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
Well, I got past trying to make a better mouse trap. The ladder mount rack is intact, and I may use it in the future for the ability to carry 4 bikes, but at this point I find a tray-style rack easier to load. It's attached with a Harbor Freight 15", with step, 2" hitch extension that has a 2" to 1.25" adapter holding the bike rack. A couple of hitch clamps at the 2" connections takes a lot of, if not all, the wobble out of the snake-like configuration (hitch clamps not in pics). The wires you see are for the LED lights that I fabricated a bracket for and secured to the rack. You can see the lights in the last pic. The wires that go to the lights are run inside the lights' mounting stalks and the bike carrier frame.
This carrying method does not meet at least two of my criteria: Blocking the license plate and potential for brake light obstruction. It also adds more weight, via leverage and the additional components, behind the rear axle. It's a crap-ton easier to load/un-load the bikes, though, and the built-in step comes in real handy while taking a break on the road. I can make a lighted, auxiliary license plate mount for the back of the rack, attaching it to the light bar. The license plate mount that came with, and is attached to, the truck camper is partially blocked by the bikes' tires, so that could be trouble.
This carrying method does not meet at least two of my criteria: Blocking the license plate and potential for brake light obstruction. It also adds more weight, via leverage and the additional components, behind the rear axle. It's a crap-ton easier to load/un-load the bikes, though, and the built-in step comes in real handy while taking a break on the road. I can make a lighted, auxiliary license plate mount for the back of the rack, attaching it to the light bar. The license plate mount that came with, and is attached to, the truck camper is partially blocked by the bikes' tires, so that could be trouble.
