Forum Discussion

RoyBell's avatar
RoyBell
Explorer
Jun 11, 2015

Bike mounting- Would like input.

I saw another member with his bikes setup like this and it seems like a great idea. What is everyones thoughts?

1) Is the table safe to travel in the down position? I may put a bit of velcro at the corners to prevent it from sliding. Will it tend to scuff the sides after some miles if it's wedged between the two benches? The only other location I can see storing it is under the sofa, but I will have to rig something up so it doesn't bounce around and go out the side of it.

2) How much does the trailer bounce around inside? The table is just over the axles. I don't have much in the storage there. The bikes combined weight I would guess roughly 50-60 lbs.

I need to figure out how to secure the tires to the plywood. I have some ideas and will look around my shop tomorrow. I am picturing a strap that can use thumb screws to undo and release the tire. Same thing for the plywood. I know we have some double sided bolts, lag on one side and machine thread on the other. I can drive the lag into the bench supports and leave enough poking through the plywood to get a thumb screw on.

I am open to ideas.

20150610_214313 by RoyBelluomini, on Flickr

closed

20150610_214447 by RoyBelluomini, on Flickr
  • I prefer not to have dirty bikes inside my TT. If I had more expensive bikes that may be worth the cleaning time. The other issue is use while traveling. Sometimes we stop for meal or snack on the road.
  • Yep. Used a screw and washer to secure a Velcro stip to the seat benches then looped it over the tire. Never had a problem.
  • Thanks for the responses. The above pictures I took last night in my trailer. Mostly just moving our two bikes and the kids bikes can go in my truck or I have a bumper hitch coming.

    I got the front fork clamps for about 12 bucks each on amazon. Anmac how did you use velcro for the rear tires? Lay a strip down and then make a hoop around the wheel? That's a pretty good idea.

    I've seen the tandem mounts that go over the hitch but they are pricey, plus they put weight back on the TV and are in the elements while towing. I have roof mounts on my truck but then the bikes get full of bugs and soaked if it rains.
  • For many years I used that exact set up to haul 4 bikes for a total of many thousands of miles. Got the parts from Thule. Remove the front tires of bikes (I had quick axle releases) put the front fork down into the bracket, (again quick release) individual Velcro straps for each back tire. Reverse the process, flip over seat benches and table, and dinner is served. ??
  • How many bikes? My trailer is too small for the bikes to be inside, and too wimpy at the bumper to mount a bike rack. Got some advice on this forum for a rack called the Advantage Sportsrack V-Rack. It mounts to your hitch shank (the shaft that slides into your TV's receiver). It holds 2 bikes. Just another option to look at.
  • The table is made to be stored that way, that is why the channels are there. That is an excellent solution for bike transport, and shouldn't cause any undue wear to the bench or table. You can buy all of the parts shown from Yakima and make that exact setup, just flip the bench bottom over when its time to set up the table.