Best way to carry bicycles?

[Gringo]

I don't get the impression that these trailers are a good bet to bolt anything with any weight or "spring" to them. They're built really light. The truck is made to take the weight. The back of the airstream, well, maybe.

[Gilmurr]

To date we have put our 2 bikes inside leaning into the front couch and use a nylon strap to secure it to the couch armrests. Have had no problems, they have stayed secure over some rough roads and are the first thing out of the trailer when we set up. Out of sight, dry, and no weight added in the rear. Suprised no one has commented on doing it this way.....

[BAB]

I have the Fiamma on my 28' Intl. I will not put one on my new Classic. Main reasons: it takes a contortionist to get into the trunk and retrieve electric cord, water hose, etc. if the Fiamma is installed. Even worse if the bikes are on it. On my 8,200 mile summer jaunt, the Fiamma suffered a broken aluminum part (upper brace that screws into the trailer). Even though my Trek bikes do not exceed the recommended weight, I conclude that the cast aluminum piece that broke wasn't sufficient on the Indiana Toll Road (see my previous whining about this 'highway'). Cost to replace this one little brace: $56. So, I am going to buy two Dahon folding bikes. I can (almost) buy two of them for the price of the Fiamma -- the only bike recommended for A/S trailers. Can't use the pickup. No real estate there.

[MaineStreamer]

Originally Posted by Gilmurr

To date we have put our 2 bikes inside leaning into the front couch and use a nylon strap to secure it to the couch armrests. Have had no problems, they have stayed secure over some rough roads and are the first thing out of the trailer when we set up. Out of sight, dry, and no weight added in the rear. Suprised no one has commented on doing it this way.....

Gilmurr - How do you strap your bikes to your couch? Marty

[Wayne&Sam]

Depends on the bikes too. I would never travel long distances with my bikes outside the vehicle or trailer. But then my bikes are a high priority, I ride a fair amount.

Attaching fork mounts to boards gives flexibility inside the vehicle, and you can find places in most trails using them too.

I put a fork mount on the front of the night stand in our twin, for example.

[MaineStreamer]

Sorry to sound ignorant, but can't envision where your fork mount is located. Please describe. Great idea, though!

[Gilmurr]

Marty.....to use the strap on the couch I lift the armrests and put the hook there, around the bikes and to the armrest on the other side. I don't tighten too much so as not to put stress on the coach. Have not had an issue to date. Also make sure the bikes are clean and that no grease comes in contact with the coach (old blanket). The strap I use is a friction grip with hooks on each end.

David

[lcurrie]

Here's how I do it. The fork stays are attached with wing nuts so I can remove them quickly without tools if I want.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/lcurri...7627846705267/


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[AWCHIEF]

My bike is a fold up version with a carry bag. I usually carry it in the Jeep GC. I have no desire to hang a rack on the back of my trailer.

[batman]

Sorry folks. In my previous posts #17 and #18, I stated that I used Reese top mount rack. What I meant to say was I use Thule top mount racks. I guess that's what happens when you get older.

[Gringo]

Old people choose Thule? Whew. I just checked mine, and it's still Yakima....

[Al and Missy]

I just towed my Safari 25 about 700 miles with bikes on the front of the TV. I love my bike rack (Hollywood) but I'm not thrilled with the headlight obstruction driving at night. I would normally plan to be stopped by dark, but on this trip circumstances intervened. In addition to blocking the light to the road, the rims reflected light back into my eyes. Bugs weren't bad, but could have been if I had been in Florida at dusk.

I don't have a couch or a dinette. About the only inside option I can come up with is fork mounts on a piece of wood in the isle and straps/bungee cords to restrain the bikes from moving.

I've looked at a friends trailer which has a rear mounted hitch. This particular trailer was previously owned by a metal fabricator and in addition to the rear hitch there are custom-made swing-out Honda generator mounts at each side of the bumper. I figure the two generators are close to the weight of my bikes and rack.

There is just no weight to speak of on the frame behind the rear of the trailer. The frame is steel box with a reinforcing web welded underneath. I just don't see how 100# of bikes and rack could put significant stress on those frame rails. I may try to build a Fiamma-type link to the rear of the trailer to dampen any bouncing if I can figure out a way to do it. The post above about failure of the trailer-mounted bracket indicates that there is some amount of bounce, at least in the Fiamma rack. I'm not sure I'll get that much with my all-steel Hollywood, particularly if I mount it deep in the receiver.

Al

[WaLee]

I'm an avid cyclist and travel with the Fiamma. No problems with the bikes rubbing, installed a lock to keep the honest people honest. I do put the bikes inside when not using them and off on a different activity. I don't worry too much about them stopping at the supermarket or stopping for a meal and they are some pretty expensive italian road bikes. One thing to consider, those aluminum bars could be defeated in a couple minutes with a hacksaw.

[Jim Flower]

Originally Posted by lcurrie

Here's how I do it. The fork stays are attached with wing nuts so I can remove them quickly without tools if I want.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/lcurri...7627846705267/


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Exterior mounting of a bike is exceptionally hard on the bike and I only do it for a short duration using the Rocky Mount system. The interior mounting system shown here is really excellent. Jim


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[MaineStreamer]

Is the fork mount mounted on the dining table?

[batman]

Originally Posted by martinwomer

Is the fork mount mounted on the dining table?

lol, Aren't forks supposed to be on the table?
Looks like it is mounted to the seat panel, where the cushion should be.

[MaineStreamer]

Originally Posted by lcurrie

Here's how I do it. The fork stays are attached with wing nuts so I can remove them quickly without tools if I want.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/lcurri...7627846705267/


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

Lynn - In your Safari, do you use just one fork mount to hold two bikes -- one bike merely strapped with bungee cords to the other bike that is in the fork mount, as it seems in your photo? Or do you have two fork mounts that are mounted in a staggered arrangement?

It seems like you have set the tabletop down to level as if using your dining area as a spare bed, but have put the cushions away somewhere else. Is that correct?

[MaineStreamer]

Originally Posted by batman

lol, Aren't forks supposed to be on the table?
Looks like it is mounted to the seat panel, where the cushion should be.

Yes, I agree that the fork mount looks like it is mounted on the seat panel of the dining area. Very clever.

[Wayne&Sam]

martinwormer- here's how I did it in my 20'

[MaineStreamer]

Wayne and Sam,
Is your fork mount simply mounted on a (nicely stained and finished) board that is perpendicular to the bicycle? Is the board not attached to the floor when you are traveling? Your photos are excellent. Thank you. One more question: Do you have a second board perpendicular to the main board for the purpose of stability, and perhaps to make your board stand wide enough so it cannot move from side to side in the aisle of your Safari?