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Old 08-09-2014, 09:22 PM   #1
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Airstream Bike carrier

Has anyone purchased the Fiamma carry- bikes from the Airstream store. I have a 97 34' Excella and am curious, if they work as advertised and if you can open the outside compartment that goes under the bed. It looks nice but I have not seen one in person, any input is appreciated.
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Old 08-09-2014, 10:55 PM   #2
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I really like mine. I have a different trailer and got mine from the local dealer. They did the install.

It is rock solid, holds our two bikes nicely and is plenty stout. I can still access the back bumper compartment but with the bikes on the rack it is a little more difficult to get things in and out of it.

I tried the other options for carrying bikes and this is by far the best way to go for us.
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Old 08-10-2014, 12:01 AM   #3
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I purchased the rack directly from Airstream and installed it myself.

My only criticism of the rack is that the bikes ride awfully close to one another.
This because of the very narrow spread between the wheel rails.

If you care about the finish on your bike(s) you will need to put something substantial but not abrasive between places making contact. This takes time and tens to discourage spontaneity.

This photo is of it on my Bambi 19. I'm going to transfer it to my 23D but not until I purchase the bottom "U" pipe fixture that allows for a wider spread between the rails. I've seen the part on a Fiama model T2 carrier.

I did see a quick fix that entails adding a spacer pipe on the outside bike's seatpost/top tube securing arm. It allows for more room at the top of the bikes.
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Old 08-10-2014, 06:52 AM   #4
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Have this bike rack on our 27FB. Happy with it. Bikes do get scratched as mentioned above. We also have to pad one of our handle brakes because it scratched the back window while traveling. Cannot open back windows with bikes on rack. Very pleased with carrier overall.
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Old 08-10-2014, 07:36 AM   #5
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Another solution is the Arvika bike rack mounted on A frame above the propane tanks. I don't think the Airstream Fiamma is compatible with your year of Airstream. Much easier to install than the Fiamma rack on the back of the Airstream.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f516...ck-104626.html
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Old 08-10-2014, 07:45 AM   #6
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The reasons we chose the Fiamma rack over the Arvika rack is that it does not add to the Airstream's considerable hitch weight (actually subtracts a bit) and is very easy to access.

They do ride close together which is necessary to minimize moving loads on the rear of the Airstream's structure. As a matter of loading the bikes we have some old bike tire tubes cut and sliced lengthwise to tie around any areas that may contact.

It's a very good rack, bikes have held solid in several cross-country trips.
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Old 08-10-2014, 01:08 PM   #7
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Hey everyone, thanks for all the input, I've look at the Arvika on your advice and also found that Fiamma does build a rack to fit most trailers back to and including our 97 Excella 1000. They make a flange to fit the flat plastic bumper cover which will allow access to the bumper drawer, but not sure about the under bed access door. I placed an order for the Fiamma and plan to modify the mount as needed to access the door for under the bed. Thanks again for all the input.
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Old 08-10-2014, 01:34 PM   #8
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I do not like how it blocks the rear lights. Turn and brake lighting needs to be clearly visible in my opinion. I just put my folding bike in its case inside the trailer.
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Old 08-10-2014, 01:40 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AWCHIEF View Post
I do not like how it blocks the rear lights. Turn and brake lighting needs to be clearly visible in my opinion. I just put my folding bike in its case inside the trailer.
I agree about lights being seen, especially in congested areas during the day.

Fiamma does make a remote light setup that goes on the back of the carrier.
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Old 08-10-2014, 01:59 PM   #10
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I considered adding two remote lights but after mounting the bikes found the lights quite easy to see, so I didn't.
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Old 08-10-2014, 02:41 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by interstateflyer View Post
I agree about lights being seen, especially in congested areas during the day.

Fiamma does make a remote light setup that goes on the back of the carrier.
I recently towed from north Wisconsin to Jackson Center with the right tail light out. I stopped at two different RV dealerships and neither one would work on Airstream electrics. To say I was nervous about that is an understatement. I did have a couple of close calls in heavy highway traffic in the Chicago area. Not having 100% working and visible lights is not worth the trouble it could cause.
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Old 08-10-2014, 03:49 PM   #12
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I may be one of the most safety conscience people on the planet. The Quality Assurance Chief in our Navy aircraft squadron. I do a walk around the Airstream checking security and lights before every trip. If I thought the the tail lights were not working and visible, I would add would two remote lights behind the rack. I haven't but that doesn't mean someone else couldn't if they wanted to. Every bike on these racks is different.
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Old 08-12-2014, 02:47 PM   #13
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We have used the rack for two travel seasons. Very happy with it. Bikes are secure and out of the way. The frames do rub as described. I will try one of the fixes mentioned. Minor difficulty getting into the rear bumper compartment. We can open our rear window to the first notch with the right bike (smaller handle bars) on the inside. Ours was installed by dealer.
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Old 08-12-2014, 03:42 PM   #14
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I do not get off the subject too far. For the last 10 years we have been using a bike rack that goes in a front of the truck receiver type hitch. The bikes do not block the lights, and we can drop the trailer and take the bikes with us if we want to.
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Old 09-29-2014, 09:00 PM   #15
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I am also looking into bike racks of sorts. My biggest issue after watching the install video is drilling into the back of the coach. Breaching the skin of my AS makes MY skin crawl! I do kind of like msmcv51's thought. are there any other systems out there? Has anyone thought of installing a trailer hitch on the rear of the AS?

Thanks, Everyone!

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Old 09-23-2015, 09:56 AM   #16
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Bike Rack

I am just getting my airstream in a few days and I have been thinking about how I will haul my bikes. I think I like the idea of a hitch on the back of the trailer. Rack can be removed if you need access to the door also you can take the bikes with the truck when the trailer is parked.
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Old 09-23-2015, 10:29 AM   #17
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So what's the downside to installing a hitch on the back of the AS, then use any one of the many bike carriers that are made for this? I know there's the weight penalty, but that may actually help lower the front tongue weight, which would be a good thing.
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Old 09-23-2015, 10:32 AM   #18
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Research rear end separation. The body and frame could part ways


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Old 09-23-2015, 10:48 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by msmcv51 View Post
I do not get off the subject too far. For the last 10 years we have been using a bike rack that goes in a front of the truck receiver type hitch. The bikes do not block the lights, and we can drop the trailer and take the bikes with us if we want to.
I agree with msmsv. The front bike rack, properly installed and the correct rack to provide maximum visibility is the way to go. I have tried to send an attachment with pictures of mine, but for some reason the ability to do this is failing. Check out my pictures site for this info

>>ron<<
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Old 09-23-2015, 12:50 PM   #20
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Make sure you research....emergency window blocked, fiamma rack failure. Suggest you read these threads:

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q...+on+airstreams
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