Carrying Bikes - 200th Post; Making it count

[Ron045]

Over the last few weeks I have completed some extensive research on this forum and elsewhere on how people transport their Bicycles. It seems there is no clear "Best way" to do it and each option has its Pro's and Con's depending on and individuals wants and needs.

We want to transport 4 adult size bicycles and we are trying to find the optimal solution given our set of circumstances. SUV TV and a Hybrid TT. Our Bikes are typical recreational type found at a box store for less than $200. We do not have professional or expensive bikes to take into consideration like some of you may have.

Here are some options starting from the front and working my way backwards...

1) A front bumper hitch.
Pro's - Takes advantage of unused space and front axle weight limits. Inexpensive, especially if you already have a bumper bike rack.
Con's - Adds to overall TV Cargo capacity weight, which for SUV's is limited (mine is 1,589 lbs). Might cause visibility issues, especially at night with partially blocked headlights.

2) TV Roof Racks (SUV) or Truck Bed
Pro's - Out of the way, balanced load, no interference with RV.
Con's - Expensive (for SUV). Adds to overall TV Cargo capacity weight. Takes away cargo space (Truck)

3) A Frame Racks
Pro's - Several to choose from. Moderately priced (but could get expensive).
Con's - All the weight up front. Added tongue weight. Potential turning radius issues. Harder to install/remove bikes due to height.

4) Carry in the Camper
Pro's - Balanced Load. Some ingenious home made solutions. Secure from thieves. Protected from the elements. Very limited dangers for driver or the drivers around you.
Con's - Rain, Dirt, Mud being brought into RV. Limited space.
Potential to scratch, ding or damage inside of RV when installing or removing.

5) RV Bumper Rack (Assuming bumper is properly rated and/or strengthened)
Pro's - Out of the way. Easy to access, remove/install. Inexpensive, especially if you already have a bumper bike rack.
Con's - Lots of weight in the rear. Potential for unbalanced load creating dangerous sway conditions. Bumper stress and safety issue if not properly rated or reinforced.

So there you have it. I can find goodness and badness with all of these solutions. So what am I to do?

Because I have an SUV, option 1 and 2 will just not work well. I will exceed my TV cargo capacity limits as I'm close to those limits without bikes. Option 4 (Inside the RV) is what we did last year. We got very lucky as we did not have to deal with inclement weather dirt or mud. I was also fortunate that I did not cause any damage to my table, counter, cabinets or door during install removal.

I'm leaning towards a multi solution of an A frame Rack and a RV Bumper Rack. I would install safety struts on the rear bumper and use my own bike rack for 2 bikes. Then I would purchase an A frame rack (Still have not decided on brand) and carry 2 bikes in the front.

My logic is the added weight to the RV is now balanced and minimally added tongue weight. This solution also allows us to use the bumper bike rack on the TV in case we want to go to a bike trail while we are at our campsite.

Does anyone have any added thoughts or are there any flaws to my solution that you want to share?

Phew... Long post. But number 200 had to be special.
Thanks!
Ron

[Erock67]

Does your trailer have a cargo carrier on the back? If so they have attachments to put bicycles on (looks similar to bike stands at a school). I havent used them but will be buying them this season.

[MillMitch]

Excellent summary. I don't have a good answer for you, but appreciate the research and summary. Your plan sounds like a good one. Good luck.

[Total Loss]

I made my rack (part of it) so I could put them where I wanted to. You will probably get 200 answers to this question as everyone has their own idea.

[bikendan]

Personally, my bikes are to valuable to risk hanging off the trailer bumper.
I would spring for the roof rack.

Thankfully I don't need a SUV. So I have way more options for carrying bikes.
I had a SUV once, never again. Too many weak points for towing and carrying stuff.

[Electra glide]

Have you looked into making a PVC bike stand that could fit into the camper? I have a toy hauler but will probably be making myself one this season in order to haul bicycles easier.

Edit: After watching a video on that model camper that may not be an option either.

[Ron045]

I appreciate the thoughts so far...

Erock67 - The rear bumper does not currently have a carrier, but I was considering these to go along with my existing Thule bike rack.
https://mount-n-lock.com/mnl-cargo-p...ruts-hilohitch

Total Loss - Interesting pic... But I can't open or enlarge. Not sure your solution would work for me on a Hybrid.

bikendan - Mine are not. I can understand, if you have the word Bike in your name... You must be pretty serious about it.

Electra glide - You are right, the Hybrid is tight when all packed up. I only have room just inside the door in front of the couch. As mentioned we traveled with 4 Bikes inside last season. I would put down a tarp and snake the Bikes in the door. My Bike and my sons bike just barely fit between the center island and the front cabinet. I'm just one slip away from breaking or damaging something and I don't want to hear about it from my better half. We also lucked out with no rain or mud last year. I have to imagine that will happen eventually. Can't imagine putting a wet bike with muddy tires in our clean camper while the rain is coming down. It just sounds like a recipe for disaster. If I had toy hauler that I could hose out at the end of the trip... different story.

Thanks for the comments thus far.
Ron

[GalsofEscape]

so i take it you don't have a dinette but rather a table and chairs in your hybrid? I have the dinette and am able to put them there with the fork mounts. There is no chance of those bikes moving while underway and it works really well. I have never had a muddy bike that a hose could not clean off and dry with a rag before I put it in the camper.

