Arvika Bike Racks - Feedback please

[banderabob]

New to the Forum, but with what is likely the old problem of transporting bikes. Saw the Avrika rack this weekend on an outing, and the website indicates they make a model for Airstreams (not an endorsed model like the one that mounts on the rear). This mounts on the trailer A frame on the front, bikes sit over the propane tanks. Anyone out there with experience with the Avrika rack? Thx.

[AnnArborBob]

I do not have this rack but know that people who mount their bikes over the propane tanks are pleased with that arrangement and it doesn't put any strain on the trailer's frame so that's good.

[daboose]

The folks at CanAm installed our Arvika rack. It works out well on our trailer.

[dznf0g]

I have one and like it a lot. Mine is a 3 place. It can be used for all sorts of things since it is a platform style. I have mounted my scooter ramps, generators, etc. if bikes weren't coming along. I gave up on the cover. It is too hard to keep from flapping and abrading the window rock guards.

[KJRitchie]

I have the Arvika with the 2 bike mount. The only issue I have with it are the straps. They seem to hold when you pull on them with your hand but when on the bike rack they seem to work loose. I use them along with Velcro straps. The bike hold down bars that have the clamps work well but don't overly tighten them. I'm able to use the rack with a step through frame bike, my wife's, and I the bike short rack clamp on the seat post. My hybrid bike is mounted using the longer clamp on the frame. The longer clamp arm does jiggle side to side with the bike attach which seems to cause the straps around the rims to work loose hence the Velcro straps.

Here is a link to one of my older posts showing my rack.
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f516...ml#post1339473

Kelvin

[paiceman]

Got one on our 30' which I bought for an older 30' we had, works fine. I tighten down the bikes using straps I use to tie motorcycles down with when trailering them, but not as tight. ONLY issue is if bikes are on cannot open front window. Not an issue for me, is for wife.

[mojo]

Been using one for 8 years now. Had to upgrade to the newer bike frame clamps this year. No problem with the straps staying tight, helps if you squeeze the wheel down and compress the tire before tightening the strap. Top half of rack frame is easily removed for opening front window.

[KJRitchie]

Originally Posted by mojo

Been using one for 8 years now. Had to upgrade to the newer bike frame clamps this year. No problem with the straps staying tight, helps if you squeeze the wheel down and compress the tire before tightening the strap. Top half of rack frame is easily removed for opening front window.

That is a great tip about squeezing the wheel down. I'll have to try it.

I also purchased the receiver part from Arvika so I can take the rack off the trailer and bolt it on the receiver to use for day trips on the back of my Tundra.

Kelvin

[TCwheels]

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

That is a great tip about squeezing the wheel down. I'll have to try it.

I also purchased the receiver part from Arvika so I can take the rack off the trailer and bolt it on the receiver to use for day trips on the back of my Tundra.

Kelvin

Kelvin, would you mind posting a pic of your setup?


WBCCI #7246 Michigan Unit,Texas Hill Country Unit (associate member), AIR #91367

[bike 2 eat]

We have been full timing in an Airstream for 13 year and have tried many ways to carry our bikes. We currently have Arvika rack. I can say it secures the bikes well. On the down side we can't open the back widow and getting in the bumper draw and rear compartment is difficult. The bast system we found was to have a standard receiver mounted either above or below the rear bumper. When towing the trailer the bike rack goes in the receiver at the back of the camper. Once we are in the campground we put the rack in the receiver on the truck.
If you need one to go above the bumper Airstream of Western Pa. made a nice one for a friend of mine

[Hittenstiehl]

There also receivers with two slots just for that purpose. Trailers into bottom slot bike into top one. Anybody using something like that?

[KJRitchie]

Originally Posted by TCwheels

Kelvin, would you mind posting a pic of your setup?


WBCCI #7246 Michigan Unit,Texas Hill Country Unit (associate member), AIR #91367

Here is post #9 in this thread that has some photos.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f516...ml#post1339473

Kelvin

[TCwheels]

Thank Kelvin! I was actually looking for a pic of your receiver mount that you use to move the rack to the car...


WBCCI #7246 Michigan Unit,Texas Hill Country Unit (associate member), AIR #91367

[KJRitchie]

Sorry, misunderstood,

Attached is the receiver with the rack bolted on.

To remove the rack all you need to do is remove the black nut cover and using a power drill and socket remove the two nuts one on each side. Then release the spring clips pull out the two bolts and the whole silver section comes off leaving the black section.

The brackets on the trailer are kept on full time. Then mount the biker rack on the trailer brackets and screw in the bolts and nuts and secure the spring clips and attached the front support that is attached to the power jack shaft. The bolts heads are keyed so you don't have to use a wrench to tighten the bolts when using the power drill and socket.

