Ladder Mount Bike Rack Build
UPDATE 8-4-'14, below. I couldn't find what I wanted, so I cobbled together some 2" angle aluminum and 2" PVC, inspired by other designs from here and a Google. The PVC was heated and expanded ...
Forum Discussion
Thanks for the compliments. Any suggestions for improvements are welcome. I know there's a lot of detail buried in all them words. I can't be mad if a tid-bit slips by. What we really want is pictures, anyway. My Gal has some better shots on her phone, but she's feeling under the weather. So, I'll bug her tomorrow about them:
Yep. Right now, I'm using bungee cords to secure the back tire to the ladder, placing the rear tires in the PVC troughs (PVC not shown in the mock-up pics).
I stash a four foot step ladder in the back of the truck camper when we're motoring. In the cruddy pic above, it's on the ground under the truck (we were expecting rain). While parked, placing the step ladder directly underneath the bikes while the bikes are mounted gives me a visual cue so I don't hit my head on the bikes. The four foot is also handy for quick parking lot camper entry and messing with awnings. Usually, it's nice to use the four foot to access the bottom rung of the camper ladder 'cause the camper ladder begins about eleven feet in the air. On its side or laying flat, I've used it as a saw horse. It's a towel dryer, too. You can cantilever a piece of wood, front to back, to create a small table. What I really like, is my four foot has a built-in cup holder. I guess if you set a four foot on the roof, you could get a better view.
Appearently, my four foot step ladder is indisposable. However, if I had to and a ride depended on it, I could get the bikes down from the camper steps with some extra hands.
Mike NW wrote:
Do you secure the rear tire in any fashion to the ladder rack?
Yep. Right now, I'm using bungee cords to secure the back tire to the ladder, placing the rear tires in the PVC troughs (PVC not shown in the mock-up pics).
hershey wrote:
How do you reach the attachment to secure the bike?
I stash a four foot step ladder in the back of the truck camper when we're motoring. In the cruddy pic above, it's on the ground under the truck (we were expecting rain). While parked, placing the step ladder directly underneath the bikes while the bikes are mounted gives me a visual cue so I don't hit my head on the bikes. The four foot is also handy for quick parking lot camper entry and messing with awnings. Usually, it's nice to use the four foot to access the bottom rung of the camper ladder 'cause the camper ladder begins about eleven feet in the air. On its side or laying flat, I've used it as a saw horse. It's a towel dryer, too. You can cantilever a piece of wood, front to back, to create a small table. What I really like, is my four foot has a built-in cup holder. I guess if you set a four foot on the roof, you could get a better view.
Appearently, my four foot step ladder is indisposable. However, if I had to and a ride depended on it, I could get the bikes down from the camper steps with some extra hands.
