Bike racks for popups-what works best?

[dougster]

Another year, and I still haven't found the perfect bike rack for my situation. I have looked at ProRac, DuraSafe, and Justrite. Who has tried out a good solution that might work for me? I am towing a Starcraft 2406 with a Honda Odyssey Minivan. It looks like the best solution would be the "towable" hitch that would put the bikes between the van and the trailer. Any and all advice is welcome.

[MomboTN]

I use a hanging rack on the Expedition.  I have to put the adult bikes closer to the TV and the smaller bikes toward the camper.  The smaller wheels clear the battery box on sharp corners.  I also have to put the bikes on after I have hitched up the camper and take them off before I unhitch.  I did not want to put holes in the roof of the pop up and already had the rack so it works for us.

[MotherNature]

Another year, and I still haven't found the perfect bike rack for my situation. I have looked at ProRac, DuraSafe, and Justrite. Who has tried out a good solution that might work for me? I am towing a Starcraft 2406 with a Honda Odyssey Minivan. It looks like the best solution would be the "towable" hitch that would put the bikes between the van and the trailer. Any and all advice is welcome.

Not sure if you're looking for something that goes on top of the PUP, but we just bought a Sixnall that holds 4 bikes, sits on top of the PUP, and doesn't require any holes to be drilled into the PUP (attaches via ratcheting straps).

We've only used it once, but it worked great - nothing moved while moving at 65-70 mph (2 heavy bmx bikes, 2 'old school' 12-speeds).  If you are short like me (5'3") you will need a stepladder in order to load the bikes toward the center of the PUP.

It was a little pricey but is well made and made in the USA!

Good luck finding what you need!

[Dray]

I too pull with a Honda Minivan.  I wouldn't try and put the bikes on a rack at the rear of the vehicle.  The PU tongue weight is all the rear shocks can handle and even then I use a weight distribution hitch.

I have a Yakima rack on top of the PU which holds 2 bikes.  You may be able to add more.  I put my and my wifes bike up there and the 2 kids bikes in the back of the van.  Works okay except the bikes we have are heavy and I worry about the stress I'm putting on the roof.

[sacrawf]

I suggest roof racks for the top of your Honda.  This gives you several advantages.  First, if you are popping up quickly in the rain, you don't have to wait to take the bikes off.  Secondly, you have the ability to take the bikes without the popup, for a family outing when not camping or to start the cycling from another location than the campground.  Third, a roof top system would also allow you to quickly add a cargo box, or transport a kayak, or skis. Yakima.com will give you specifics as to the towers,  crossbars, and bike mounts specific to your bicycle types and whether you have factory roof racks or not.