If not on the rear bumper, where to put the bikes?

[DavidsonOverlander]

Originally Posted by MrUKToad

What, in the opinion of you Airstreamers, are the disadvantages of carrying bikes inside the trailer?

The biggest drawback I see is that they're in the way, especially when you're travelling with 3 or 4 kids and 5 or 6 bikes. There's also the chance that the bikes will damage something if they move around while you're travelling. I'm planning on adding a front receiver to the truck for a bike rack that will hold 4 bikes, and if we need more the others will go in the back of the truck.

[sledf15]

Just took our first trip. Argosy 26. Put 2 adult bikes and 2 kid bikes inside. No damage either way and worked fine (leaned 3 against the couch). Cheap and easy. Now where to put the kayak??

[Edistobob]

Another vote for the bike carrier installed in a front receiver. Easy to install the receiver, easy to install the carrier. We find this method to be very convenient and relatively problem-free.

[Sitting duck]

Originally Posted by Savage68

I've seen other posts regarding mounting bike racks on the rear bumpers, which is apparently not recommended due to stress on the frame.

I'm shocked. I believe you, but "stress on the frame"? The AS weighs 8000 pounds, and the company fears the frame might be damaged by a 30# bicycle?
Now, maybe the bumper is fragile, but I would think some creative folks could weld a bracket to the frame to carry a bike. Or mount a 2" receiver, and use the commonly available bike racks?
I confess I read this thread to find a way to mount a 650 cc scooter on the back. Yikes!

Originally Posted by kiddoc1

I had the new AS bicycle rack installed at the Airstream factory in Jackson Center.
Check out my blog with 10 or so photos

Very cool, thanks for posting. Do the brackets through bolt into the back of the trailer or are they sheet metal screws? Do you have access like a removable panel?
I was wondering, the boating industry makes hardware like that for bimini tops using stainless hardware. I'll bet those would be much stronger than the aluminum ones.