Another Bike Carrier Question

clubhouse · 02-05-2013, 06:40 PM

OK, so I have gone back and forth on how to safely and convienently transport the family bikes. I have decided to have a 2" receiver welded to the rear of our TT. Found a specialty hitch shop that will fabricate and install a "Frame to Frame" 2" reciever for $275-$325 depending on if they need to contend with any underbelly enclosure. Met the guy, saw their work, very impressed -- I was afraid it was going to cost double that.

Now I have started researching bike carriers. I really need a receiver mounted 4 bike carrier and much prefer the platform style. Of course now I am hearing the reciever mt platform type carriers aren't OK for TT/5er only certain hanging types.

Anyone out there using one? Any recomendations?

Jon

tinlizzie23 · 02-05-2013, 07:32 PM

We had a 2" receiver hitch already installed on our last 27 foot Prowler TT when we bought it used. We bought a platform carrier from Walmart, about 2' X 4', which was rated for 500lb. Hauled 3 bikes on it from Virginia to Wyoming and back with no problems. Since the platform was made of expanded metal with 3" high sides, I had to make a couple of mods to secure the bikes, but never had a problem.

As long as you have a secure receiver welded to the TT frame, I really don't know why a platform would not be OK for a TT or 5er. JMHO

clubhouse · 02-05-2013, 07:38 PM

Thanks, but when I say platform, specifically I'm looking for a bike carrier that the tires mount in a cradle/saddle vs hanging by the frame.

chipper · 02-05-2013, 08:14 PM

Wheel mount bike racks.

clubhouse · 02-05-2013, 08:59 PM

I have no problem finding them. None I find are recommended for trailer use. I'm looking for someone who knows of a 4 bike wheel mt rack that is...

A. Approved by the mfg for TT use

Or

B. Is currently using a non-approved version, and has been for at least a camping season, and can attest to a specific brand and model that hasn't had any issues.

clubhouse · 02-05-2013, 10:30 PM

Well Chipper, I owe you an apology!

I just spent some time pulling the Specs and Installation instructions and wouldn't you know the BC-X805-4 does permit installation on TT/5ers assuming sufficient ground clearance and a properly rated and installed receiver. This may be what I was looking for...and the price is excellent, which does scare me a little. Do you have any experience with Discount Ramps.com? Do they private label other MFG stuff? I see some name brands on their site, but lots of items aren't branded.

chipper · 02-06-2013, 06:21 AM

I've used Discount Ramps.com before. I purchased a 4 bike rack to mount on my fifth wheel(previous trailer) pin-box hitch. The price and quality was right.
When I sold the fifth wheel, I gave it the the new owner. I don't need a bike rack with the Toy Hauler.

chipper · 02-06-2013, 06:33 AM

Almost forgot.

A couple we camp with purchase this bike rack to mount on the rear of their fifth wheel trailer. This model is adjustable to fit different size bikes. They used it for 4 years before buying a Toy Hauler also. As far as I know, they had no problems with it.

tls001 · 02-06-2013, 01:42 PM

We have a THULE® - T2 Hitch Bike Rack that we really like, seems to be very durable. Never hauled it on the rear of the TT, we bought it to use on our truck.

tslarson · 02-06-2013, 06:05 PM

The most sturdy, bounce free rack I have ever used is made by Swagman. I have their 2 bike model and it is rock solid. It mounts to a 2" reciever hitch and bolts securely. They have a 4 bike version also.

clubhouse · 02-06-2013, 08:04 PM

OK here is what my research has shown...

Swagman is the only Mfg I found that had receiver mounted bike racks specifically designed with TT/5er use in mind.

The other name brands, particularly Yakima and Thule, both clearly say not for use on the back of trailers the will break and fail causing damage to the carrier, RV and bikes.

There are some non-mainstream that don't specifically say no. Some offer caution, but go as far to say if you do that you need to provide extra clearance and be cautious about excess Boyce and sway that can occur on the back of a trailer.

All that, I think I'll settle for a frame hanging type from Swagmsn since they specifically designed both 2 and 4 bike models for use on a trailer. They also offer a 2 bike platform approved for trailer use but I need 4 bikes.

Forgvn77 · 02-09-2013, 12:16 AM

I have a Swagman frame hanging type and it works great! The thing is built like a tank! It must weigh at least 30-40lbs. I've been very happy with it and have no reservations. Picked mine up from Etrailer.com.

Forgvn77 · 02-09-2013, 12:20 AM

PS - I have the 4 bike version.

Mike and Rose · 02-09-2013, 06:09 AM

I have a Thule on my Class C. One thing to check before your purchase is to make sure you have clearance if you have a rear mounted spare tire.

LiftedAWDAstro · 02-11-2013, 11:26 AM

I have the Swagman 4 bike carrier that is designed for use on the back of TT's. The only mod I did to the 2" receiver was to install a bolt through the bottom to eliminate any bounce. It is now rock steady. We have used it for at least 2 - 3 years with no issues.

Marteau · 02-11-2013, 02:20 PM

I have a Swagman 4 bike rack that bolts to a square tube rear bumper. It worked very well. It bolts on at 4 different points. The wheels set into the frame of the rack. It is totally different from the pictures shown above.

clubhouse · 02-11-2013, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marteau

I have a Swagman 4 bike rack that bolts to a square tube rear bumper. It worked very well. It bolts on at 4 different points. The wheels set into the frame of the rack. It is totally different from the pictures shown above.

I am familiar with what you are describing. Do you not have a spare tire on your bumper? I considered that carrier from Swagman, but from the pics I saw it looks like it would interfere with the spare tire. Plus, I am really uncomfortable with placing the load on my bumper...even a distributed load like the carrier you have produces. Folks around hear have told enough stories and showed enough pictures that I don't want to leave home with bikes and arrive at a campgound with out them :-)

Marteau · 02-11-2013, 07:38 PM

Actually I had that bike rack on a popup with a c shape bumper and the spare tire was on the back also. It worked OK, no problems but I had to do some engineering to make it work. I usually only had 2 bikes on the carrier. I plan on putting it on my 19H this spring sometime, but again I have to do some engineering to make it work. I taught welding for 30 years so thats not a problem.

chipper · 02-12-2013, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clubhouse

Do you not have a spare tire on your bumper? I considered that carrier from Swagman, but from the pics I saw it looks like it would interfere with the spare tire. :-)

I once(years ago) install a RV rear 4" bumper mounted bike rack. I moved the spare tire carrier to one side; and positioned the bike rack on the opposite side.
Because of the bounce, I removed it. If I were to someday do this again, I'd install the frame-to-frame 2" receiver.

troutslayer · 02-12-2013, 11:07 AM

Originally Posted by clubhouse
Do you not have a spare tire on your bumper? I considered that carrier from Swagman, but from the pics I saw it looks like it would interfere with the spare tire. :-)

For what its worth, I put our spare tire under the bed in the bedroom so as to keep that weight off the rear bumper.

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