bike rack cargo carrier

Katy · 03-14-2014, 02:47 PM

We just bought and spent a chunk of change on the bike rack cargo carrier to be added to our new trailer we ordered. It came in and when we went to look at it (we have 2 bikes that are not cheap) and there is a pole in the back of it and no way or place to secure the bikes. When the dealer asked the Jayco rep about it he told the dealer to tell us to bungie them to the pole. There is no way we are driving down the road thousands of miles with 2 expensive bikes bungied to to a pole. They bikes would be all scratched and I dont want to depend on bungie cords holding them on it. Has anyone purchased this and have any ideas what we can do to safely secure the bikes or did we just throw away a bunch of money?

dan222 · 03-14-2014, 04:10 PM

We are in the same situation. We ordered the bike tray when we ordered our and I still have not figured a way to put 4 bikes on it securely.
I feel like there should be another pole that extends back over the tray when it is out so that the bikes could be secured to that ( basically hanging from it then).
Hopefully will have time this spring to work on that.http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/im...lies/smile.png

Katy · 03-14-2014, 04:48 PM

We thought the same thing that there was another pole and they had forgot to ship it. I think Jayco needs to stop calling it a bike rack and stick with just calling it a cargo tray! We checked camping world online to see if they had something that would work with it but had no luck!

clubhouse · 03-14-2014, 05:01 PM

Same situation here...although I bought a trailer that already had it so I knew exactly what I was getting.

My current plan is to build the PVC bike rack shown in another thread here on JOF and see if I can secure that to the platform then secure the bikes to the PVC rack.

If that doens't work -- off comes the rack and I'll will once again weld a frame to frame supported 2" receiver, and go back to the receiver support bike rack just like used to on my previous TT.

@Katy -- if you really do have expensive bikes, the back of a travel trailer is no place for them. Even with the best solutions bikes get pretty banged up back there.

Swingrrr · 03-14-2014, 05:06 PM

R u guys serious? I have a specialized bike and 2 performance bikes each valued at 1k each. I have the bike tray on my eagle 334rbts and I've towed these bikes 1,000 miles with no problems. Just get a coiled, stiff bike chain lock like they sell at the bike shops. I'm sure you can take it from there and figure it out. Or I can post a pic in a few months so you can see.

clubhouse · 03-14-2014, 05:21 PM

$1,000 Specialized might sound expensive --- but really its the two $1000 wheels on $3000 frame road bikes I am more concerned about.

Mountain bikes and cruisers are no problem for me.

Katy · 03-14-2014, 05:21 PM

I would love to see a picture when you get a chance. Oh and our bikes are just over 500.00 each but still expensive to me and I love mine and dont want it scratched and damaged. Most we have ever spent on bikes. lol

**norty1** · 03-14-2014, 05:46 PM

I think everyone has the same thoughts about the bike rack. Some easier way to secure them as an add on would sell like hotcakes. We have 2- $500. bikes that we bungy and secure with web straps, foam and such to protect the bikes from damage. I have towed them all over and no problems except they get dirty on the road.

**WVDusty** · 03-14-2014, 06:08 PM

I dont have a bike rack on our TT but could you use a pool noodle over the pole to help protect your bikes?

Katy · 03-14-2014, 06:12 PM

Norty1, I agree someone should come up with an add on there must be tons of these Jayco bike racks out there.
wvdusty...thats a good idea and a start..

outofhere · 03-14-2014, 06:39 PM

Looked into the bike racks way to expensive a lot cheaper to just store our bikes inside of the trailer just put down some old sheets so that we don’t get the floors dirty and you’re all set

Swingrrr · 03-14-2014, 06:44 PM

You'd have to be insane to take a 5,000 dollar bike on a camping trip. Good luck not worrying about theft, etc

3'senough · 03-14-2014, 06:53 PM

I have been mounting my wife and my hybrids to the tray with ratchet straps. It takes 2 to secure them, but I put another one on as an added measure. The center pole is useless to mount to and never used it.

I also have a Swagman front mount 2 bike rack that is going to hold 2 of my kids larger bikes this year.

Another option is to build some tire racks out of PVC for the tray to assist in keeping the bikes upright which I might add this year.

Big Sky · 03-14-2014, 06:57 PM

I've looked for awhile, particularly since we nearly lost a bike once using a rear hitch style on our TT. The only problem is the only set up I've seen that looks like it would work well is pretty spendy. The Arvika bike rack systems look nice. Here is a link to a sales site as well as a You Tube video I found.

http://www.racksforcars.com/BIKE-CAR...BIKE-CARRIERS/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHudvwfpAN0

I suppose if you are carrying $2,000-$3,000 in bikes it wouldn't be outrageous to safely carry them with a $500-$700 rack. Hard for me to justify for my family.

**norty1** · 03-14-2014, 07:17 PM

The ratchet straps,a few bungs and some foam rubber canoe roof carrier parts have worked well. I have become rather proficient at securing them.

I am thinking on the PVC rack as a addition to the Jayco slider.

Katy · 03-14-2014, 07:34 PM

Even though my bikes dont cost near 3000.00 I know there are a lot of triathlon racers who camp where the races are. Much easier than a motel and trying to take a bike in and out of there even if they allow it.

Katy · 03-14-2014, 07:37 PM

Problem is I have already purchased the Jayco bike rack not really willing to fork out any more money for another one. Might have to if I cant make it work. Will have to try some of the suggestions

Big Sky · 03-14-2014, 08:22 PM

If your dealer is worth their salt and you really felt the bike rack was not represented to you as you expected, you should be able to get your money back. The issue may still be that mods to the Jayco bike rack could well be your best alternative over the more expensive racks.

clubhouse · 03-14-2014, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swingrrr

You'd have to be insane to take a 5,000 dollar bike on a camping trip. Good luck not worrying about theft, etc

I agree, further I would never spend that kind of money on a bike. My brother is a serious cyclist and has several $5k+ bikes between he and has wife.

They use their trailer as they travel to races and other cycling events. There is quite a culture who do...and to them $5k is an entry level ride.

clubhouse · 03-14-2014, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Katy

Problem is I have already purchased the Jayco bike rack not really willing to fork out any more money for another one. Might have to if I cant make it work. Will have to try some of the suggestions

There are folks who want that factory cargo rack. I imagine if you listed it here wouldn't be long before someone picked it up. All Jayco trailers capable of the option come with the bracket and there are many dealers who don't order the rack standard for folks to get it after the fact is $1k+ for shipping and labor. As an option it's a few hundred, so I imagine you can get close to the money you paid for it back.

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