Forum Discussion

CYCLEPATH's avatar
CYCLEPATH
Explorer
Feb 16, 2023

Bicycles

I'm a long time truck camper, and am now considering adding a fifth wheel to the mix. I was thinking toy hauler, but only because my wife and I each have bicycles. I know a toy hauler might be overkill for that, but when the grandkids stay, they could sleep in the toy hauler part. But the difference in living space between the two is quite profound (and also price).
For non-toy haulers, if you carry a couple of bikes, how do you haul them? I was thinking of trying to find a way to secure them inside the camper. Not knowing fifth wheels, I don't know if that is practical. I've seen bike racks on the back of some, but it seems a little strange having a bike rack hanging off the back of something so big. Thank you.
  • Likes_to_tow's avatar
    Likes_to_tow
    Nomad
    Feb 16, 2023
    My Grand Design Reflection came with a 2 inch receiver on the back. I purchased a bike rack and use that on the 5th wheel receiver. Works very well.
  • Lantley's avatar
    Lantley
    Nomad
    Feb 16, 2023
    I carry 2 electric bikes inside my bunkhouse 5th wheel. Transporting them inside keeps bikes out of weather and eliminates security issues.
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Feb 16, 2023
    We went with a pin box mount, which I cut then had a local welder weld up.





  • CYCLEPATH's avatar
    CYCLEPATH
    Explorer
    Feb 16, 2023
    Thank you guys for the replies. Langley, when you say “bunkhouse, do you mean one of the rooms?
  • way2roll's avatar
    way2roll
    Navigator II
    Feb 16, 2023
    As an avid cyclist I pondered the same thing. When we had our FW I was able to put fork mounts in the bin beneath the bedroom. It was a massive pass through and tall enough and wide enough to mount 3 bikes via forks with seat posts lowered (dropper posts helped). Out of sight and out of elements.

    With our new setup I'll be using my Kuat hitch mounted rack with a zippered cover.
  • Second_Chance's avatar
    Second_Chance
    Explorer II
    Feb 16, 2023
    We've carried our two bikes on an RV-rated bike rack mounted on the chassis-integrated hitch receiver on the back of our two fifth wheels the whole time we've been on the road. Zero issues and no sacrifice of interior configuration or living space. We keep them secured and a good cover on them at all times (except when riding, of course).

    Rob
  • ewarnerusa's avatar
    ewarnerusa
    Nomad
    Feb 16, 2023
    way2roll wrote:
    As an avid cyclist I pondered the same thing. When we had our FW I was able to put fork mounts in the bin beneath the bedroom. It was a massive pass through and tall enough and wide enough to mount 3 bikes via forks with seat posts lowered (dropper posts helped). Out of sight and out of elements.

    With our new setup I'll be using my Kuat hitch mounted rack with a zippered cover.

    I'm in the same boat. I have never liked the idea of reinforcing the rear of the travel trailer bumper and using a rack because the bikes would just get hammered by road filth back there and really bounced around. I like the idea of the rack on the front of the trailer, but my preference is still always to have them inside a vehicle or trailer. I currently fit them inside the trailer wherever I can. kids smaller bikes laying down on their beds, wife's bike laying on our bed, my bike partially disassembled and wedged between a bed and wall. I often think if I had to do it all over again I would prefer the toy hauler route. just load everything into the toy hauler garage and be good.
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Feb 16, 2023
    I carried two adult bikes laying in the bed in front of my hitch (with quick remove front wheels off) and sometimes a 20" kids bike behind my hitch for a number of years. Then made a pin box hitch to get them out of the bed and up and out of the way. I just made a simple straight line frame and used the pin box bolts to mount it rather than drill it my air ride pin box. The rack is not touching the top of the pin box, just very close. I could carry 3 adult bikes and the smaller bike on the rack with my long bed.



  • Martyn's avatar
    Martyn
    Nomad
    Feb 16, 2023
    Second Chance wrote:
    We've carried our two bikes on an RV-rated bike rack mounted on the chassis-integrated hitch receiver on the back of our two fifth wheels the whole time we've been on the road. Zero issues and no sacrifice of interior configuration or living space. We keep them secured and a good cover on them at all times (except when riding, of course).

    Rob


    Ditto - have done over 12,000 miles with two electric bikes on Thule rack on rear hitch - Hitch was preinstalled on our Cougar and is rated for a tongue weight of 300 lbs, plus 3000 bs tow weight. Back in Colorado, all surrounding states, we used to tow double as it was allowed there - but not here in Florida. Bikes don't move much - Thule has a screw tightening pin which takes out most of the hitch movement.

    As for the hitch mounted on the pin - that would be better for long bed trucks, where turning and hitting the cab with the bikes may not be an issue. Plus, at 74, I don't think I could lift a bike that high any more. :)

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