Bike rack suggestions

[camlivy]

We are new to this and want to take our bikes. We need advice on bike racks recommended for AI-2015 EXT and how they mount so access to storage is still possible.

Appreciate all the experience out there.

[Protagonist]

While it's relatively easy to find swing-away hitch-mounted cargo boxes, it's not so easy to find swing-away hitch-mounted bike racks.

I used to have an electric bike that I took on trips, but when I got rid of the bike, I got rid of the bike rack, too. If you get something like this one I had: http://www.amazon.com/Swagman-Cross-...nted+bike+rack then you'll at least be able to leave the rack on the van, fold down the upright, and open the rear doors. But accessing the rear doors while the bikes are on the rack, not very likely.

[cory_can]

I don't have a Sprinter but I use a Thule 9027 on my SUV....a premium quality swing-away.

[joemikeb]

I have seen the Swagman XC 2 like the one in Progatagonist's picture on a front mounted receiver on several pickup campers. I haven't checked to see what mounting a front receiver on a Sprinter would entail but that would definitely solve the problem of storage access and the Swagman mount is well thought of.

[c21]

I agree with Protag, the Swagman Carriers, available on Amazon, work great as the upright bar will swing down by simply pulling a pin which then allows the doors to open. My wife uses one on her VW Tourag with a liftgate. The bikes can't be on the carrier when you lower the upright.

[Boxster1971]

This Swagman bike rack looks a lot like the bike racks I see on the front of city busses around the country. Interesting.....


- - Mike
2013 Lounge EXT on 2012 Sprinter

[Kwils25]

You may want to check out the racks at:
WWW.stowaway2.com

They have a swing away feature that will allow you to fully open your rear doors. They are a little pricey for me, so I use a Thule 2 bike receiver rack. It allows me to open the rear doors a little while the bikes are on. We have adopted a process where as I pack the rear of the van I make sure anything that we need enroute to our destination is within easy reach of the back door. Then when we set up for the night, if I need further access, I just remove the bikes and the rack.

If we are going to be in one place for a few days I just leave the bikes and the rack off of the coach. Depending on the situation, I may lock the bikes to the picnic table, most times I don't bother. This works for us.



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[Firedog1]

I use the Swagman Rack in front mounted hitch on my F250, Had same set up on my previous F150. We love it. Front hitch is made by Curt and can be purchased from etrailer.com

[weirdstuff]

We have a Thule swing rack on ours. Holds 4 bikes. It's a hitch mount. I think Yakima also makes a swing rack.

Edit: Got ours at REI. You can buy them from anyone that sells Thule racks.