Forum Discussion

roaminaround's avatar
roaminaround
Explorer
Jul 14, 2020

Bike rack solution

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0dCgUnsQvlcLlBgtkw0LIuxhQ
Hope this pic comes thru. We had a custom wrap around receiver built that clamps on the bumper with 3 u-bolts. Then we put a ratcheting strap from the bike rack to the ladder to eliminate bouncing while on the road. You can easily remove the rack to fit in your truck receiver if you want to take the bikes somewhere. The ratcheting strap is key to making this a solid safe solution. We have used this set-up on 3 different trailers over 15 years and thousands of miles and never had an issue.


Note: Moderator edit to fix picture URL
  • Glad to hear no issues over 15 years. Bumpers rated for this extra weight?
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    roaminaround wrote:
    https://share.icloud.com/photos/0dCgUnsQvlcLlBgtkw0LIuxhQ
    Hope this pic comes thru. We had a custom wrap around receiver built that clamps on the bumper with 3 u-bolts. Then we put a ratcheting strap from the bike rack to the ladder to eliminate bouncing while on the road. You can easily remove the rack to fit in your truck receiver if you want to take the bikes somewhere. The ratcheting strap is key to making this a solid safe solution. We have used this set-up on 3 different trailers over 15 years and thousands of miles and never had an issue.


    Likk
  • Lwiddis wrote:
    Glad to hear no issues over 15 years. Bumpers rated for this extra weight?

    Weight is not the issue. The issue is the flexing caused by the long "moment arm". The strap helps mitigate both issues.
  • Ron3rd's avatar
    Ron3rd
    Explorer III
    theoldwizard1 wrote:
    Lwiddis wrote:
    Glad to hear no issues over 15 years. Bumpers rated for this extra weight?

    Weight is not the issue. The issue is the flexing caused by the long "moment arm". The strap helps mitigate both issues.


    X2 and I can see how the OP's rack could work by eliminating the flex and rocking motion caused by the bolt-on racks. Trailer bumpers are stamped sheet metal ad basically as strong as a beer can. It's not the weight but the flexing that cracks them.
  • I just added a couple of eye screws to the meat on the corners of the trailer as I dont have a ladder and racket strap from left side,around bikes and hook to right side, so bikes do not bounce...

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