Finally found the perfect camper (2002 Coleman Utah Mint condition). We are getting it ready for the maiden trip, its clean we are loading up the cabinets and storage almost ready. I will be hauling it with a Toyota Tundra it has a camper top. Now I am looking for a bike rack that won't break the bank and functions well. I need to carry 4 bikes. I did see the one advertised on this site that mounts to the tongue of the trailer. I am hesitant about mounting anything to the roof of the pop up. Suggestions would be appreciated.
It seems if I was not hauling the pop up I could get something for under $100.00 adding the popUp to the picture seems to complicate things.
I built a PVC bikerack for about $100
http://userpages.prexar.com/chasd/bikerack.html (//%22http://userpages.prexar.com/chasd/bikerack.html%22)
You use ratchet straps to hold it on. I took it from Maine to TN then on to MD with three bikes on it and had no problems.
I have this one Swagman Bike Rack (http://trucksport.zoovy.com/product/80550) though I modified it a bit. First off, I didn't like that it only contacted the roof in four small places so I took two pieces of 1' X 3' marine grade plywood and use conduit clamps to attach them to the rack's legs. I also glued on some sponge rubber to the plywood to spread out the contact area on the camper roof to prevent putting dents in it. I use rachet straps and flat hooks to hold it in place instead of the mounting brackets supplied with the rack. This way I didn't have to drill into the roof. Has worked well for us. I'm modifying it again this year by replacing the plywood with some 4" X 20" flat 1/4" aluminum plates also with sponge rubber for mounting.
Congratulations on the new PU.:)
I have the Pro Rac tongue mounted bike rack and it works very well. It is easy to install and can be removed and installed on another camper if you every decide to replace your current PU.:)
Congrats on the new pop-up!
I picked up a class III reciever at Wal-Mart and had it professionally welded to the bumper of my 98' Jayco Eagle 12 pop-up. The welder even added 2 braces from backside of the bumper to the frame underneath the camper. It only costs me like $30 in labor. I now use my 4 place hitch mounted bike rack which I also got from Wal-Mart for around $80. When I'm not carying bikes I use one of those hitch mounted cargo carriers for extra space. Its worked out very well for carying extra firewood. I will try to get a picture of it up here soon.
I had a hitch reciever added to the rear of my pu.
Worst decision ever. The added wieght of the bikes (2) at the rear of the pu unbalanced the tougue weight and I had to deal with severe sway from my pu.
I am now looking to get a Pro Rac tongue rack and will only use the rear hitch to lock things to it when camping, such as the bikes when away for the day.
Good luck in your quest and congrats on your new pu.
Quote from: genreI had a hitch reciever added to the rear of my pu.
Worst decision ever. The added wieght of the bikes (2) at the rear of the pu unbalanced the tougue weight and I had to deal with severe sway from my pu.
I am now looking to get a Pro Rac tongue rack and will only use the rear hitch to lock things to it when camping, such as the bikes when away for the day.
Good luck in your quest and congrats on your new pu.
You bring up a good point. The last thing you want is a negative hitch weight. I haven't had a problem. I guess with the 2 propane tanks, battery, and all the weight I have in my front storage box I still have plenty of weight on the hitch. But your right a bumper mounted bike rack might not work for everybody.
I installed a "hidden hitch" the front of my truck. I then got a cargo basket with the bike rack attachment. Now I can carry three bikes on the cargo tray and two in the truck bed (kids bike). All works great. Bought everything from JC Whitney with free shipping. Installed myself in thirty minutes it was only six bolts under the two front tow hooks. I was even able to reinstall the tow hooks. The best part is I can use the front hitch and cargo tray for other things if necessary.
Sombody is running around town with a bike rack for the trunk of a sedan mounted to the hood of minivan. Don't know if it would be all good but does put the weight on the axle most likley to be underloaded.