What to do with bicycles?

Gjac wrote:
I did not want to store mine outside in the rain so I put my bike in a pass through compartment with the front tire off and my wife's bike in the trunk of the tow car with both tires off. It works well because I ride mine more than she does. If we go into town shopping I will take hers out of the trunk and explore the surrounding area while she shops.

Isn't it easier to just take the wheels off? ;)

CA Traveler wrote:

Gjac wrote:
I did not want to store mine outside in the rain so I put my bike in a pass through compartment with the front tire off and my wife's bike in the trunk of the tow car with both tires off. It works well because I ride mine more than she does. If we go into town shopping I will take hers out of the trunk and explore the surrounding area while she shops.

I've wondered about covering the bikes with canvas. Anyone done this?

There is a cover that CW sells but it is only intended to be used behind an RV...not behind a car. I have seen them (or something similar) in use.

Bought a bike cover 14 years ago when we went to Alaska. Was more duct tape than cover by the time we got back. Tossed it and haven't used one since.

For several years we bought cheep Wally World bikes and donated them after a couple of years. When we switched to recumbents we learned to live with rusty chains and mounting screws. We removed the seats on the recumbents.

Now one trike rides inside the rear of the car, and the second rides on top. Bought the second one with internal geared hubs front and rear kto keep clean gears. Still have to oil the chain (Boeshield) and mounting screws.

I think a good cover could be made, but would require premium material and seam structure = pricey. I don't think anything will keep the Alaska dust off the bikes.

Gjac wrote:
I did not want to store mine outside in the rain so I put my bike in a pass through compartment with the front tire off and my wife's bike in the trunk of the tow car with both tires off. It works well because I ride mine more than she does. If we go into town shopping I will take hers out of the trunk and explore the surrounding area while she shops.

I've wondered about covering the bikes with canvas. Anyone done this?

I did not want to store mine outside in the rain so I put my bike in a pass through compartment with the front tire off and my wife's bike in the trunk of the tow car with both tires off. It works well because I ride mine more than she does. If we go into town shopping I will take hers out of the trunk and explore the surrounding area while she shops.

Be advised that if you mount bikes to the front of the RV they will be impacted with all the same stuff as the front of the RV at freeway speed. This means rocks, grit, and water at 60mph being driven into bearings etc. If you are cool with that go for it. I like my bikes so they ride out back.

Wow, Thanks for all the great responses and suggestions, I have lots to think about.

The whole time I thought I was only one having to deal with this issue,

Rick

CA Traveler wrote:
The Swagman S64955 will mount on the rear MH hitch and you can still tow. Blue OX makes a similar one.

My Roadmaster tow bar has adequate length to mount these racks w/o using an additional adapter.

They may still make a front bike rack that clamps onto the RV front bumper and has straps that latch onto the top of the hood. The one we had was adjustable to fit different bumpers. You had to unhook the straps to open the hood and check oil, etc. Also need to protect bumper etc from the bicycles from moving and scratch things.

I bought this one from CampingWorld 2 years ago. It has worked well for me. I use it to flat tow the car and a 2-tray tilt-away bike rack (under the gray cover).