bike rack options for a TT / TV

Lantley wrote:

michigansandzilla wrote:
So to sum it up when you don't have the option of using a truck bed:

Mounting a hitch to the back of TT can cause frame fractures.
Mounting a rack over the propane tanks can cause a dent in the tailgate if you turn too hard and it's difficult to turn off the propane.
Mounting a hitch to the front of TV will drastically reduce airflow and can overheat the engine.
Mounting to the roof of TV is inconvenient and difficult but doesn't cause any major problems.
Stowing bikes in TT can cause interior damage, (I know this from experience).

Is that correct?

No perfect answer here. Just like anything else, I guess we all pick and choose based on our own needs.

I can only speak for the Arvika tongue mounted rack because that is what I own. You can access LP tanks easily if bikes are not on rack. Rack folds up and tank cover can be removed as normal.
I did cut an access panel into the rear of my plastic propane cover to access tank when bikes are on rack. Cutting an access panel is a very simple effective solution to accessing valves.
I towed my TT with a Hensley Arrow hitch which gave me 12" more clearance between trailer and truck and eliminated any turning issues

Interesting idea - cutting an access hole in the tank cover. We rarely need to access the tanks when the bikes are in place. In 20,000 miles of travel across the country, it is only the tunnels near here that head toward the ocean where you have to shut the tanks off. For that, we usually just keep the gas off until we get to our campsite since it isn't that far to travel.

Just for some additional context, I really like our Arvika rack. It is pretty easy to get the bikes on/off. They are visible to me while traveling. It was the best solution for us. The only thing that would be better would be a rack mounted over the bed of the pickup. If I could find an adjustable rack for bikes and kayaks that would work in conjunction with a soft bed cover, it would be great. The Thule looks close but it only works if you don't have a cover. The manufacturer of our cover switched to making only high racks where they used to make one that switched from high to low.

the e-man