bike rack options for a TT / TV

[riven1950]

2007 Aerolite 718fd ( 4000lbs loaded ) pulled by 2013 F150 Eco Boost

We are currently carrying our 2 bikes in the truck bed which is ok but inconvenient. wondering if someone has a good option out there for us. Read some threads and can forget about using back bumper on the TT as there is none.

I see 5 options, not in any particular order:

1- Remove spare tire ( there is a spare tire mount on rear of TT and I am guessing someone makes a rack to fit it ), haul it in truck bed, install bike rack in its place. Anyone know how well these spare tire holders are attached to the wall of a TT? I am thinking it depends on the manufacturer and maybe day of week it was built. Mine appears solid but of course it doesn't have two bikes bouncing up and down on it either 🙂 Don't like not being able to see what is going on with the bikes while driving.

2-Install a rack on TT over the propane tank location. I have seen these online and if solid this may be my first choice based on what little I know so far. Would be out of the way and can still get to battery. Can see from truck if there is a problem of some sort while driving.

3-Install a rack over the hitch on rear of the truck. I think I have also seen these online. If solid would work ok but I think would be in the way more. Also not real crazy about bikes bouncing around the back end of my new truck.

4-Continue as is and lay them in truck bed.

5-other ideas??

Comments and suggestions appreciated. Info on particular makes / brands that are dependable would be nice.

Thanks,

[DavisK]

Curt makes an Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch that will probably bolt to your trailer frame.

[Swedish_Steel]

Hi Riven...I am following this thread with interest. Though we are long-time avid cyclists we are new to the RV community. I have been weighing the options of how to haul two aluminum frame hybrid bikes on a truck camper rig. The bikes are a bit bulky in size and heavier than comparable carbon fiber models. I am leaning towards a front mount hitch.

This article provided lots of option ideas with supplier references and photos. http://www.truckcampermagazine.com/weekly-blog/bike-solutions-for-truck-campers .

Cheers!

[Lantley]

Over the tanks is the way to go. Bikes are always in view . No bouncing easy to load and unload.
I had an Arvika rack on my TT for 4 years. Same rack is now adapted to mount on my 5'er

Arvika bike rack,


Check out images

[Charliegu58]

I've just installed a receiver hitch to the front of truck. Trouble is finding a bike rack with enough shank to clear the front bumper. I would like not to have to use an extension, since this would not only increase the cost of an extension but also an additional anti rattle hitch pin.

Just something to think about before putting a front hitch.

[skipnchar]

Carrying bikes is about the only real use for a rear ladder. More than likely your spare tire is on the rear bumper already so adding additional weight hanging several feet further back is a bad way to carry bikes. Carrying the weight BEHIND the bumper just acts like a lever to remove it. If you don't HAVE a rear ladder then do a LOT of beefing up of the rear bumper and it's mounts before trying to add weight to it.

[tragusa3]

I've been wanting to add a hitch to the front of my truck. However, In my research I've seen enough people commenting on it reducing airflow for cooling. I still may, but looking for more info first.

[canadiankid]

I would install a hitch on the front of the truck (it is cheap and very easy usually just a few bolts).