Forum Discussion

riven1950's avatar
riven1950
Explorer
Apr 28, 2014

New Over The Tanks Bike Rack on The Front of TT

We just finished building a bike rack for the TT. Not many good choices except the Arvika which has a poor website for specs and a really high price. Another option was the Trailer Tray / Bike Bunk but it was pretty pricey for what you get.

Decided, based on an idea from this forum to build our own. We just finished and took it for a short trip to test potential turning problems out and are very pleased.

Purchased the metal bike rack carriers off Amazon and built the rest from 2x4s and 3/4 plywood. It is very stable and can be lifted off the trailer frame and reinstalled without much trouble. Got less than $125.00 ( including the metal racks ) in it not counting my time and effort :).

Trying to post some pics.





  • campin_in_the_r's avatar
    campin_in_the_r
    Explorer
    Apr 28, 2014
    I really like the design of this rack and I am very tempted to build one myself, but I am concerned about how it would impact gas mileage.

    I'd be interested to know if you see any gas mileage degradation from that rack since it puts the bikes in front of the "aerodynamic" front end of your trailer.
  • Trlrboy's avatar
    Trlrboy
    Explorer
    Apr 28, 2014
    campin_in_the_rain wrote:
    I really like the design of this rack and I am very tempted to build one myself, but I am concerned about how it would impact gas mileage.

    I'd be interested to know if you see any gas mileage degradation from that rack since it puts the bikes in front of the "aerodynamic" front end of your trailer.


    Aerodynamic like a big brick.
  • dewey02's avatar
    dewey02
    Explorer II
    Apr 28, 2014
    Very nicely done. Do you have a WD hitch and how does that fit with your mod? (I didn't see one in your photo)
  • riven1950's avatar
    riven1950
    Explorer
    Apr 28, 2014
    I don't have a WD hitch. TT is only 4000lbs +/_ . I do have a anti-sway bar. We tested it today with my GF in the back and made a couple of 90 degree turns. It comes close to the sway bar on a 90degree turn but misses it by 1/2". The good thing about custom building is you may be able to work around your hitch connections. I thought about putting the one bracket in question ( at the sway bar ) on the inside of the frame instead of outside but it does not appear necessary. A bigger TT may have even more flexibility on design. My tongue area is small and tight.

    On the aerodynamics....I don't think that could get any worse :)
  • opnspaces's avatar
    opnspaces
    Navigator II
    Apr 29, 2014
    Nice, do you use something to keep the legs in the stake pockets? I'm just imagining it jumping out over a large bump.
  • riven1950's avatar
    riven1950
    Explorer
    Apr 29, 2014
    Nice, do you use something to keep the legs in the stake pockets? I'm just imagining it jumping out over a large bump.


    First I used tapered pockets, then was very careful when cutting 2x4s to fit. Cut them a little big and sanded to fit snug with a palm sander, so the whole thing is more stable than I thought it would be.

    I had the same thought you did. Last thing I did was to drill a hole in face of each pocket and secured the legs with a SS phillips screw. Peace of mind and only 4 screws to remove to take it off the TT.

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