Visit our Popular Forums

ThreeFingers · 03-19-2012, 09:25 AM

dznf0g, are you able to get into the propane tank cover to turn on and off the valve without taking the rack off? It really looks like a nice setup. I have a 2008 27' International CCD FB and I would like to have the bikes where I can see them and out of the muck that is picked up on the back of the trailer. The pictures you sent makes the install look like it was not too bad of a job.

dznf0g · 03-19-2012, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThreeFingers

dznf0g, are you able to get into the propane tank cover to turn on and off the valve without taking the rack off? It really looks like a nice setup. I have a 2008 27' International CCD FB and I would like to have the bikes where I can see them and out of the muck that is picked up on the back of the trailer. The pictures you sent makes the install look like it was not too bad of a job.

Yes, when the bikes are off, the bottom folds up against the back of the rack. In addition, the whole top portion can slide up and down in the tongue posts about a foot. So if you mount it higher than I have pictured, you could open the tank cover enough to get your arm in there and open and close your valves easily. I probably will mount for travel a little higher than I have pictured.

Mhenry2712 · 03-20-2012, 04:38 PM

Hibby · 03-20-2012, 05:00 PM

Looks very impressive... What's your opinion after receiving the final product? How easily can you access your rear storage compartment?

Mhenry2712 · 03-21-2012, 03:22 AM

The Bike rack looks great, the dealership did a great job of installing it. I can still access the rear storage, the tire rails on the rack drop down allowing me to open the rear compartment. Not sure how it will work when there are bikes on it yet.

Bruce B · 03-21-2012, 04:44 AM

We have the same rack on our 16 and it works very well. It takes a few minutes o figure out the best way to locate the bicycles so that they fit well without touching each other but the tire rails can be slid back and forth to accommodate whatever bicycles you may have. Once on, the bikes are secure, you can access the bumper storage and the trunk area. I think they are a nice addition. Our next task is to try and find a way to cover the bicycles. That may be more challenging. I'll see if Dorsey has any pictures....
Bruce

Bruce B · 03-21-2012, 05:21 AM

Here you go. What post doesn't need pictures?

Once set up it takes just a few minutes to get the bicycles securely and safely on the rack. I love it! We have been tent camping the past 3 years in Fl and we bring kayaks with us. Now we can bring our bikes too. They have been a glaring omission from our vacations.....
Bruce

dznf0g · 03-21-2012, 06:20 AM

May I make just one suggestion? See how close the inner bike handlebar is to the window glass? I know that this rack is very solid but a once in a blue moon BIG bump could cause enough motion to create contact, maybe breaking the window. I had this happen once on my SOB and dented the rear wall badly.

Different setup entirely, I know, but I think I would loosen the handlebar and rotate it during travel, creating more distance.

Bruce B · 03-21-2012, 06:39 AM

I wondered about that too. There is more distance than there seems to be in the picture. I pushed and pulled on the bike handlebars and I can't get them to touch so we are going to give it some time and see what happens. We live on a road with a few really large potholes and so far so good. I believe that the rack manufacturer offers longer arms also. That would angle the bicycles away a bit more.
I stand forewarned....
Bruce

dznf0g · 03-21-2012, 06:43 AM

Cool, Just don't wnat to read about damage and disappointment!

Saltydogs · 03-21-2012, 07:55 PM

I called AS and notified them of my scratched bike rack. They couldn't be nicer and I received my new bike rack today. Now I need to find someone to install. I was going to do it but I'm afraid I will mess up!!!

bbmombo · 03-26-2012, 03:15 PM

Can anyone tell me how to purchase an Arvika rack and how much they cost? I don't speak French!

dznf0g · 03-26-2012, 03:31 PM

Last November it was $640 for a three place rack. The gal I spoke to on the phone at Arvika spoke enough english to get it done. Try again.

Jack46 · 03-27-2012, 06:03 AM

Here's their website:

http://www.toppoprails.com/

We've been happy with ours. Expensive, but does the job. Have had it about four years. We paid about $500.00. No problem with communicating with them.

dznf0g · 03-27-2012, 06:57 AM

FYI, IIRC the dollar (us) was not very favorable to the Canadian Dollar last fall. I think it's almos 1 to 1 now???? Should knock of $30 or $40, and I'm sure the 2 place rack is less.

Garfield · 03-27-2012, 08:11 AM

Here's a couple of shots of a bike rack that Can-Am RV did for us a few years back. It's comprised of a folding two-bike rack from TopPopRails custom mounted using Zip-Dee hardware. Very light -- weights only a few pounds. It folds down to provide full access to the rear hatch and bumper storage area.

It looks to me like Airstream "borrowed" from Andy Thomson's design. This has worked well for us. There are more photos on my personal page.

Safari Streamer · 03-27-2012, 08:41 AM

We just carry our bikes INSIDE our AS. We bought a $25 rack at Lowes and they ride fine - no dirt, rain or danger of losing them

Hibby · 03-27-2012, 07:26 PM

Kathy, what kind of rack do you use? Any photos?

We have a cap on our F250 and I have cut a 2x12 to fit the slots in the bed and mounted bicycle fork mounts from Yakima to secure them. Works well, but we like to use the back of the truck for the generator, extra water, and miscellaneous gear. If I could find the perfect alternative (ha!), I would try it...

dznf0g · 03-27-2012, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Safari Streamer

We just carry our bikes INSIDE our AS. We bought a $25 rack at Lowes and they ride fine - no dirt, rain or danger of losing them

Kathy, I have done this for over 15 years in my old SOB. I actually mounted them with fork mounts on the dinette, folded down sans cushions. Can't do that with the AS as the dinette seats are metal framed and don't allow for tie downs.(Cushions are integral to the seat base) Had been using a board with the fork clamps in the LR and covering with a blanket and wedging them in to prevent motion with the AS for a year. HOWEVER, I found with the previous trailer, it is inevitable that you WILL booger stuff up moving them in and out as well as potential movement during emergency braking, etc.

I just am not willing to do that with the AS.