Bicycle Rack pros and cons

[S&K]

Going to purchase a bicycle rack, but don't know if we should get one that mounts on the ladder or one that mounts in the hitch. I see some hitch mounts need adapters in order to clear the bumper.

What type do you use? Sure would like opinions on what works well for the Redwood. We only need it for 2 bikes, and of course one is a ladies bike that has a slant bar (which may need an adapter depending on the rack purchased).

Thanks,

Shelley

[0nTheRoad]

We carry our bikes on a hitch mounted Yakima 2-Bike rack. No problems at all, very sturdy.

I considered using a ladder mounted rack but heard several negative comments so decided to go with the hitch mount.

[subdoc4]

We have one that fits in the hitch receiver in the back. It is a bit "wobbly", but has worked. I would also like to know that else is available to replace it.
I think you differently get what you pay for.

[0nTheRoad]

Steve, ours doesn't wobble, there is a screw-type device that threads into the rack where you would put the rod thai secures the rack in the receiver. This tightens the rack in the receiver so there is virtually no movement...a great feature!!

I don't know if all Yakima hitches have this, ours does!!

[johnboytoo]

Yes, we tried two different ladder mounts and it was just SO much trouble to keep them from hitting the rv and was always worried about the weight on the ladder.... so a hitch mount is what we vote for !

Any of these will help the 'slack' in the hitch to receiver, but think you will be more pleased with a mount that secures both the wheels and the bars...
maybe like this?

[subdoc4]

I just saw this from CW and on sale.
http://www.campingworld.com/browse/s...&utm_campaign=

[Blue Dogs]

We don't have a bike rack (yet) but will go with a hitch mount. Adding weight to the ladder combined with the vibration going over the road I think would take its toll on the ladder and the end cap where the ladder mounts over time. This is the very reason they put that hitch on the back of these things IMO.

[0nTheRoad]

One caution with hitch mount racks... many are made with a smaller [maybe 1"] mount, the receiver is 2" so if you get one with the smaller mount you'll have to get an adaptor. I also see this as weaker, I'd opt for one with the 2" mount.

[atom ant]

I use an older 2" receiver mount that screws in like Chuck's. I do shim it because I get some bounce up and down where the receiver is a bit larger than the rack, but only about 1/16".

This year it gets to carry two aluminum bikes instead of our old steel frame 10 speeders

[johnboytoo]

subdoc - your link doesn't work - is it the one I linked to Amazon for $149? (sometimes CW's sales are higher than others regular prices - gotta compare )

[mhs4771]

We have the Swagman two bike rack that fits the 2" receiver. Also has the screw/pin so one tightened up the rack doesn't move. We've carried them from Florida to Western New York and Back without any problems. Oh, we did have to get an extension on the receiver to space the bike back away from the rear cap.

[subdoc4]

Originally Posted by johnboytoo

subdoc - your link doesn't work and if it's the one I linked to Amazon (sometimes CW's sales are higher than others regular prices - gotta compare )

It looks like the one you posted.

[spindrift]

I would most definitely go with the hitch mount...and the 2" mount. We have an older bike rack that didn't have any method for tightening the mount in the receiver. I drilled and tapped the receiver to accept one vertical plane and one horizontal plane, 5/8" bolt. I use a locking nut to keep the bolts secured in place.

[Fredtp]

+ 1 for the Yakima. I now use my ladder bycycle rack to carry my ladder.
The Yakima cost a little more but well worth it in ease putting bikes on and taking off.

[Dave&Ginny]

Originally Posted by subdoc4

I just saw this from CW and on sale.
http://www.campingworld.com/browse/s...&utm_campaign=

This is the one that I have and we haven't had any problems at all with it.

[5th_Time]

Yes, a lot of information needed to purchase the right hitch-mounted rack, extended so it does not hit the RW paint, doesn't wobble in the receiver, bikes don't scratch each other during transport, locks in so the bikes don't disappear at the rest stop, and wonder about people behind you paying attention when you slow to a stop...

I underestimated how long it would take to find a rack considering all these attributes - so I just took the front wheels off and loaded both into the basement of the RL. Nice that there was plenty of room!

[atom ant]

Wow! I don't think I could wedge another thing into my basement!

Anybody use a cover on their bikes? Seems like that might block the taillights.

[travelin' texans]

Try finding one for a tandem. I modified a motorcycle rack from Harbor Freight with bicycle hoops from Tractor Supply. Works great. Hope picture shows up, not sure how to post pictures.

[travelin' texans]

Forgot to mention, added 4 led tail lights, removed back up lights & replaced with tail lights so bicycle did not block lights, also much more visible, could not use cover.

[travelin' texans]

By the way here's the tandem.