Bike rack permanent or not?

[FollySteve]

Thanks a bunch Pivot. Super helpful. It looks like the handlebars of the inside bike are pretty close to the rear glass. Any problems there?

[dkottum]

The clearances are very close allowing the bikes to be as close as possible to the rear of the trailer and reduce the length of the moment arm. We played around with it some to get the best possible positioning, bikes facing opposite direction and pedal positions, adding a cut piece of rubber bike tube as a bumper where the clearances were close. Then took a picture with the cell phone so we always had a reference to put them in the best position.

The Fiamma rack holds bikes very snug, they just don't move around.

[BoscoMN]

We just bought the rack from Airstreamsupply.com during their January sale with plans on installing it once we get our 2015 19' Bambi out of storage in April. The spacing between the tire rails is 5 3/4". It appears to be a high quality product. Take note that it is very important to mount the top sway braces to the side of the Airstream without any vertical stress on the assembly. There was one bike rack that fell down and dragged the bikes when the two brackets broke from fatigue. Definitely something to add to your walk-around inspection checklist for each trip.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/atta...7&d=1425444722

[FollySteve]

Thanks Bosco. I hate to nitpick but can you tell me if that 5-3/4 dimension is center to center or inside edge to inside edge. My bike clearances are tight enough that I'm just not sure that c to c would work. Thanks again to all. As many have said, the info on this forum is the best.

Steve

[Pivot429]

FollySteve, the innermost bike's handlebar is very close but not touching. Bar is fairly wide too.

[WaLee]

We carry both Road and mountain bikes with no issues of touching or clearance. Just be sure the pedals are set right. If you have heavy bikes you could have problems. Both road bikes and the cross bike are sub 18 pounds. The mountain bikes are a little over 20, so no issues for us with the 70 lb wt limit. The Fiamma works great for us with no real issues. I can get into the small rear storage with them mounted, but it's a squeeze. The only things I keep there are the cords and hoses and emergency tools etc. it's a great bike rack.


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[dkottum]

We like everything about the Fiamma and it's rear position on the towing combo. That said, it has weight limitations (the one that broke completely loose at the top was carrying electric bikes over load limit) and will complicate rear hatch interior storage access on some models. Our recommendation is because we do not have these issues.

[LBelle]

We have the "approved/dealer installed" Fiama rack and it is pretty good. Expensive but secure - though access to the rear storage, with the bikes loaded, is a bit tight. This is on our 2015 19' International - I do like the improved design of the rear storage locker on the new AS!!

[VTSmitty]

Originally Posted by Mrjkq

Is that Fiama easy to use, as my back ain't what it use to be?

Nothing of mine is what it used to be, and I have no trouble with our Fiama. Works great, no regrets.

Dan

[BoscoMN]

The 5 3/4" is center to center. The distance between the two rails is 3 3/8". The rails are 2 1/4" wide at their top and are 51" long.

[Adam Geuss]

We had the dealer install a bike rack (two bikes) on the rear when we purchased our 2014 International Serenity. We have experienced no problems and as has been stated by others we have access to the rear storage area......not completely unfettered but quite acceptable.I personally wouldn't choose to mount the rack on the front......might interfere with tight turns. We also do not intend to take the rack off as I suspect it would eventually be a problem?? Good luck.

[LBelle]

I found the bikes were positioned a bit too close to each other so I swapped out the aluminum tubing that holds the rear bike in position with a PVC pipe of the same diameter but about an inch longer. Then my bike (I didn't dare put my wife's there) is securely in place but on a slight angle - leaning back! And as someone said the clearance to the rear window is marginal, but we do like the rack and could never leave the bikes home!

[FollySteve]

Thanks for the specific measurements Bosco and thanks to all for the additional input. Even thought the tolerances seem tight, it sounds like there is just enough clearance and adjustability for it to work. I think we will be ordering one soon and will post results once installed.

Steve

[jsutro]

Very pleased with Arvika rack. Mounts on tongue above propane tanks and batteries. I modified a little to move it aft, lower, and tighter space for two bikes to avoid any potential clearance problems with TV - a P/U truck with shell and pipe racks. Arvika puts the bikes where they belong - where the trailer is strong, and where there is unused space. No interference problems with WD hitch bars, but the bikes must come off to remove propane tanks for re-filling. I have seen others filling with tanks still mounted - probably left the fridge flame on - but not for me!

Having had an AS with rear end separation, I know the hazards of weight on the rear frame; as well as sway problems, and never want to experience those few moments of terror EVER again.
Arvika racks are made to fit Airstreams, and are sturdily built, with good engineering, fit and finish, and thorough installation instructions. Some assembly required! Very easy to remove, leaving just the mounting hardware. jsutro

[streamintrip]

AMEN to jsutro's post! We tow with an Armada and have had NO ISSUES with rear clearance even in tight turns. Arvika makes a quality product. Also, the extra support bracket is a must even for two bikes.

[interstateflyer]

I transferred my Fiamma from our 19 to 23 International. I noticed that the inside two body screws on each bracket had enlarged the holes in the aluminum skin. They do not screw into a solid area as do the outside screws. So, I riveted the inside 4 screws when I mounted it on the 23D.

[CruizinDux]

We have the dealer installed Fiamma and it great. We have a townie and a schwinn (townie type) so the handle bars are a bit tight but workable. I keep the correct allen wrench handy in case I need to adjust the stem of my wife's with much wider bars). We have a 20 with the kit in the back so safety egress isn't an issue as ours is on the side. I'm not sure in the absence of bikes that I could even climb out over the sink and thru the window anyway.

No question the rear storage is a challenge, but certainly workable. I think I'm going to look for some hose material that I can slit the length & to slip over the chain as I got some oil on my sleeve.
I too read the history failures and willk eep an eye on the attachment rackets at the skin.

Go for it.
Bob

[Protagonist]

I was at Foley RV, AKA Airstream of Mississippi, just yesterday and saw something that might fit the bill. It's a frame that allows you to mount a hitch-mount bike rack on top of your propane cover. They had one in stock, but can order more.

I forgot who makes it, but a call to June Boudreaux, the parts manager at Foley RV, should be able to have one on its way to you in no time.

[dkottum]

For many Airstreamers, we don't want to add to the hitch weight of our trailer because of weight distribution hitch concerns, payload limits of tow vehicle, and keeping under Airstream's 1,000 lb hitch weight maximum. So we put the bikes on the back of our Airstream, which removes excessive weight off the hitch.

Ideally we're looking for 10-12% of trailer weight on the hitch.

[silverbp]

Some have issues with what I've done but to each their own. I have hauled two bikes over 10,000 miles without any issues.


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums silver bp