Need Plans for Hitch Receiver for Bike Rack

[JoenJan16]

Thanks everyone. I will be transporting the bikes in the trailer with bungies and blankets.

[AnnArborBob]

Originally Posted by JoenJan16

Thanks everyone. I will be transporting the bikes in the trailer with bungies and blankets.

Wise decision.

And if you do decide to use the search function (just for fun) you will see why this group jumped all over you re: this question!

[prairieschooner]

No!!!

[adobehome]

We started with the bikes inside our '63 GT. Hated that for all the obvious reasons. Played with and tried, briefly (never left driveway) with rear bumper bike storage. Best & safest solution, for us, is the roof rack. A combo of Thule & Yakima system. About $400. Easy, breezy. Secure, safe and out of the way.

[Sbb]

I had mine in 19', actually went pretty well, took down, put on bed. Then put bike in open area of dinette.

[cazual6]

Originally Posted by Phoenix

The links below are to related threads currently in discussion on this topic. Strongly suggest you read these in their entirety before deciding whether to pursue this subject further.

• Bike Rack
  
  
• Out of Control Sway

OP, I am the OP for "Out of Control Sway". You don't want to experience what I did with having bikes in the back. I have the FC19, with very light bikes. I had TONs of insights. Consider other options, the bikes in the back for anything shorter than an FC19 might be pushing the limits. I am all for "There is a solution", but I also know that "It doesn't mean it is a good solution."

Consider what the others have said, Roof Rack or put the bikes inside the AS. One advise, put a pan under the pedal when it is laid down so it won't damaged the floor.

Having bikes is great when you travel around.

[horseylady]

We were going to go the route of having that expensive, Airstream approved, bike rack installed in Jackson City then decided we didn't want to spend $800, or whatever it was, and we wanted the bikes where we could see them. We were in Florida, with new bikes, and decided to have a reputable installer put a 2" receiver on the front of our truck, made for that purpose. We hauled the bikes about 1200 miles back to home with no problems. I did purchase a strap to stabilize to the hinged part of the hood of the truck but have only used it on the car and it will make a big difference on the truck, I'm sure--at least make me less anxious. Actually, the bikes hardly got dirty. You could put covers on but we are afraid it would affect the air flow to the truck. Works for us. I didn't no way, no how, want them inside the trailer. Granted these are only $500, each, bicycles so if you have high-dollar merchandise might want to rethink it. Back in the 70's that's how we hauled bicycles on the front of our Class C motorhome. Many thousands of miles. We are used to having something hanging over the cab (kayaks) and lines coming down so the bikes don't bother us at all.

Good luck with your decision.

Pam

[banderabob]

See my prior posts on the Arvika rack from Canada. Not cheap, but mounts up front on the tongue, we love it.

[AWCHIEF]

My Airstream specific Arvika. Does job better any I have researched.

[jcwall]

I had an Airstream dealer fabricate a beautiful receiver hitch and install it on my 23FB Flying Cloud. Total cost was $705, which I admit seemed like a lot. I used it for two years and was very happy with it. I recently traded in the Airstream for a different trailer but I kept the receiver hitch. It measures exactly 62 inches from side to side and bolts on to the frame. If you could use it I can make you a deal and you can install it yourself.

[HyOnLyph]

I'd consider a dual hitch on the tow vehicle
https://www.amazon.com/Bicycle-Recei.../dp/B000P6CJ9O
Top receiver is for the bike rack.
That way you are not having any issues with the AS.

[cazual6]

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

My Airstream specific Arvika. Does job better any I have researched. Attachment 265640Attachment 265641

Next time you have your bikes on them, mind sending a picture? I would like the wife to get a look.

[Buck944]

I have an arvika too, nice rack and we'll made...

[cazual6]

Thanks Buck944!!

[AWCHIEF]

Originally Posted by HyOnLyph

I'd consider a dual hitch on the tow vehicle
https://www.amazon.com/Bicycle-Recei.../dp/B000P6CJ9O
Top receiver is for the bike rack.
That way you are not having any issues with the AS.

Generally not considered a good idea to use these. Apparently it lessons the allowable tongue weight. I am not an Internet engineer so do not pretend to know all the details.

[xrvr]

The rack should be okay unless you are pushing the tongue weight. I think this is the way to go. Looks great. Thanks for the picture.

[rsjmcg]

If one is still very spry, then a TV-roof-mount-rack is better & safer than any rear-of-trailer rack available, or, a rack above the LP tanks works well too, as long as the weight doesn't over-compromise tongue weight limits. If one is no longer spry enough for those safe-enough racks, then a TV-front-receiver bike rack, e.g. like the white Chevy's rack in the linked pic below, is the better & safer still option due to loading the bikes lower than the other safe options (while also allowing them to be seen while driving). The pic is a google result; I have a front receiver on my GMC 2500 which easily/quickly allows different racks for different needs and, am mindful that front loads not interfere w/ my TV's front lights.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TRLnThs-Th...untedBikes.jpg