I would like to bring our 4 bikes along camping. I know a rack on the back of the popup is a bad idea and I don't want to lift them to the top of my SUV and a bike double hitch between the truck and the trailer would not work well (too much hitch weight and not enough space). So the top of the camper it is.
I've checked out all of the stock possibilities and factory built racks are expensive. I've checked out the Pro Rack system that goes on the tongue and it is pricy but cheaper than the roof mounted options like Thule and Yakima. I'm thinking of building something myself using bike fork mounts like
these that can screw into a pressure treated wood 2x4 mounted to the factory installed rails. I will not drill holes into my trailer! I was inspired by this
thread but I would modify my rack to attach it to the rails with bolts through the wood.
So my question is has anyone attached anything to the top of their popup using the factory installed rails along the edge of the roof? How did you do it? I was thinking of carriage bolts ground down so they fit in the slot, twisted so they hold, and then bolted directly to the wood 2x4.
I’m also looking for feedback on my plan. I'm not an engineer by any means and not 100% certain that this is a good idea. I've seen several DIY bike racks online but don’t want to do something that will not be stable or cause damage to my rig or someone elses.
Thanks!
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Scott, DW, and Identical Twin DS (12)
2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ Crew Cab 3.0L Duramax 4WD
2019 Jayco Jay Flight SLX 298BH
2013 Jayco Jay 1206 (Sold)