on tbe outside of the bumper.

I called coachmen to check on structual integrity of the bumper and they said a 2 bike rack would be ok but a 4 bike rack might put too much torque on the bumper.

We have pulled a toad and carried the bikes for several thousand miles without an issue.

This frees up the rear ladder to carry a step ladder and a couple of chairs.

Hope this helps.
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Old 12-28-2017, 03:06 PM   #9
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I have a folding, 2 bike carrier that is designed for a hatchback type car with straps. It actually fits very good on the front of the motor home sitting on the front bumper and with the straps hooked to the back of the grill under the hood.
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Old 12-28-2017, 09:33 PM   #10
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This happened in Mississippi today to friends of ours as they were on their way to Florida. Two bikes on a ladder-mount bike rack. Fortunately, they were able to get stopped and get the bikes and the rack off the remaining part of the ladder before they lost them on the highway. They were using one of those "hangs on the top step of the ladder" racks pictured in post #2 of this thread. The ladder did not break where the rack was hanging...it broke about two feet below where the rack was hanging.
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Old 12-28-2017, 09:40 PM   #11
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Been using the bike ladder rack for over a decade...no issues.
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Old 12-29-2017, 11:40 AM   #12
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This response may or may not apply but, when we ordered our Rockwood Signature Ultralight 5th wheel, we were told that if we did not have the Rockwood bike rack installed, and iatter installed an after market version, our warranty would be voided.
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Old 12-29-2017, 11:47 AM   #13
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A receiver hitch on the toad would be the best. They do make a receiver 1 into 2 adapter that you may be able to add the bike rack between the MH & toad with.
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Old 12-29-2017, 12:26 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Capt. Mike View Post
This happened in Mississippi today to friends of ours as they were on their way to Florida. Two bikes on a ladder-mount bike rack. Fortunately, they were able to get stopped and get the bikes and the rack off the remaining part of the ladder before they lost them on the highway. They were using one of those "hangs on the top step of the ladder" racks pictured in post #2 of this thread. The ladder did not break where the rack was hanging...it broke about two feet below where the rack was hanging.
Bummer. I ordered mine with the trailer and used it 3 times, always making certain it was not bouncing around. Mine bent after traveling 12 hours
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Old 12-30-2017, 04:56 PM   #15
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I won't do it. With all the movement the bikes would experience, I can believe damage to the unit will occur. I bought a bike hitch that I put in the toad hitch. NP.
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Old 01-20-2018, 01:27 PM   #16
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roof bike rack for the toad. The leverage generated from the bikes bouncing around on the ladder will mess up the ladder connection to the RV.
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