Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 06-16-2015, 05:41 AM   #1
Site Team
 
Hans627's Avatar

 
2009 25' FB International
2018 27' Globetrotter
Tavares , Florida
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,654
Bike Rack

While I'm waiting to get the issue resolved with the AS brakes and my TV brake controller (two week wait) I am considering getting a bike rack. This leads to to few questions.

My new 2009 AS is a FB model. Am I correct in assuming that a bike rack can be installed on a FB model?

Which bike rack is best for a FB or does it not make a difference? What are your recommendations?

Is the installation easy enough for a fairly handy guy to do it himself?

Thanks!
Hans627 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-16-2015, 05:55 AM   #2
Rivet Master
 
AnnArborBob's Avatar
 
2014 27' FB Eddie Bauer
Chelsea , Michigan
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,792
Images: 12
This issue has been discussed quite extensively before. Basically, a bumper or frame mounted rack is a bad idea because AS frames are not as strong as with SOB trailers. AS' use a semi-monocoque design that relies on the frame, floor and shell collectively for it's strength. Use the search function and look for "bike rack" and you will have more opinions than you can shake a stick at.
__________________
Bob Martel
WBCCI# 5766
AnnArborBob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-16-2015, 06:25 AM   #3
Rivet Master
 
KJRitchie's Avatar
 
2008 25' Classic
Full Time , Texas
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,309
I have the Arvika system that mounts the bikes over the propane tanks. Easy bolt on install. Adds a little weight on the hitch. The other popular system is the Airstram rear mounted Fiamma rack. I went with the Arvika because my Classic has the rear bumper pull out tray. Bikes would be easier to put on ans take off but the installation requires drilling holes into the shell and bumper.

Kelvin
__________________
2008 Classic 25fb "Silver Mistress"
2015 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins. Crew Cab, 4x4, Silver
KJRitchie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-16-2015, 07:28 AM   #4
Rivet Master
 
2022 25' Flying Cloud
2015 30' FB FC Bunk
2012 25' FB Flying Cloud
Golden , Colorado
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 915
Bike Rack

3 Large Mountain Bikes. Quick easy on and off.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Bike Rack.JPG
Views:	1174
Size:	119.8 KB
ID:	240771  
2012FB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-16-2015, 08:15 AM   #5
Site Team
 
Hans627's Avatar

 
2009 25' FB International
2018 27' Globetrotter
Tavares , Florida
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,654
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2012FB View Post
3 Large Mountain Bikes. Quick easy on and off.
Is this a commercially available rack? I've never seen this one before but it is intriguing. Would you be willing to share more information?

Thanks!
Hans627 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-16-2015, 08:59 AM   #6
Newbie
 
2015 25' FB International
Sherwood , Oregon
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 4
This is the route that I'm most likely to take as well (and have used in the past).

I just picked a 2010 F150 and 2015 Intl 25FB last weekend. First question my wife asked was "where do we put the bikes?". The TV came with a hard bed cover that is perfect for mounting the rack to.

The pictured rack (in #4) looks like a Yakima Bike rack which comes with about a bazillion mounting options, including the option to bolt rails to a bed cover that will receive the rack towers. I think most of the big rack makers have options like this, but I've always used Yakima in the past. Thule is another good company. Basically, any roof mounted bike rack option can probably be adapted to mounting on a hard bed cover or directly to the bed rails if you don't want/use a hard cover.

The dealer offered the Fiamma option (for ~$800) or to custom weld/attach a hitch to receive my existing hitch mounted Yakima Rack (also ~$800). But it sounds like the AS frame is not particularly well suited to having a hitch attached. The bed cover option is a lot less expensive option for me since I have most of the expensive components already, but a complete Yakima setup for 3 bikes like this might cost about the same as the other options..

Hope this helps

-Kevin
redfernplace is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-16-2015, 09:32 AM   #7
Rivet Master
 
airdreamers's Avatar
 
2008 27' International FB
Venice , Florida
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 706
Images: 14
I used an E-Trailer front Tow Vehicle 2' receiver, works well. I may shorten the upright so as to reduce the reduce the visual sight of the bikes. Otherwise works great!
__________________
Bill and Janice, We're lovin' it! (Airstreaming)

Airdreamers

WBCCI #8880
AIR #41310
airdreamers is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-16-2015, 10:42 AM   #8
Rivet Master
 
dkottum's Avatar
 
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake , Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
There are plenty of bike carrying options. Related to anything added to your Airstream should always be a consideration for weight (and balance) added to the truck and trailer.

Any weight added between the truck's rear axle and the center of trailer axle(s) adds to the lifting and transfer task of your weight distribution hitch. Weight added in front of the truck's front axle or behind the trailer's axle reduces the weight distribution need.

