Bike Rack for Receiver Hitch

sardineman

sardineman

Novice
I was wondering if anyone had a recommendation for a bike rack
for the receiver hitch. I've looked at Yakima and Thule racks
and they all say that they are not for installation on a trailer
or other towed vehicle.

Thanks
 
I don't have one, but I would consider one of the racks that swings away to the side - this way you could get into the galley at a rest stop without unpacking everything.
 
thule_trailblazer_041505.jpg


This is by Thule from a google search on "Thule swing away bike racks".
 
I wonder why you can't install them on a trailer? Does it affect the tongue weight by putting it on the rear? Two trips out and we're already tired of moving the bikes back and forth. Evan do you have any thoughts on this, since you're thinking along the same lines? We need expert input and with your solar panel install you're elected!
 
It looks like there would be more vibration at the back of a trailer than the tow vehicle. That being said, most of the warnings were about hitch extensions - I didn't actually find anything that addressed a trailer mounted bike rack. I would find the model that you want, and then give the manufacturer or rep a call.

Here's another interesting idea that combines a bike rack with a cargo carrier:
http://www.fasttrackracks.com/store/p/272-StowAway-Bike-Gear-Rack-Swingaway-Frame.aspx
The bike rack pole can be removed leaving more room for cargo.

is.aspx


Cary, how strict is the 150 lb limit on the rear hitch?
 
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We carry our bikes on a hitch mounted rack on the CampInn (an older model from Road Scholar I think). They do tend to get bounced around a bit, due to the fact that the 'pivot point' is at the back of the tow vehicle, so there's much more up and down movement by the time you get all the way to the back of the trailer. I now attach a few bungees to hold the bikes as snugly as I can to avoid as much moving around as possible. The total weight of the bikes and rack are well below 150 pounds, and I'd imagine you could probably carry 4 bikes without going over the limit.

133658015.jpg
 
We have seen a number of customers use swing away bike racks with the Camp-Inns. They work great. Like Linda said, taking the bikes on and off to get in the galley is a pain and this solves that.

The hitch can handle well more than the 150lb. The 150lb limit is based on the unloading of the tongue. You need about 10% of the trailer's weight on the tongue to pull safely. We build ours to be about 12.5% or so when all loaded up. The load on the receiver hitch is taking away from that. You can sneak up past that if you want but you should make sure to do some weights and balance figuring ahead of time to make sure you have adequate tongue weight. Weight could always be stashed in the front storage if it needs just a bit more.

Cary
 
Evan said:
It looks like there would be more vibration at the back of a trailer than the tow vehicle. That being said, most of the warnings were about hitch extensions - I didn't actually find anything that addressed a trailer mounted bike rack. I would find the model that you want, and then give the manufacturer or rep a call.

Here's another interesting idea that combines a bike rack with a cargo carrier:
http://www.fasttrackracks.com/store/p/272-StowAway-Bike-Gear-Rack-Swingaway-Frame.aspx
The bike rack pole can be removed leaving more room for cargo.

is.aspx


Cary, how strict is the 150 lb limit on the rear hitch?
Click to expand...

This set up weighs 58 lbs (without bikes and gear.) If you go this route, you can also get the Cargo Rack Grill Package. :)
 
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Jim,

I would be concerned it is putting it out too far. The further out you go the less weight you will be able to carry here. Clever idea though.

Cary
 
Barry & Annie said:
The link does not go to a specific item can you post a different link as I cant find with a yahoo search either
Click to expand...

Hmm...it shows up for me...

Are you clicking on the link or copy/pasting it into your browser? Clicking should work but if you are doing the copy/pasting, it won't work. You would need to right click on the link, then choose one of the "Open Link..." options or "Properties" & copy/paste the full web address that shows up in the prompt box.

:cool:
 
Those links worked great the first link just sent me to Bing shopping page no matter what I tried Betsey. I even tried a different browser
 
Jim,

Could compound the problem. Is that thing really 40lb? Or did someone overstate that? If so, you would lose 40lb usable hitch weight right away. Then by hanging the bike rack and cargo further away from the trailer's axle you must reduce the weight carrying capacity by a percentage in relation to the moment arm. Without being able to measure it I would guess, maybe 12" further back? That is going to knock about 32lb off of the rating. So, now your 150lb rating is down to about 78lb. That would have to allow for the bike rack, the cargo platform, bikes and gear.

One idea though that I came up with reading those comments. This could be used on the tow vehicle. Put a ball mount in the lower one, bike rack on the upper one. Hook the teardrop to the ball mount. Then put the cargo rack back on the receiver on the trailer. That would work if your tow vehicle can handle the extra tongue weight.

Cary
 
Now you've got the idea Cary!!! Our ORIGINAL thought was to use it on the tow vehicle. We would never consider using it on the Camp-inn, we just don't haul that much stuff with us!!!!

We haven't actually seen one of these in person, so not sure about the weight. I suspect 40 lbs. was an exaggeration though.

So then, you approve of using this configuration: dual hitch on tow vehicle, Camp-Inn and bike rack on dual hitch?

Thanks for your expertise!
 
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