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AktivCanuck · 09-07-2021, 09:19 AM

"happy wife, happy life".

Truer words never spoken. In that spirit, I am trying to figure out a way to fully partake in my passion while still keeping my wife happy.

My wife enjoys getting away from the stresses of the city and relaxing around the campsite with a good book, listening to some music, grabbing a snooze, etc. I enjoy those things too, but I enjoy hiking and am an avid photographer (mostly wildlife, but some landscape too). Suitable trailheads are seldom within walking distance of the campground. My wife would not be "enthused" if I woke up at 5AM, drove the camper van to the trailhead, parked it in the "less than scenic" parking lot and disappeared for four hours! I am trying to figure out what options I might have for "portable supplemental transportation".

The Hymer Aktiv is about 20' long and doesn't have space to store a scooter or bike inside it. The outside back has a left-offset spare tire "housing". It is on a hinge that lowers to the ground, at which point the tire would be removed and used. In its normal upright, locked position, the left back door can only be opened 3" to 4", so all access to the back storage (folding chairs, BBQ, electrical cord) is through the right door and any solution needs to maintain this access.

I have thought about a mountain bike; perhaps modified with one of those conversion kits to turn it into a a motorized bicycle that can do 20-30MPH. But I don't know how that would mount onto the van, given the tire housing on the left and the critical access through the right door.

Has anybody had a similar challenge and, if so, what was your solution?

Thanks!

Ldubs · 09-07-2021, 10:24 AM

A small lightweight trailer to haul your bike(s)? Could toss on a couple kayaks too! I have not personally used one but the "Go Easy" trailer is good for bikes, Kayaks, or both. Weighs less than 300#.

BTW, I have a similar arrangement with Mrs Ldubs. I'm typically out early fishing or something while she sleeps in. Because we have a TT, I don't have your issue.

Old-Biscuit · 09-07-2021, 10:55 AM

Bike mount on front of van, bike mount on roof of van or the small trailer mentioned above

jondrew55 · 09-07-2021, 11:52 AM

How about a front mounted hitch receiver and you could put a bike up there? I'm making an assumption you live up north somewhere so you may be less susceptible to the bike seriously restricting the airflow to your radiator.

AktivCanuck · 09-08-2021, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

Bike mount on front of van, bike mount on roof of van or the small trailer mentioned above

Hmmm, a bike mount on the front of the van just might be an option. Straightforward and shouldn't (?!) cost too much. The roof isn't an option as it has the AC and several solar panels. I am disinclined to consider towing a trailer, as one of the appeals of the Hymer Aktiv is that is is only 20' long and really is just like a slightly oversized family fan when it comes to driving and parking. I would lose that with a tow.

twogypsies · 09-08-2021, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AktivCanuck

Hmmm, a bike mount on the front of the van just might be an option.

Putting a bike on the front of the RV (or even in the back) is extremely hard on the bike and more so if you have an electric. To keep it in good condition you'd need a tight cover over it.

Do you ever have to clean the front of your RV and windshield of bugs? Think of that on your bike!

rrsutherland · 09-09-2021, 08:11 AM

Front receiver hitch rack and a TW200! It'll go any where you want to take it and it's street legal anywhere. As a bonus they retain their value amazingly well! Crazy prices for used ones.