Dual reciever use while flat towing

[eglhvn1]

Has anyone used a dual reciever with flat tow bar on bottom and segmen or similar bike rack on top to tow 2 bikes? any Clearance issues?

driving a Encore 40ts motorhome, towing Kia soul

[vsheetz]

I have. Clearance issues are possible, depending on all the specific equipments used. My setup was OK.

[LarrytheBear]

I use the double receiver when I carry the bikes. I have a Swagman 2 bike carrier and I secure the bikes with extra bungee cords. I have no problems with clearance flat towing my Toyota Yaris.

[redcolorado]

We used one when we carried bikes. Don't ride bikes anymore. Still have the double receiver FOR SALE.

[Tahoejeep]

I have also had good luck flat towing a New Beetle on a double receiver with bikes. I use a home-made tow bar that is a bit longer than most, so have no clearance issues.

[SpaceNorman]

We use a dual receiver setup - with a Roadmaster Sterling "All Terrain" tow bar in the bottom receiver and a Thule Vertex bike rack (4 bike version) in the upper receiver.

I was concerned about clearance issues - so I tested things pretty thoroughly. I was glad I did! The bike rack I was using protruded farther out from the hitch than I was comfortable with - which is how the Thule entered the system. With the Thule - there's no chance of the big rack assemble interfering with the up and down movement of the tow bar regardless of how uneven the terrain may be (i.e. entering/existing driveways, etc.).

You'll find that your bikes will be hanging out over the tow bar assembly. I was concerned with clearance between the bikes - and the front of our Jeep Liberty when turning. I tested this pretty thoroughly when I first installed everything by loading the bikes onto the rack - and then slowing driving in circles with the coach turning as tightly as possible. I discovered that with three bikes on the rack - the wheels of the "outside" bike will make contact with the front of the Jeep. If I remove the wheels from the bike and just hang the frame of the "outside" bike - it's fine. With only two bikes on the rack - the wheels of the "outside" bike clear the front of the Jeep with 4-6 inches to spare in tight turns. I wouldn't risk trying to load a fourth bike - regardless of the fact that the rack itself has a spot for a forth bike.

We'll be finishing up a two+ month, 12 state trip on Friday using this setup without any problems. Just be sure you examine your setup carefully to ensure you've got sufficient clearances - you'll likely find that you're only playing with inches!

[timanddebbie]

This is how we roll. I had a 2" raised receiver and took it to a welding shop to have them weld a 6" raised receiver for the bike rack. Works perfectly!

[wa8yxm]

Depends on the spacing, I have a custom made 4" Drop (Made by Blue Ox, they also customized it)
The bottom is the receiver for the tow bar
The top is a standard "Tong" for a ball hitch
The bike rack is designed to mount on such a tong

No problems at all Save one.

When the blasted tow gear fell off the motor home (Inspect the brackets where the cross bar meets the frame folks) due to the added torsion from the drop receiver..... The rear tire on the bicycle, and the rim, were damaged beyond repair and had to be replaced.

[MisterT]

4 bike dual rack receiver, Ford Fiesta tow... 50,000 miles, no problems

- reese Dual hitch receiver

- allen 4 bike rack(walmart in store)

[arboldt]

We've been full-time now for 3 months -- motor home towing a CRV with 2 bikes on a platform rack on back of the CRV. The rack is a Q-slot Pro Series for 2 bikes.
We felt the platform rack would hold the bikes more securely, but I wonder about that. I do bungee the bikes to the carrier, and pass a security cable through the bike frame as others have mentioned.
1) No matter what I do, there is some flex in the vertical post to which U-shaped hold-downs are clamped, so I'm not sure just how securely they're held.
2) Even worse, the rubber on the hold-down clamps wore through in the first hundred miles, and then the clamps wore through the finish on the bikes. As We taken the bikes off and on over the weeks, we now have several worn spots on the top tubes. I've tried wrapping a cloth under the hold-down clamps -- I've lost a few somewhere on the highway, although it does appear to be helping.

[grumpy0374]

We have a Roadmaster dual receiver. Super strong and has a 10,000 tow rating. Pricy, but worth every penny.
Flat tow our Subaru Crosstrek with the lower, and I have a spare tire/rim mounted on a Curt Spare Tire Carrier that is mounted in the upper receiver.
16,000 miles now without a problem.
Grumpy

[rver98]

This is what I am using and happy with the results. It has a 4" inch drop for your tow bar and the top is used for a bike rack.

https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories.../RM-077-4.html

[grumpy0374]

Yep, same one I use xcept I have the 2 1/4 inch drop.
Can't beat their quality as opposed to the imported stuff.
Grumpy