Bike rack??

[SteveH]

Originally Posted by Antique Pedaler

Here it is, the Airstream bike rack. Price has not been revealed.

Couple of questions...what does it attach to at the top, and will it fit a classic?

[worldinchaos]

Originally Posted by SteveH

Couple of questions...what does it attach to at the top, and will it fit a classic?

Looks to me like it is just at the edge of the vertical rivet line between the rest panel and lower rear corner panels, where there should be an aluminum c-channel (assuming that aspect of the construction is similar to my 50's model... Haha)

I'm guessing with the force pulling backwards there and counter levering off of the bumper the 116 lb-feet (at 18in lever arm) is pretty well distributed.

[asianmack]

GerryH and Antique Pedaler, that sounds and looks awesome! Now the only disadvantage I see is with a 3rd party option (installing a class 3 hitch and getting a Saris/Yakima/etc bike rack) you can use it on your tow vehicle w/o the trailer hitched.

This might be handy if you take the bikes on the airstream to the campsite then drive to another part in the national or state park.

Either way, it's great to have an official option! Thanks for the details.

[TinShack]

Airstream is now selling their approved bike rack on their website. The price is $451 and fits most modern Airstream trailers. Clicky...https://store.airstream.com/product_...roducts_id=623

[Wayne&Sam]

Yup, that's the one I saw in JC last fall. I liked this quote:

It accommodates two average adult bicycles (with a maximum capacity of 77 pounds).
“Various people have for years been spreading the misinformation that Airstreams cannot carry any weight on the rear bumper, but all modern Airstreams in good condition have a certain loading capacity at the rear,” said Rich Luhr, Editor of Airstream Life magazine....

[mefly2]

Link:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f206...ers-86424.html

[Saltydogs]

Is the new bike rack difficult to install or should I have a pro do it?

[Bruce B]

We are getting one on our new 16' International (we're picking it up on Monday!!!!!). We can't wait to be able to bring bikes with us! It has always been a choice between kayaks and bicycles when tent camping and the bikes have always stayed at home.
Patrick said that the installation takes about 3 hours and there is some cutting of ???? something. I saw one on another AS but did not pay attention to the details. I'll ask the tech how difficult it was to install on Monday.
Bruce

[Saltydogs]

I received my bike rack today via fed ex. I opened the box and all of the parts were just thrown in. Many scratches, has anyone else experienced this. Thanks

[jm2]

Originally Posted by Saltydogs

I received my bike rack today via fed ex. I opened the box and all of the parts were just thrown in. Many scratches, has anyone else experienced this. Thanks

ouch!

was that shipped to you from a dealer, AS @ Jackson Center, or the manufacturer?

best,

[Saltydogs]

Originally Posted by jm2

ouch!

was that shipped to you from a dealer, AS @ Jackson Center, or the manufacturer?

best,

AS @ Jackson Center and I am pretty pissed. Unfortunately I can't call till Monday, thanks

[dznf0g]

This is the latest iteration of the Arvika. This one is a 3 place with the inmost wheel track removed so I can carry my scooter ramps. It's just test fitted in this photo at the storage lot, so some pieces are missing .

[Saltydogs]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

This is the latest iteration of the Arvika. This one is a 3 place with the inmost wheel track removed so I can carry my scooter ramps. It's just test fitted in this photo at the storage lot, so some pieces are missing .

That's nice, it will be comforting to be able to see the bikes, I often wondered if mine fell off who would know, unless your the car behind me...

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by Saltydogs

That's nice, it will be comforting to be able to see the bikes, I often wondered if mine fell off who would know, unless your the car behind me...

That actually happened to my brother in law. Got to his destination, three bikes and the rack....gone! Worst part was wondering if he created a problem on the road.

[nvestysly]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

This is the latest iteration of the Arvika.

I'm beginning to think Arvika doesn't like me. I've sent an email and left two phone messages. No response. I'm willing to give them another try before I give up.

What combination of model numbers and/or part numbers did you order and how much did it cost? It's not obvious from their web site what I need to order.

(edit) How long did it take to receive the bike rack? I have several trips planned soon and the bikes are a key part of the vacations.

Thanks, Lucius

[dznf0g]

Lucius, IIRC you need to just tell them what AS you have. They have a model(s) with mounting configurations for AS. I'll search for my model #, but I think it will be different for your unit possibly. They are in Quebec, I think and the lady who takes the order speaks English pretty well, but be clear and concise. Not sure why they haven't called you back, I got immediate responses to my inquiries. Was it the weekend? I think they are a fairly small business. IIRC, shipping and exchange rate and all, it was about $640. Be aware, some credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee. Mine was about $15. It came UPS in 4 days.

[nvestysly]

dznf0g,

Thank you for the comments - I'll be sure to check into the transaction fees before using a credit card.

Our trailer has several similarities with yours: dual battery doors, propane tank cover, window and rocker panel protectors, weight distribution hangers... so the installation looks pretty promising for us. The price is a little intimidating. I was hoping for something closer to $500.

Lucius

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by nvestysly

dznf0g,

Thank you for the comments - I'll be sure to check into the transaction fees before using a credit card.

Our trailer has several similarities with yours: dual battery doors, propane tank cover, window and rocker panel protectors, weight distribution hangers... so the installation looks pretty promising for us. The price is a little intimidating. I was hoping for something closer to $500.

Lucius

Yeah, I was a little alarmed by the price, but there just isn't really anything else (particularly for a Classic, even with the new AS approved rear unit) and it is a very quality piece. Excellent materials and workmanship.

Here's the model # and pricing as of last November:

7000-AFAR Airstream Bracket $231.10
7003-26-A 3 bike base anodized $336.00
BR-AF Telescoping arm $45.50
Freight $30.00

total $642.60

A two place is probably cheaper.

[mefly2]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

This is the latest iteration of the Arvika. This one is a 3 place with the inmost wheel track removed so I can carry my scooter ramps. It's just test fitted in this photo at the storage lot, so some pieces are missing .

Attachment 153559
Attachment 153560

Spendy, but then what isn't for an AS.
It is nice to see a bike carrier that does not place the bikes in the really dirty low pressure area behind the TT "where moth and dust doth corrupt"; it will be interesting to hear if the bikes remain cleaner when carried there vs. behind the AS. YMMV; skis -even in covers - become caked with road silt and debris when carried on the rear of all of our vehicles... in any inclement weather around here. If you have a spendy bike - as might be expected by an AS owner - be sure to ask your local bike dealer about the wisdom of the rear mounted bicycle carriers. We have finally rid ourselves of both the rear bike and ski carriers ... much cleaner now for year round use.

[dznf0g]

I've used one of these on the rear of my old SOB for many years. No dirt, no water. They work great and are durable. Watch for obstructing the taillights though. AS would be worse for this maybe.

I have modified mine to work with the Arvika....but we'll see how it works being in the direct blast of 65 mph winds?

Rear Bike Travel Covers