Bike rack

[cazual6]

I appreciate the input. Whether it voids the warranty or not, it is too late. I hope nothing goes wrong that would have them deny any warranty issues.

[xrvr]

The hitch is okay, just don't put anything on it. You can use it to mount a grille after you setup.

[AnnArborBob]

Some Airstream dealers are very good and know what they are doing, others are nothing more than used car salesmen saying anything they need to to push the metal. Unfortunately, it's easy for a newbie to not know the difference and to follow the dealer's poor advice as was the case in this instance. Even if the Airstream's structure was designed to handle the weight of the bike rack and bikes on the rear (which it isn't) the shift in weight off the tongue would have serious negative results on the handling of the TV/AS combination (which it did.) I hope others who are considering welding a hitch received to the rear of their Airstream for a bike rack, generator or other item of weight will read the thread above and save themselves the trouble, the damage to their Airstream and possibly their lives as well.

Not sure why the OP will not consider a roof rack for the tow vehicle, but two other options I have seen are a rack that sits above the trailer's propane tanks (I believe that this is attached to the A-frame somehow) and the other option being to mount a hitch receiver on the front of the tow vehicle and placing the bike rack there.

[prairieschooner]

Originally Posted by SteveSueMac

I would recommend a call to Jackson Center directly and get their read on this. I can't imagine an authorized AS dealer suggesting such a mod let alone performing it. While I don't see a specific prohibition in my (2012) user manual, I do see warnings about voided warranty for mods not approved by AS, overloading, misloading, not observing capacity labels, etc. and that only AS can determine warranty claims (meaning, a buyer/dealer isn't authorized to do a mod without written permission from AS and then claim it doesn't void your warranty).

If the factory approved the rear hitch, that's great. If not, your dealer has some explaining to do.

Either way, I think you'll find the general consensus is that a rear hitch is not recommended for an AS.

Good luck and happy camping.

This is good advice!

[martin300662]

Originally Posted by AnnArborBob

snip.....

Not sure why the OP will not consider a roof rack for the tow vehicle, but two other options I have seen are a rack that sits above the trailer's propane tanks (I believe that this is attached to the A-frame somehow) and the other option being to mount a hitch receiver on the front of the tow vehicle and placing the bike rack there.

A fourth option is a modern version of the old fashion slimp dolly, that were popular in the '50's and '60's.



There are versions available to even carry motorcycles let alone four bikes.



Lots of previous threads on their possibilities (http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464...lly-87055.html)

[Adventure.AS]

Originally Posted by cazual6

It was the only solution I can could think of to be able to bring four bikes. Counter-weight may be an option, but the wife says no. So bikes will have to be inside the AS. The wife says no to the roof rack on the TV. Any other suggestions? Throwing the wife out is not an option :-)

Many people have a hitch receiver mounted on the front of the TV and put the bike rack there. It shouldn't interfere with cooling air flow through the bike wheels.

[cazual6]

My other post has many advise on why this idea was bad. I fought it hard, but in the end, safety for me, my family and others is just not worth the risk. I have found this forum to be one of the most useful and have the most caring people I have ever come across. Most people would have just given up and let me be and MAYBE make the biggest mistake. But they stuck with me tooth and nail until they drove the idea into my thick head that I was wrong, or at least risky enough to not risk it at all.

Aside from that, I also wanted to see if my new signature will work.

[HyOnLyph]

I think I'd go with a dual hitch on the TV.
The top receiver is used for the bike carrier.
https://www.amazon.com/Bicycle-Recei.../dp/B000P6CJ9O