Ok guys, I keep going back and forth on a location of a bicycle carrier. For those of you that have had both which did you prefer and why? Thanks, John

shadows4 wrote:Ok guys, I keep going back and forth on a location of a bicycle carrier. For those of you that have had both which did you prefer and why? Thanks, JohnKingpin for sure. You don't want to block any airflow to the radiator when towing.

Cummins12V98 wrote:Kingpin for sure. You don't want to block any airflow to the radiator when towing.No worries if I go with the truck mounted, I drive a Ford!!! (sorry couldn't resist LOL)

I built a pin box mount and can carry 3 full size bikes there, completely out of the way and no bouncing. I back the truck near the bike rack, set the bikes in the truck bed, use my "man step" to step up in the bed, and set the bikes on the rack. Works great.Considered a front mount but did not try it. Not because of air flow concerns, just did not want something sticking 3' in front of the truck. Unless you used bike covers I don't think there would be much impact on air flow.

If you were to go with a front receiver and hitch mount carrier, consider one of these:Clicky

We have the Curt front mount hitch and a Swag man XC 2 bike carrier and love it. It does not block any airflow as they are bikes and there is not much mass to affect the airflow. I looked at both ways and choose the truck as they are easier to get on and off rack, less than a minute and you can see them. My seat on my bike came loose on our last trip and would have lost it if I had not seen it wiggling. Also, the bikes do not block the view at all. Good luck.

Bicycle carrier front of truck or pin box. (Updated W/pics)

Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Aug 11, 2014
socoguy wrote:
Cummins12V98 You could market that very nice set-up and fab.

Thanks! It was a lot of fun to design and build. I have no problem if anyone wanted to copy it. I kept the front to back dimension to where I can still get to the air bag valve.
AH64ID
Explorer
Aug 11, 2014
jjj wrote:
I have a front hitch on my Ford that carries 3 bikes and in the dessert heat never had a air flow problem. If my sig.pic shows up it is on it.

Just to play devils advocate... what do you use to monitor the temps to verify there aren't any airflow issues?

Dash gauges don't show enough, and are not the most accurate across the board.
jjj
Explorer
Aug 11, 2014
I have a front hitch on my Ford that carries 3 bikes and in the dessert heat never had a air flow problem. If my sig.pic shows up it is on it.
garysol
Explorer
Aug 11, 2014
I am thinking that I will be going the roof rack route. Both Thule and Yakima make nice roof mounted racks that mount to the roof of most pickups.
socoguy
Explorer
Aug 11, 2014
Cummins12V98 You could market that very nice set-up and fab.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Aug 11, 2014

I built this a couple years ago. Clears the bed, cab and bed height tool box. Easy to keep an eye on. Swagman XTC2
Ed_ke6bnl
Explorer
Aug 11, 2014
I would be concerned about clearance when going through large dips in the road
nremtp143
Explorer
Aug 11, 2014
There are lots of guys that have made pin box racks for short beds. Do a search and find one that you like and make it or have it made. I made my own, but I have a long bed. Anyway, I'd rather have them on the pin box.
jasult
Explorer
Aug 10, 2014
what I fabbed up
AH64ID
Explorer
Aug 10, 2014
Don't block the airflow, it's a Ford :-)

But in all seriousness the airflow and view blockage aren't worth the front of the truck.

A welded custom receiver hitch on the back of the 5er is also an option.