Couple of thoughts come to my mind:
dealing with two bike racks would be a pita for me, both dealing with them at home and at the campsite.
Also, you may have to remove the racks from the camper to lower the beds - so again dealing with those two racks at the campsite.

camper modifications for a back bike rack that I have seen seem to use the camper's frame, not modifications to the bumper. I am not sure how well those reinforcements kits you pictured for the bumper would work. I am very leery of putting anything on the bumper, even modified.

[Ron045]

Originally Posted by GalsofEscape

camper modifications for a back bike rack that I have seen seem to use the camper's frame, not modifications to the bumper. I am not sure how well those reinforcements kits you pictured for the bumper would work. I am very leery of putting anything on the bumper, even modified.

Great Input... Just watched a video of the Curt adjustable RV Hitch that can be bolted or welded to the frame. I think I like that better than the bumper reinforcement.

Yes... We do have the table/chairs option. 6'4", 6'3", 5'11", 5"10". We really like having the space and the movable chairs.

https://www.etrailer.com/tv-install-...ler-13703.aspx

Ron

[GalsofEscape]

Thought for you. Go with the back hitch welded to the frame and try putting all the bikes on the back with your current rack and see how that goes. If any issues with the weight, add water to the fresh tank and see if that solves the problem rather than going to the expense and bother of a second rack on the a frame.

[Ron045]

Originally Posted by GalsofEscape

Thought for you. Go with the back hitch welded to the frame and try putting all the bikes on the back with your current rack and see how that goes. If any issues with the weight, add water to the fresh tank and see if that solves the problem rather than going to the expense and bother of a second rack on the a frame.

Thought about putting all four in the back until I watched this video. I believe my water tank is aft of the axle so adding water would not help.
Ron

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2fkOVHAC8Q

[GalsofEscape]

If the fresh tank is aft the axles, then no, that would not help. I had assumed the fw tank was forward as it is in my 23w.

[68 Whiskey]

My two cents. We have a frame mounted rack on our 5er. While we have just 2 bikes I believe that we could put 4. Simple loading and unloading. We've had no problem with this. Hopefully this helps some.

[rockfordroo]

Ron:

I don't know which bike threads you've seen. Maybe not this one:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...oo-107358.html

Post 2 shows the beefed up receiver I had welded to my Roo 19 frame. Post 12 shows the beefed up receiver I had welded to my Mini Lite 2503S frame. I used the Roo for 3 years with no problems and I'm going on season 4 with the Mini Lite this summer; no problems.

Note that I only carry 2 bikes on a Thule TH990XT platform rack.
https://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Hit...-pm-Thule.aspx

I installed LED's on the rack, as the bikes as I was concerned with the bikes interfering with my tail lights.


Works very well on my pickup truck, too!

Note that "most" bike racks says they are not for use on RV's. Mine does. But after 6 years, it's still going strong. I believe some Swagman racks are qualified for RVs.

I'm only doing 2 bikes; you would have to decide if the extra weight and leverage of 4 bikes changes your thinking. You could put 2 on the back and 2 inside, or as you stated, 2 on the back and 2 on the A-frame.

Good luck with your choices.

[markb422]

On the front of the Ford 350 SD, I use a folding type strap on 2 bike carrier that you would see on the trunk or hatch back of a sedan. Cost about $30 at the department store. Weighs almost nothing. Top straps go to back side of hood. Side straps go to sides of grill. Most of the bike weight sits on the top of the front bumper. Installs in minutes and very secure.

[Ron045]

Well I just learned our Thule bike rack we have been using with our Van is not rated for RV use.

Frankly I did not even know there was such a rating. eTrailer.com has the ratings listed on their website.

I guess I'm going to have to re-think my plan. I wanted something safe but also did not want to spend needless money if I had some of the equipment already. But it looks as if I'm starting from nothing with my setup.

Ron

[dblr]

How about putting 2 bikes over the propane bottles, something like in the link below.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Stromberg...&wl13=&veh=sem

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by Ron045

Well I just learned our Thule bike rack we have been using with our Van is not rated for RV use.

Frankly I did not even know there was such a rating. eTrailer.com has the ratings listed on their website.

I guess I'm going to have to re-think my plan. I wanted something safe but also did not want to spend needless money if I had some of the equipment already. But it looks as if I'm starting from nothing with my setup.

Ron

Like I said, my Thule's not qualified, but I've had no problems.

[Ron045]

Well, plan A is shot.

I purchased a universal hitch that is not quite universal. At least, it won't fit my 23IKSS without some major mods. The biggest problem is the scissor jacks and the fresh water tank frame.

I have it up for sale un this forum if it will work for someone else.
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ew-158470.html

Off to plan B. I purchased the Mount N Lock Safety Struts. For added peace of mind, I purchased the double pack and plan to use two per frame and sandwich the I beam. I do not plan to exceed the weight rating... I just want the extra protection.

I have also decided to carry 2 bikes in the rear and two in the front to balance the load. More to come on that.

Some pics to show why the hitch on frame won't work for me are below.

Have Fun!
Ron

[farmncamp]

I've fought with this problem for the last 3 years. I feel like I've exhausted every single option besides one.

I have a 2012 F350 SRW SB Crew cab. I pull a 2015 Coachman 360IBL.

Prior to this solution I would only bring bikes when we camped locally using a hitch on our van. We never brought bikes on any distant trips.

This is what I came up with, and I'm really happy with it. To minimize damage, always take the front wheel off outside and put ultra thick socks on the pedals. Use the rear brake to control the bike.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ck-155212.html