Bike Racks

[atom ant]

Anybody using either of the following platform style bike racks on the Redwood hitch? I'm curious about clearance from the back ladder and rear clip on the Redwood with the bikes. I would hate to add a wobbly extension.

Yakima Holdup

http://www.amazon.com/Yakima-Product...=yakima+holdup

Thule T2

http://www.amazon.com/Thule-916XT-2-...words=thule+t2

[johnboytoo]

I had to get this from amazon when I tried the bike rack.

The rack was fine, but the bike handles would hit the ladder and cap on our 38gk...

but still even with 2 locking hitch pins I had to secure the bikes with a web of bungee cords as they vibrated so much on that LONG fulcrum behind the rw rear wheels I was worried about metal fatigue !!!

[Don and Judith]

We've got a 38RL and have the Thule rack. After about 3000 Kilometers, No problems at all with bikes and rear of unit. I had to move my licence plate to the ladder. Use caution when cranking down the strap lever that locks the wheel to the channel. I had broke the lever because my first attempt was a little too snug

[Radio_Flyer]

I've got the Swagman with an extension. Bought the Hitch Clamp Heavy Duty for the extension. Doesn't move around, have two bikes on it generally. Have about 3k miles using it so far. One of the simplest to use and with the extension, no chance of the bikes hitting the back of the rig.

[atom ant]

Oh cool, thanks folks. I never heard of those hitch tightener gadgets until now! The racks have some times of tightener, (the Kuat is really cool), but I was worried about the extension.

[Elliott & Vicky]

I have a 36 RE and the Thule. I do not need an extension on the hitch as I have plenty of clearance with our mountain bikes. I did find you need to run straps from the end of the carrier bars to the Redwood, as the carrier moves flops a bit on a rough road.

[lwg]

I use the holdup and love it. I've had mine for about 6 years now, love the peace of mind I get with it, no movement of the bikes when mounted and it works with all frame styles easily.

[travelin' texans]

Brad, you can also buy a locking hitch pin that tightens internally, I found them at a uhaul dealer. I have also shimmed with a flat washer before tightening everything down.

[travelin' texans]

IMAG0019.jpg
Brad, try finding a rack for this!! I had to "southern engineer" a motorcycle carrier, but it works great.

[atom ant]

Thanks All,

I think I found a deal on the Holdup - after all it comes with a built in beer opener!



I won't even bring the bikes, just a place to set the cooler and open the beer! Better than an outside kitchen

Danny, I love your tandem and Dory has seen your picture before somewhere. We are actually looking at that as an alternative when our daughter goes if I can get her to ride a tandem (handicapped).

[lwg]

The holdup comes with a hitch that tightens up and won't bounce around. It truly is one of the nicest racks I've seen (for holding bikes...). The bottle opener is a plus!

[johnboytoo]

Thanks for the info on the Holdup, AA & LWG ...
Gonna have to look at it as the Swagman I tried wobbled like my weekend athlete knees - even WITH all the 'extras' I had on it...


which one do youse guys recomend ?
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...a+holdup&ajr=0

[Don and Judith]

We have the Thule 916xtr T2 and have had no issues.

[atom ant]

John,

Just from what I've been looking at, the Thule T2 and Yakima Holdup seems about equal in features, quality and price. The "Cadillac" is the Kuat 2 which is even has a work vice, but about $100 more.

All have the option of going to 4 bikes by adding on. If you ever want to try 4 bikes, you have to get the 2" models in Thule and Yakima. The 1-1/4" can't be added on to.

I've found the Thule and Yakima for $360 open box. I think I'll go for the Yakima because it's black - no other real reason.

[almcc]

Last winter I had the problem with the bikes moving around due to the slack in the clearance between the carrier and the hitch as well. I strung a strap between the carrier and the ladder as a temporary fix.

I'm going to get the hitch tightener as a pemanaent fix but as a temporary fix I got some shims from the auto parts store (I think they are called starter shims) that I insert to take the slack out.

I wasn't aware how much the bikes were moving around until the fellow RVer that we were traveling with told me!

[Elliott & Vicky]

What is the hitch tightener? Inquiring minds want to know.

[almcc]

Originally Posted by Elliott & Vicky

What is the hitch tightener? Inquiring minds want to know.

I thought that it was on another post here, but this is the one I'm looking at getting from Amazon.com. I tried to post the link but failed. It's called stowaway hitch tightener.

[Radio_Flyer]

I use a different type, but they basically do the same thing. This is the one I use, have it for both my 1 1/4 and 2" receivers - http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...WL._SY355_.jpg

[atom ant]

Well, got the Yakima Holdup all assembled and adjusted -

not totally impressed

The mechanism makes for quick work to hang the bikes, but there is substantial wobble- and its in the pivot joint, not the hitch. Hitch tighteners aren't going help that.

Jury is still out until I can try it on the Redwood - but I'll keep the old one just in case.

[piper guy]

Brad - I have the Swagman rack and like it a lot. Very easy and secure to load bikes and the rack comes with a built in tightened. Also has sleeve adapter for 2" hitch.