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08-09-2014, 09:22 PM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
ARLINGTON
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 41
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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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08-09-2014, 10:55 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2006 25' Safari FB SE
Spokane
, Washington
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,843
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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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08-10-2014, 12:01 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2017 25' International
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Los Osos
, California
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 916
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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.
__________________
2017 Airstream International Serenity 25FB
2016 RAM 2500 Crew Cab Cummins 6.7 Diesel
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08-10-2014, 06:52 AM
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#4
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3 Rivet Member
2016 27' Flying Cloud
Streator
, Illinois
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 133
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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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08-10-2014, 07:36 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2008 25' Classic
Full Time
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,309
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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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08-10-2014, 07:45 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
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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.
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles
The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
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08-10-2014, 01:08 PM
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#7
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2 Rivet Member
ARLINGTON
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 41
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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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08-10-2014, 01:34 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
2006 23' Safari SE
Biloxi
, Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,278
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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.
__________________
MICHAEL
Do you know what a learning experience is? A learning experience is one of those things that says "You know that thing that you just did? Don't do that."
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08-10-2014, 01:40 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
2017 25' International
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Los Osos
, California
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 916
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AWCHIEF
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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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.
__________________
2017 Airstream International Serenity 25FB
2016 RAM 2500 Crew Cab Cummins 6.7 Diesel
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08-10-2014, 01:59 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
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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.
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles
The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
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08-10-2014, 02:41 PM
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#11
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Rivet Master
2006 23' Safari SE
Biloxi
, Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,278
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Quote:
Originally Posted by interstateflyer
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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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.
__________________
MICHAEL
Do you know what a learning experience is? A learning experience is one of those things that says "You know that thing that you just did? Don't do that."
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08-10-2014, 03:49 PM
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#12
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
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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.
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles
The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
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08-12-2014, 02:47 PM
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#13
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JandD
2014 25' FB Flying Cloud
Weaverville
, California
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 30
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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.
__________________
J and D
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08-12-2014, 03:42 PM
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#14
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4 Rivet Member
1987 25' Sovereign
Oregon
, Ohio
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 491
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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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09-29-2014, 09:00 PM
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#15
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3 Rivet Member
2007 27' Safari FB SE
Rancho Murieta
, California
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 249
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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!
Ron
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09-23-2015, 09:56 AM
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#16
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2 Rivet Member
2008 27' International FB
Oklahoma City
, Oklahoma
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 36
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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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09-23-2015, 10:29 AM
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#17
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4 Rivet Member
2016 25' Flying Cloud
Holly Springs
, Mississippi
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 426
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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.
__________________
Bob
2016 FC 25' FB twin
2013 F-150 Lariat CrewCab 3.5 EB 4X4 3.55 axle
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09-23-2015, 10:32 AM
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#18
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4 Rivet Member
2006 23' Safari SE
Nevada City
, California
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 265
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Research rear end separation. The body and frame could part ways
Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
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09-23-2015, 10:48 AM
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#19
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4 Rivet Member
2011 30' Classic
2007 25' International CCD
1993 32' Excella
Largo
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 355
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Quote:
Originally Posted by msmcv51
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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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<<
__________________
2015 GMC Denali 2500, 4x4, Duramax diesel, Topper, Pro Pride 3 P, Sendel 16" with Michelin LTs, one Yellow Labrador Retriever (AS security)
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09-23-2015, 12:50 PM
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#20
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Rivet Master
2013 25' Flying Cloud
2008 30' Classic
On The Road To Wherever We End Up
, Traveling the USA
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 552
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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
__________________
Jeanne and John, and always with us...Jake
2008 30' Classic Ltd Rear twin, 2014 Ford Super Duty
WBCCI 3100, unit 12, TAC USA-1, Escapees 129379
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