Bike Rack Advice Needeed

[Lucky 7's]

Thinking about a bike rack for the back of the tt, Any ideas on what I should look for and or what I should not to do??? Salesman told me about one that does Not bolt to the bumper, he said that there is a lot of bouncing going on back there and has seen bumbers get bent/ broke off the unit. Not in a big rush so looking for advice.

[kipper]

Ive heard the same , the rear bumper is not the place to put a bike rack , Im also looking for ideas ,

[glazier]

You could use the rear bumper if you are just hauling 1 bike. You can look around and see several bumper mounted spare tires. If I were going to use it to haul more than one I would get it "beefed" up by a welder, with some plates and gussets.

[Jaycojenni]

We have a Curt bumper mount hitch receiver and a Swagman XP 4 place hitch mounted bike rack. When i follow hubby in other suburban pulling boat the ride is usally smooth on the expressway but when get on rough roads or RR tracks it bounces quite a bit. We have never bent anything. We have noticed after upgrading from 2 pl to 4 pl rack (much heavier) that we began losing bumper plugs. When following with boat i usually notice it geting ajar and call hubby and have him pull over so i can fix it... After last trip tested the "bounce" of everything in driveway and noticed that the bumper tweeks and plug comes ajar. Warranty is off this fall so next spring brother-in- law will be welding a hitch receiver to the frame. Swagman make a nice model XP hithc rack that lets you ajust the mount (for male vs female bars) so that all the bikes hang level. Our model was made for RV and doesn't have the drop down for the bikes so it is more stable but i don't think it's made anymore. I would definetely have someone weld something to the frame

[hausknwa]

We have a 322 FSK Eagle and purchased a receiver hitch for mounting a cargo carrier and bike carrier. The hitch bolted on the frame of the TT. The hitch we used was a "Hidden Hitch" Model #82201 Universal RV Hitch. You can find them at Trailerhitches.com. http://www.trailerhitches.com/heavy-...4294923962.cfm

[usmc616]

I had used a bike rack that mounted to my bumper, big mistake, besides bumper bending downward we had a few dents in the TT where the bikes bounced into it. My new TT has a factory installed bike tray.

I have seen a bike rack that mounts above the propane tanks in front of the TT. You could also use a front mounted receiver on your TV and then use a receiver bike rack.

I believe the best solution would have a welder afix a receiver to your TT frame.

[Lucky 7's]

Thanks, I think that my thoughts and your advice are correct with going to the frame mounted system if find what I think that I want. I hate buying the one I thought I wanted only to find it was not what I really thought I wanted. About the dents, was that from the bouncing or was that a mounting error? I sure don't want to be the one to put the first dent in it, She would hang me. After 21 yearsof bliss I sure don't need any more rope burns on my neck.

[usmc616]

The dents in the TT were from my rear bumper mounted receiver bouncing and letting the bikes contacting the TT wall.

[Jon Jenkins]

Or if your TV is a truck go with a "ladder rack" style bike carrier. I have the Thule XSporter 422. Just google search and you'll find it, or go here . The think I liked about this rack is the height adjust quickly from bedrail level to above the top of the pickup. So when not in use I collapse the posts down, but when going camping or hauling lumber I elevate them to open up bed space. Great, great rack but pricey at $550 and then another $80-90 for bike rails. But you will not be disappointed. It will hold around 500lbs of cargo. I use it all the time.

[joyride]

Lucky,
Go to the bike store and pick up a bike rack for the top of your TV, safest place to have them IMHO

[Denise]

Keith, I can't remember what tv you have, but here's another thing to consider. When Don and I travel to new places that have parks/bike paths/river paths/etc, we like to take our bikes and ride there. If you may do the same with your family maybe there is some set-up you could do to the front of your truck (we did that while towing a 5er years ago), or in the bed. Let us know what you do.

[Seann45]

Have a welder add a piece of I beam between the frame rails and then add a class III hitch and you can add a bike rack...