Clamp On Bike Rack

[spurticus]

Anyone have any experience with the below Curt clamp on bike rack or similar style bike rack? I tow a hw27ks with a 4runner and this seems to be my best option. My only concern is the turning radius and a bike tire possibly interfering with the sway control bar. I want to avoid any camper mounted racks. I would have two kids bikes, a 20" and a 24".

[Underthedog]

Some things to think about:
I have used an older 4-bike version of this on a Coleman Utah:
Original 3 Towing Bike Rack- Swagman
which slips over the receiver bar. I stopped using it and went to a Pro Rack
ProRac Proformance Bike Rack | Tent Trailer Bike Rack |, which mounts to the tongue with just the back wheels on the trailer roof. I like this one much better.
We do a lot of long distance travel with overnight stops and the receiver mount tends to get in the way of hook-up/set-up. It also interfered with getting into the back of the car (Ford Explorer) during travel stops for lunches, etc. I also used it mounted to the back of the Coleman (yes with proper bracing/mount points) which worked okay except for the initial forgetting to realize it changed the trailer balance - a lot -.

The swagman rack used a jam bolt underneath to stabilize the rack, but there was still a lot of movement which led me to tie down the bikes to the car to keep it still. You may get some of that with this setup.

Don't forget it adds directly to the hitch weight you are putting on the tow vehicle.

I have not mounted the Pro-rack on our new trailer yet, but expect to do so this spring. That could prove to be an adventure since the tongue area on the FR pop up is covered with a metal plate (which already needed some mod for the WD hitch setup).

enjoy.

[GoGators904]

Pro Rack is awesome and an easy install!!

[Ringbill]

Ok, so the Pro Rack seems ideal for our Rockwood 1940 pup; my only question is regarding opening up the trailer. Does the rack frame slide down or tilt allowing me to pull out the bed/bunk, or do I have to disassemble the whole thing? I looked at the pdf assembly instructions and this does not show this detail or answer my question! The rack is not cheap and if I have to do that disassembly I don't think I am buying! What say ye?

[camshoot]

Have you considered a front mounted (truck) hitch?
That is what I decided on after considering many options and it has worked our perfectly.

[Ringbill]

If I use my Sierra truck, no problem; the problem is that our main Towing vehicle in the summer is my wife's Toyota Highlander- don't think the front hitch is feasible. Are you saying the Pro Rack must be diassembled to open the pup? That would not be cool, unless the uprights could easily be telescoped down.

[MiCamper6]

Originally Posted by Ringbill

Ok, so the Pro Rack seems ideal for our Rockwood 1940 pup; my only question is regarding opening up the trailer. Does the rack frame slide down or tilt allowing me to pull out the bed/bunk, or do I have to disassemble the whole thing? I looked at the pdf assembly instructions and this does not show this detail or answer my question! The rack is not cheap and if I have to do that disassembly I don't think I am buying! What say ye?

There are several holes for hitch pins that allow the tube attached to the cross bar where the bikes attach to slide in the tubes that are attached to the tongue so you can lower the cross bar and pull out the bunk end. We just sold a Pro-Rack because we bought a hybrid. Worked very well for us. Some extra work involved in setting up/tearing down, but is an excellent way to transport bikes with a PUP.

[Ringbill]

Ok, thank you! Guess I am buying it! You should get commission for the sale!

[MiCamper6]

Glad to help. One suggestion : use rachet straps and wrap the strap completely around the bikes seat post to ensure the rear of the bikes don't go wandering all over the roof of the camper.

[Ringbill]

Last question: Where to put the front wheel/tires? In my case, two adult and one child's bike. Bothe popup floor and cargo area of the towing vehicle are usually maxxed out! Any flat boxes that might work? Thank you!

[MiCamper6]

I used wire ties (zip ties} to attach them to the rack. Worked out very well.

[Underthedog]

Ring,
the rack can be adjusted so that you do not have to move the support bar up and down for setups. The bunk end should slide out over top of the bar.
'course no getting around taking the bikes off.
There are pads that attach to the back wheels to protect the roof finish and assist in keeping the wheel from sliding. You also do need to use the straps on the bike to keep it from bouncing around under way.

[Ringbill]

Thank you, sir, that sets my mind more at ease...
MiCamper6, I am trying to visualize the wheel/tire zip tied to the rack- how exactly do you place them? Sorry to be a pest but I really need the rack for this summer and want to get it right!

[MiCamper6]

I would tie the tires to the cross bar and to either the uprights or to each other. That way each tire has at least 2 wire ties securing it.