Two bikes and a rack may only weigh 100#, but if this is mounted on the front of the trailer it adds to the hitch weight. If mounted on the rear of the trailer it reduces hitch weight. Reduced hitch weight helps keeping under your Airstream's 1000 lb hitch weight limitation, allows less weight distribution tension on the w.d. bars, and most probably results in a less jarring ride for your Airstream. Reduce some hitch weight here, some there, it all adds up.

So the choice is about more than the bikes. For this reason and convenience of use we use the Airstream Bike Rack. It's designed to carry two bikes on the back of the trailer without stressing the trailer frame by including brackets mounted to the Airstream shell. There are others. Can-Am Airstream makes and sells a simpler version of this, several companies make mounts that will work on the front of the truck (there may be visibility and headlight issues).
__________________
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
dkottum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-16-2015, 11:26 AM   #9
Rivet Master
 
2022 25' Flying Cloud
2015 30' FB FC Bunk
2012 25' FB Flying Cloud
Golden , Colorado
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 915
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hans627 View Post
Is this a commercially available rack? I've never seen this one before but it is intriguing. Would you be willing to share more information?

Thanks!
Local dealer RackAttack wanted nearly $1,600 to install with rails.

I ordered it online from rackwarehouse.com

Name Code Qty Each Options
-------------------------------------------------------------
Yakima 48", 58", 66", 78" y0411 1 71.20
Round Bars for Car Roof
Racks, Pair - Yakima 78
inch Round Bars, Pair

Yakima 8002093 Raptor y2093 3 119.20
Aero Upright Bicycle
Racks Bike Carriers for
Car Roof Racks

Yakima 8000227 Landing y0227 2 34.40
Pads 7 Permanent Bolt-on
Fasteners for Control
Towers on Vehicle Roofs

Yakima 8000214 Control y0214 1 156.00
Towers for Roof Racks on
Fixed-points, Caps,
Factory Racks, Tracks

Yakima 8005015 Strap Caps y5015 1 16.00
for Yakima Round Bar Car
Roof Racks

Yakima 8007233 SKS Self y7233 1 31.20
Coilng 9 Foot Lockable
Cable

Yakima 8007208 SKS 8 Pack y7208 1 68.00
Locks Cores for Yakima
Racks, Carriers,
Accessories

Yakima 8007220 Accessory y7220 3 13.60
Lock Housing Locks Yakima
Accessories to Roof Racks

Subtotal 809.60
Shipping 0.00
Tax 0.00


Took me a lazy afternoon to get it all mounted and installed. Bolt the bases directly through with slightly longer 1/4-20 bolts with nylocks. I did cut the bars down a bit.

Let me know if I can help further.
2012FB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-16-2015, 11:45 AM   #10
3 Rivet Member
 
2023 25' Globetrotter
Manheim , Pennsylvania
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 201
Blog Entries: 1
We tried this method with our two Izip electric bikes over the back of the tailgate. It didn't go well due to the added weight on the back end of the truck, the trailer wanted to bounce around. The electric bikes are heavy. I'd like to figure something out though, it sure is nice to have them along.



Jukeboxfun is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-16-2015, 12:12 PM   #11
Rivet Master
 
2022 25' Flying Cloud
2015 30' FB FC Bunk
2012 25' FB Flying Cloud
Golden , Colorado
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 915
I just realized that I wound up with Yakima FrontLoader Product Code : 202103 bike carriers (as shown in the photo) because they did not have 3 of the Raptor Aero in stock. The FrontLoader was another $30 each more I think.

Another note is that the setup can be easily removed in one piece with help. The low profile bases stay on the truck bed with protective caps that snap in place. It really is a nice way to go.
2012FB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-18-2015, 11:48 AM   #12
Airstreaming Pagey
 
Pagey's Avatar
 
2015 31' Classic
Green Cove Springs , Florida
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 342
Quote:
Originally Posted by KJRitchie View Post
I have the Arvika system that mounts the bikes over the propane tanks. Easy bolt on install. Adds a little weight on the hitch. The other popular system is the Airstram rear mounted Fiamma rack. I went with the Arvika because my Classic has the rear bumper pull out tray. Bikes would be easier to put on ans take off but the installation requires drilling holes into the shell and bumper.

Kelvin
Hi Kelvin:

Would you please provide the part number(s) for the Arvika system you have on your trailer? We are thinking about doing the same thing with our two bikes and the Arvika site is somewhat cumbersome to get around. We are in a new, 2015 Classic.

Thanks!

Page
__________________
Page

May your days be filled with love and laughter.
Pagey is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Bike Friday / Swift Folder / Airnimal folding bike? 85MH325 Off Topic Forum 47 09-26-2008 06:21 AM
Bike rack on a Suburbban Les Gilliam Our Community 2 04-06-2003 07:25 PM
bike rack mount on rear of AS trailer rmmm68 Repairing/Replacing Floor &/or Frame 7 11-26-2002 10:55 AM
Bike Rack ALANSD Our Community 3 03-19-2002 10:57 AM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:41 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.