I went this route vs buying a rack specifically for the truck as the Arvika adapter is smaller to stow in the truck when not in use.

I had one issue with my first bracket, the two bolts going through the shaft wouldn't line up but a call to Arvika and they sent me out a new shaft promptly.

Kelvin

[mojo]

What's was the going price on the receiver bracket?

[KJRitchie]

At the time I ordered my Arvika set up in 2013 these were the prices in CN and US. The receiver bracket is item 4.

1. 7000 AFAR Airstream bracket 238.00 = USD 225.49
2. 7002-26-A for 2 bikes 274.20 = USD 259.78
3. BR-AF Arm 47.40 = USD 44.91
Total = USD$530.18
Shipping cost 68.00 USD 64.42
4. 7000-H2 158.10 = USD 149.79

If you download the brochure from their website you can see the bracket.

You will need to call for the latest prices.

More expensive than the Airstream rear bike rack but it didn't look like it was easy to install on a Classic with the rear bumper tray. The Arvika is an easy install. Only downsides are a little more weight on the hitch and you have to take the rack off and lower the brackets to open the front window but we never use it since we have a front bedroom 25fb.

Kelvin

[TCwheels]

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

Sorry, misunderstood,

Attached is the receiver with the rack bolted on.

To remove the rack all you need to do is remove the black nut cover and using a power drill and socket remove the two nuts one on each side. Then release the spring clips pull out the two bolts and the whole silver section comes off leaving the black section.

The brackets on the trailer are kept on full time. Then mount the biker rack on the trailer brackets and screw in the bolts and nuts and secure the spring clips and attached the front support that is attached to the power jack shaft. The bolts heads are keyed so you don't have to use a wrench to tighten the bolts when using the power drill and socket.

I went this route vs buying a rack specifically for the truck as the Arvika adapter is smaller to stow in the truck when not in use.

I had one issue with my first bracket, the two bolts going through the shaft wouldn't line up but a call to Arvika and they sent me out a new shaft promptly.

Kelvin

Thanks!


WBCCI #7246 Michigan Unit,Texas Hill Country Unit (associate member), AIR #91367

[KJRitchie]

One of the issues I was having with my Arvika was the two bikes will wiggle while towing. The clamps especially the longer one have some flex and the bikes will move side to side in the tire track. I was able to solve this by wrapping a Velcro strap on the brake handle of each bike. With the brakes on the bikes will not wiggle. I also used Velcro straps to tie the wheels down on the tire rails wrapping the strap around the rim between a spoke on each wheel. I was able to tow out to Utah and back recently without worrying about rough roads loosening up the wheel straps.

Kelvin

[dznf0g]

Only the bikes without the "wheel chocks" wiggle on mine. They only supplied one pair of the chocks....I need to order another set.

[TCwheels]

Originally Posted by jrgrimes

New to the Forum, but with what is likely the old problem of transporting bikes. Saw the Avrika rack this weekend on an outing, and the website indicates they make a model for Airstreams (not an endorsed model like the one that mounts on the rear). This mounts on the trailer A frame on the front, bikes sit over the propane tanks. Anyone out there with experience with the Avrika rack? Thx.

I've studied the Arvika (customized by CanAm) and Fiamma rear mount systems and they both have drawbacks for me on my FC20: 1) I want to completely and quickly remove the rack for easy access to my rear (and only) outside storage compartment, 2) facilitate the effective use of the rear window as an emergence egress, and 3) be able to move the rack from the AS to my TV to transport the bikes.

I understand the monocoque construction of the AS makes a bumper/frame mount unit less than desirable due to the possible separation of the shell and frame due to the suspended weight of the rack/bikes and the moment angle concern.

Therefore, I'm thinking of designing and having built an aluminum rack that connects to both shell and bumper (ala Fiamma) AND is "quick release" like the hitch-mount systems.

Building the receiver tube and attaching to the underside of bumper with side-to-side support across the bumper brackets will not be difficult. There are examples on the forum of this, in steel. Mine will be aluminum. I've sketched a welded unit that will be bolted to the underside brackets. I know I can reverse engineer the main square tube that slides into the receiver and extends up to hold the cross-members that support the bikes. I'm confident I can do this in aluminum.

My question for you creative tinkerer/engineer/mechanics: What are you thoughts on mounting this whole thing to the shell in a way that allows for quick installation and removal? Via the cast aluminum taillight housings on my 2011 Flying Cloud? This is how the Fiamma attached to the shell.

Thoughts?

BTW - If you disagree with this whole concept, I'm open to listen, but please don't waste your typing on trying to convince me that the Fiamma is the way to go, or mounting inside, or mounting on the roof rack or front bumper on the TV. None of those are options for me.