Bicycles & Mirrors

[AndreS]

We just purchase a 19' Bambi and will be towing it with a 2000 Expedition.

We're very excited, but are now moving to the next level of detail. Any recommendations on towing mirrors?
We would like to travel with two mountain bikes.....suggestions/recommendations on how to accommodate them?

Thanks. Andre.

[lewster]

Don't hang anything on the rear of the trailer. Get a rack for your tow vehicle, whether a rail rack for your pick-up or a roof rack for your SUV (or similar vehicle). I just stuff mine into the Sprinter along with the motorcycle .

[ZoominC6]

Andre,
One option would be to install a receiver hitch to the front of your Expedition. You may then simply purchase a bike rack that will fit the hitch and carry two bikes. Works great for us when the bed of our truck is loaded with dog crates and generator etc.

[peegreen]

I used the Swagman towing bike rack. It holds three bikes, but I only would carry two while towing since on very tight turns the bike wheels would touch the LPG tanks. This rack mounts to your hitch draw bar. Check it out at Camping World.

[65GT]

Oooohhh this Basecamp has me sooo excited I decided to haul our bikes inside the GT. Right now I'm just throwing a moving pad over and between them and leaning them down on a gaucho, but making a quick little stand up carrier out of 2x2's should be pretty easy. I've got to add it to my list. A 1965 Toy Hauler -- who would have thunk it? I was carrying a stack of Aluminum stationary chairs in the isle but swapped them to the van in trade for the bikes.

__

[SilverRanger]

Congratulations on the Bambi, and welcome to the forum. I'm partial to the McKesh mirrors. They're stable, and easy on, easy off. I break down my bike and haul it in the back of my truck. I could just as easily fit it inside the Bambi if properly secured. The front receiver hitch is a good idea, and one I have been considering because it could have other uses.

[ZoominC6]

Andre,
SilverRanger mentioned other uses for the front hitch. What would that be you might ask. Some have difficulty backing anything. I have a friend who would rather push his fishing boat down the ramp with his front hitch than back it down with his rear hitch. There may be those who would rather park their Airstream with a front hitch as well. Enjoy your Airstream and this forum.

[SilverRanger]

I suppose using a front mounted hitch for backing a trailer into a tight spot would be a good use, one I hadn't considered. It might even save wear and tear on a marriage. Here on the Delaware coast, we can use our 4WD vehicles to go surf fishing on some of the state park beaches. Some purchase or build elaborate racks to go on the front of their vehicles, locally known as "front porches", to haul their surf fishing rods, coolers, etc. I also already have a receiver hitch mounted bike rack that I can't use when towing. Hey, I think I just talked myself into getting the front receiver hitch.

[SilverToy]

SilverRanger -

Yes, I too have a friend in the N. NC area that LOVES his toys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In fact he is a confirmed toy fanatic.

Cigarette boat (uses 2 times a year, maybe), bass boat w/ twin 90's, 3 campers, 2 race cars, 2 off road Jeeps, 9 trailers, 6 cars/ trucks, 4 GTO's incl. 2 Judge's - ALL REALLY NICE!- with about 40 motors/trannys, and several storage places to cover it all.

All he needs is a plane!

He actually has 3 front hitches on his "burb . The center is for the MEGA cooler and the wing ones are for 6 or 8 rods each. It is a wonder he can see the road, much less the beach or the ocean!

He also has Hella lights on the bumper corners (F & R) plus on top (6 I think) along with the aimable "spots" on the "A" pillars. He must have 10 dash swithches for them all.

Doran pressure monitors with intergrated compressor - for deflation/ inflation for beach conditions. Wang Winches front and rear. There is NOTHING this guy ISN'T ready for.

Except the payments. Whines up and down about the expenses! I just laugh!

For course when I'm in a jam - I call him. He can do it all!

Gotta hand him that.

Had to chime in on the 'fishing' crowd that I know.

Peace

Axel

[Happycampers]

Regarding front hitches.. We have one on our Ford 3/4 ton and thought it would be a great idea for the bikes...BUT the bikes are in our line of vision for driving.. had a near miss accident due to this.. we will not use them for bikes but love the idea of being able to manvuer (sp) the trailer into some tight spots... Please be careful with these front hitches if using for bikes...Annie

[AYRSTRM2]

AND, as I have found out, with my '04 Expy, the front hitches are not possible or available for every model. We're going to throw the bikes in the back of the Expy for now.

[ZoominC6]

Axel,

Does your friend have the tee shirt he obviously needs? He Who Dies With The Most Toys Wins!

[Rod Pease]

We have a 2003 Bambi and our tow vehicle is a GMC pickup. When we are fully loaded we have a canoe over the cab and truck bed, and a 2" receiver hitch mounted Hollywood folding bike rack with two mountain bikes on the front. It is a good set up, however it does stick out in front of the truck about 28-30". The only draw back that I have found is the bikes are in front of the headlights and reduce the amount of light thrown by the headlights 10 or 15%. Mostly we avoid towing in the dark so it is not a factor but front mounted bike racks do reduce the amont of light that gets to the road from your headlights and if you tow a lot at night you need to consider this. We will be fully loaded when we go out on Memorial Day weekend and I will take a picture to post then. We aren't planning to take the bikes, only the canoe when we go out this weekend for Mothers Day. (Our two dogs are taking their "Mother" to hiking in the woods for Mothers Day.)

[sander17]

Andre,
We went with the Yakima roof rack and their "king cobra" bicycle mounts. The advantage of the mount is you do not have to dismount the front wheel when loading. Their customer service is excellent. Just avoid drive-thru windows when the bikes are up there..........Don't ask......