Bike Rack

[KirkB]

Hi All,

I'm sure this has been discussed before, but what have you all found to be the best way to carry bikes? I have a 2" receiver on my 2004 Coleman Yuma that is welded on good, but I have heard that putting 4 bikes on the back make it almost untowable due to sway. I have also seen the dual hitch receiver which seems to be the more stable way. Anyone care to weigh in?

Thanks in advance for your input.

[chip]

I mounted a hitch on the front of the Trailblazer and modified a "Hitch Haul" rack to hold two bikes.  Works for me, and I can haul other stuff if needed.  It could probably hold four bikes if I had the fork mounts.

Yakima makes a roof rack that will fit the Coleman/Fleetwood popups.  Not sure but I think they come with the rail from the factory.

Or you can use one of these.

[Hoagie]

Using a hitch on the front of the TV sure makes sense. But some states, at least here in California, may have laws preventing this. Specifically, California vehicle code prohibits having anything mounted in such a way as to affect the light from the headlights. Sure, the wheel spokes aren't going to affect the light any. But that's small comfort when the ticket is being written.

[4Campers]

I've been exploring a bike rack for our pup. So far have found a portable roof mount at CampingWorld.com, but don't like the four feet on the roof set up it uses. Someone else has mentioned a rear bumper rack, but most pups are made with a split bumper not capable of holding that kind of weight. The front hitch mounts like chip has a link for here are OK if you don't mind unmounting front tires off the bikes. My concern with this type is where to stow the tires. After the wifey packs for the weekend I'm lucky to get all that stowed, then there's the item she forget (like the cooler or large suitcase). Other than those types the only way is custom, which is what we are leaning towards. Have a plan, just need to find a welder to do it.

[sacrawf]

I recommend a roof rack for the tow vehicle instead of on the camper; see the yakima.com to build one for your vehicle and bikes.

First, you have the capacity to transport bikes without using the camper.

Secondly, you have a quicker set-up at campsites, not having to remove bikes before poping up. (a big plus at dusk or with an approaching storm).

Third, with the roof racks, you then have capacity to easily add a kayak, cargo box, or transport a ladder or other long objects, subject to the roof weight limit of your vehicle.

Lastly, the roof racks on the vehicle won't affect the balance of the tow vehicle.

[fallsrider]

Here is a thread that shows the homemade rack I made. Right now, I only have 2 fork mounts and transport only 1 bike. But I could expand to 3 or 4. My DD is the only one with a bike right now, though.

[4Campers]

I recommend a roof rack for the tow vehicle instead of on the camper; see the yakima.com to build one for your vehicle and bikes.

First, you have the capacity to transport bikes without using the camper.

Secondly, you have a quicker set-up at campsites, not having to remove bikes before poping up. (a big plus at dusk or with an approaching storm).

Third, with the roof racks, you then have capacity to easily add a kayak, cargo box, or transport a ladder or other long objects, subject to the roof weight limit of your vehicle.

Lastly, the roof racks on the vehicle won't affect the balance of the tow vehicle.

My concern with a roof rack is the height of the TV, which would require a ladder to place bikes up there. Plus we use a roof bag at times which creates a whole new problem.

[haroldPE]

we use the pro-rac that chip linked to above for teh bikes and reserve the TV roof for the canoe

[pershingd]

Here's a link to some photos of a 4 bike rack that I made for the pop-up. I no longer have the PUP, but did keep the bike rack!

4-Bike Rack

David