Ladder Mount Bike Rack Build

Carb Cleaner wrote:
I considered attempting to leave the front wheels intact, but the positives include theft deterence and less weight on the ladder.

When looking at where I would attach my three different bikes (Road & Mnt) I gave consideration to the Ladder.
*Two I could consider, but a third would not work. Strike one against the Ladder.

*Less secure for today’s type of bikes, Strike Two against the Ladder.
*With all the debris, moisture and mud would accumulate into and onto everything. Strike three against the Ladder.

Next consideration.


The fork mounts offer great lateral support, without a midle structure supporting the frame or some type of wheel clamp.

One of the things I have always enjoyed, is problem solving. When you have another person or a small group, it begins to grow exponentially. I am happy that you understood by posting the earlier post, not as an attack of what you accomplished.

What you are commenting on, is exactly the problem I had with my trailer and solved that side to side motion with opposing shock cords, from the attachments on the floor to the rear stay triangle. This solved the “yawing,” and for my application, all the attachment I needed. I have an 8X14 Haulmark and when a bike (Mnt/Road) is standing on end, the top of the front wheel is close to the ceiling of the trailer. I also purposely put my group of bikes, in the nose of my trailer to keep me from placing storing items in the front of the trailer, thus adversely impacting the tongue weight of my trailer.

What I would propose for a solution, if there was a need to create one for your current set up, to go with a set up as I had earlier proposed. Taking in consideration my three strikes for putting bikes on the back of your camper. I would encourage you to leave the setup in place, just as I have a 4 position bike rack on the front of my truck. By moving the connections of your track, from the vertical portion of your ladder, to the horizontal portion of the ladder (where the tubing junctions with the surface of the Truck Camper), you could attach your same brackets. Just with a different orientation. Now the Bike’s wheels (You would leave the front wheel attached) would be aligned in parallel with the vertical portion of the ladder. With this increase depth (6”to8”) you can now attach the side of your Crank/Wheels to the Ladder via Velcro Straps/Bungee Loops. This added point of connection would decrease of eliminate the side to side movement and put less stress on the ladder.



I've come across racks that suspend a mountain bike by its forks. I think it's called a fork crown on a bicycle, but I'd call it a lower tree (triple clamp). Like this..
I have an enclosed motorcycle trailer, too, and I imagine I won't be able to haul the bikes on the back of the camper due to trailer interference. I knew this when I built the rack. A method for securing the bikes to the front of the trailer would be perfect. I've noticed a few pics of bike racks integrated into the tongue, but I have concerns about tight corners. I just don't see that the tongue of my 6x12 is that long.


Yes, if you are like me, you will want options. This is helpful when you are with, or without the trailer. With my experience, using my trailer fulltime, you won’t want the bikes on the ladder, while towing the trailer. IMHO


Give me at least one hint how you do it. Do you put the one bungi-cord around the bike's frame, seat post or a wheel?


Yes, a bungee-cord, as described earlier. There are no other attachments. This is why I wanted to figure out a solution for making it easier to just grab my bike and run. That is why I keep my cleated shoes in a crate (inverted Milk Crate) with all my other shoes, to make it easier to go for a ride. The front wheel rests in a wall bracket, just like you would get from Home Depot. The more sophisticated bikes, it is important to understand the mechanics of the bikes, so as not to compromise them. Like Headset bearing, Shock Oils & Seals.


Pics would be cool, too, and thanks for the inspiration. While I don't mind a challenge, I don't mind a helping hand every now and then. After all, I didn't invent the wheel, but I use the heck out of 'em. ha ha


This is where we would be crossing the line of hijacking a Thread, your own. Start another thread for improving your trailer and I am sure you would get many suggestions, including mine. I just don’t share pictures, publicly, of the inside of my trailer, for security reasons. But I can give you an idea of what will work.


Thanks for the kind words, too.


That is easy. You are welcome. You have talent and willing to do what many don’t, work the details. Impressive.

b