Hello. We have a great set-up with our TV and TT. We are a family of 5 with 2 big dogs, so we tow with a Ford Excursion. We love to take our bikes which is also great entertainment with the kids, however we don't have a great way to carry them. The back of the TT has a cargo tray, but I mounted an aluminum storage box. My only real option; besides dragging them inside and mounting them on plywood; is to buy a Yakima Roof System. The cost is crazy; $1200; but may be worth the cost for the ability to carry the bikes without having to drag them in and out of the trailer and risk scratching woodwork, etc.1) What are your thoughts on a better method?2) What are your thoughts on the roof mount system?

Punch in computer mount-n-lock. Goes on rear bumper, then also check on a bike rack that bolts to the front A-frame on trailer that is over the propane tanks, can't remember the name. I also have a Excursion and I had the mount-n-lock for my bike on back trailer bumper. Was solid as can be.

There are plenty of bike mounted roof racks that cost far less than $1200. I have 3 of these Swagman models. There are no locks. I have used them with our Suburban OEM roof rails for about 10k miles with bike mounted, including two 2200 mile trips. I just picked up some different cross bars that should make mounting and removing the three bike racks all together easier.

You could change your bar and ball (assuming that's what you have) to a receiver tube. Then use a ball insert. That would give you the space to attach a bike rake to the exposed portion of the insert between the vehicle and TT. You could carry probably 4 bikes on a bike rack there, the smallest bike or two inside the TT.I use this clamp-on bike rack and it's been excellent.Clamp on Bike Rack...

I went with a front trailer hitch. It had the 2x2 receiver just like the rear.

You could install a front hitch and use a bike carrier there, that's what we do for 4 bikes.*edit*Beaten to it, forgot to refresh before posting.

Roof Bike Rack System | Good Sam Community

parcany
Explorer
Feb 26, 2018
Punch in computer mount-n-lock. Goes on rear bumper, then also check on a bike rack that bolts to the front A-frame on trailer that is over the propane tanks, can't remember the name. I also have a Excursion and I had the mount-n-lock for my bike on back trailer bumper. Was solid as can be.
APT
Explorer
Feb 26, 2018
There are plenty of bike mounted roof racks that cost far less than $1200. I have 3 of these Swagman models. There are no locks. I have used them with our Suburban OEM roof rails for about 10k miles with bike mounted, including two 2200 mile trips. I just picked up some different cross bars that should make mounting and removing the three bike racks all together easier.
Jim
Explorer
Feb 26, 2018
You could change your bar and ball (assuming that's what you have) to a receiver tube. Then use a ball insert. That would give you the space to attach a bike rake to the exposed portion of the insert between the vehicle and TT. You could carry probably 4 bikes on a bike rack there, the smallest bike or two inside the TT.

I use this clamp-on bike rack and it's been excellent.

Clamp on Bike Rack...
rbpru
Explorer II
Feb 26, 2018
I went with a front trailer hitch. It had the 2x2 receiver just like the rear.
afidel
Explorer II
Feb 26, 2018
You could install a front hitch and use a bike carrier there, that's what we do for 4 bikes.

*edit*
Beaten to it, forgot to refresh before posting.
oyarsa
Explorer
Feb 26, 2018
I'm looking to get a Lippert Jack-it. It only holds 2 bikes, but looks good. Just waiting till closet till our next outing to buy it in case I don't like it amd want to return it.
jfkmk
Explorer
Feb 26, 2018
I added a front hitch to my previous SUV for a bike rack. Worked great!
LarryJM
Explorer II
Feb 26, 2018
jbjuices wrote:
Hello. We have a great set-up with our TV and TT. We are a family of 5 with 2 big dogs, so we tow with a Ford Excursion. We love to take our bikes which is also great entertainment with the kids, however we don't have a great way to carry them. The back of the TT has a cargo tray, but I mounted an aluminum storage box. My only real option; besides dragging them inside and mounting them on plywood; is to buy a Yakima Roof System. The cost is crazy; $1200; but may be worth the cost for the ability to carry the bikes without having to drag them in and out of the trailer and risk scratching woodwork, etc.

1) What are your thoughts on a better method?
2) What are your thoughts on the roof mount system?

IMO the best alternative is a front receiver and one of the many bike carriers designed for a 2x2 inch receiver. This is how I transport and carry my mobility scooter when we travel.

Larry
Lantley
Nomad
Feb 26, 2018
When I towed with an Excursion I carried my bikes on a tongue mounter Arvika bike rack as shown below
Halmfamily
Explorer
Feb 26, 2018
We use a Curt front mount receiver on our truck with a Swagman XC bike rack. Easy install and I can see our bikes at all times. Just have to remember when pulling out of steeper driveways you have a lower front on the truck.

Forum Discussion

Roof Bike Rack System

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

Outfitter electric roof lift system?

BIKES

Bike rack on bumper?

Front Bike Rack

Bike Rack