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

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

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.

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.

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.

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'erArvika bike rack,Check out images

bike rack options for a TT / TV | Good Sam Community

kend40
Explorer
May 05, 2014
riven1950 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?

I think you are pretty much on with that comment. I am still thinking on this project as it could involve a good bit of money and I want to get it right. My truck is so tall I would never try to get bikes on off it. Also, I am trying to solve two issues at once. Carrying 2 kayaks AND two bicycles.

I like searfoss's pcv bike rack and its cost problem is I have a short bed with a tool box so would not work without removing the front wheels, although that may still work. going to be doing some measuring / thinking for a while.

If anyone with a short bed p/u and tool box is hauling kayaks and bikes I would be interested in knowing how, unless the bikes are on top the TV, on front of it, or on rear of TT. I know that eliminates quite a few possibilities.

check out www.bikefastrack.com this can be used above a toolbox that is flush mounted or below the box rails. It also allows the use of the majority of the box. And it can carry 5 bikes. Also looks like it is easy to remove when you are not transporting bikes. I was impressed by the videos on the site. Then with a rooftop kayak rack you might get everything you are wishing for.
dewey02
Explorer II
Apr 28, 2014
riven1950 wrote:
I just posted my solution to the over the tank TT bike rack in the upgrades / modifications section. Check it out

Clicky
AH64ID
Explorer
Apr 28, 2014
I need to take some pics, but I have used the hitch and bike rack on 2 trips now. It's very easy, convenient, and sturdy!
riven1950
Explorer
Apr 28, 2014
I just posted my solution to the over the tank TT bike rack in the upgrades / modifications section. Check it out!
NYCgrrl
Explorer
Mar 20, 2014
Just took delivery on 2 foldable bikes and will store them w/i the TT or car. This should (in theory) solve the problem on my end.
3_0charlie
Explorer
Mar 18, 2014
the e-man wrote:
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
I'm actually in the process of building such bike rack using Thule components, and fit the kit while still use the OEM soft tonneau cover of my Sierra. Parts:

Thule TP54 Top-track with flare nuts (2)
Thule 460 Podium Foot kit (kit of 4)
Thule Fit Kit 3101 (kit of 4)
Thule LBxx (xx in) Load Bars (x2)
Sport Rack SR4611 Bike carrier (x3)

I have not figured the load bar width required; I have yet installed the top tracks outboard of the OEM tonneau tracks. Hopefully it will look like this once finished (not my truck, shown with hard panel cover):

(image courtesy of gm-trucks.com)
AH64ID
Explorer
Mar 18, 2014
I made an appointment yesterday to have a custom hitch welded to my TT, I'll post pics next week.
riven1950
Explorer
Mar 18, 2014
I am going to build a rack for front of TT, or at least try. Think I can do it for less than 150.00, will keep you posted on it...couple of weeks.
Lantley
Nomad
Mar 18, 2014
E man accessing the tanks is not a big issue. I used the one tank on one tank off method for monitoring my LP usage. By doing so I ran the risk of Murphy's law striking and running out of LP in the middle of the night. I created the access panel to allow easy access to valves with bikes on the rack.

Arvika is the solution for carrying bikes. Some squawk at the price however the Arvika cost about the same as fabricating/welding a custom rack + a good quality bike rack.
I've noticed a few newer tongue mounted racks are now on the market. They seem to be in the same price range as the Arvika.
the_e-man
Explorer
Mar 18, 2014
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

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