Tow Dolly - Bike Rack

[vettenuts]

Originally Posted by TexasTom

When you have your setup complete, would you post some pictures? I'm going to be going this exact path in the near future.

It won't be until May if that's not too late. I won't be getting the coach out of the indoor storage facility until the end of April.

[Waywards]

Here's a picture of my setup. Using a Road Master split hitch.

[mdvs]

What about the heat on the bikes? I have the rear radiator and think the heat would not be good for my bikes. Also not sure about impact on air flow.

[Waywards]

Originally Posted by mdvs

What about the heat on the bikes? I have the rear radiator and think the heat would not be good for my bikes. Also not sure about impact on air flow.

Had a light cover on bikes. Didn't show any signs of heat damage. Water temps were normal. 2400 mile trip to Florida and back.

[vettenuts]

Originally Posted by mikeward_aa

Had a light cover on bikes. Didn't show any signs of heat damage. Water temps were normal. 2400 mile trip to Florida and back.

I was going to buy a cover especially since I am considering a new bike. The bike rack company states not to cover in their documentation. This is from their web site, "We do not recommend using a cover on our bike racks. A cover will add more drag on the rack, and compromise the safety of the rack."

Thinking this might not be an issue behind the coach since it is out of the wind.

[Waywards]

I could see that being an issue with some bike racks. The Thule bike rack is a beast and handles the extra loads without issue. It's also behind a 13 ft wall (i.e. the back of the coach) so it's out of the direct slipstream.

[vettenuts]

OK, so here is the response I got from Saris much to my surprise.

"Yes, bike covers should not be used while using any of our bike racks. Our bike racks are also not tested for and should not be mounted on the back of any type of motorhome or RV. "

So after some more research, apparently the only company that allows RV use is Swagman as Thule apparently doesn't cover RV use either from what I read on line.

Sent a nasty response to both Saris and etrailer since I didn't see any such limitation on the bike rack.

[TexasTom]

Does not make sense to me. I have thousands of miles with my bike rack on my coach with no problems. The only thing I can think of as different is you can't see the bikes through a back window, so if something comes loose it is harder to see



2005 Newmar Kountry Star 3742

[vettenuts]

Originally Posted by TexasTom

Does not make sense to me. I have thousands of miles with my bike rack on my coach with no problems. The only thing I can think of as different is you can't see the bikes through a back window, so if something comes loose it is harder to see



2005 Newmar Kountry Star 3742

Which brand do you have?

I did find one documented case of a bike rack failing on an RV. I emailed etrailer to get their input. Unfortunately, I already threw away the box and packing so returning is no longer an option plus the shipping cost would be huge. Just frustrating that this limitation is not noted on the web site since RV'ers do a lot of shopping on etrailer. I guess it is buyer beward.

[BFlinn181]

I have seen bike racks on the back of travel trailers that have flexed so much because of the trailer motions that the bumper has failed. I see the need for a strap or brace to the RV's rear to reduce the flexing and potential metal fatigue.

On the back of a diesel pusher, I see less violent motion and doubt if metal fatigue would be as much of an issue.

Likewise, a cover, shielded by the RV's rear wall, is less likely to be subject to strong wind gusts like a bike rack on a fastback or car with a flat trunk.

I suspect all the cautions about not using a cover or mounting on the back of an RV is the manufacturer's legal department's CYA so they don't get held liable if the rack fails. A cautious owner would regularly inspect the stress points where cracks could form from metal fatigue, make sure the bikes are secured, and not exceed the weight limits of the rack.

[TexasTom]

Originally Posted by vettenuts

Which brand do you have?



I did find one documented case of a bike rack failing on an RV. I emailed etrailer to get their input. Unfortunately, I already threw away the box and packing so returning is no longer an option plus the shipping cost would be huge. Just frustrating that this limitation is not noted on the web site since RV'ers do a lot of shopping on etrailer. I guess it is buyer beward.

I have this one. Much better than a hanging rack because it is more stable and easier to use. You may want to look for a used one. They used to be called Sportworks until Thule bought them.

https://www.thule.com/en-us/us/bike-...9045-_-1689773





2005 Newmar Kountry Star 3742

[vettenuts]

Originally Posted by TexasTom

I have this one. Much better than a hanging rack because it is more stable and easier to use. You may want to look for a used one. They used to be called Sportworks until Thule bought them.

https://www.thule.com/en-us/us/bike-...9045-_-1689773





2005 Newmar Kountry Star 3742

Your rack is similar to mine but appears to be much heavier. Per etrailer, it is not rated for RV use http://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Bike-R...le/TH9044.html

I just bought a second hitch for the car and am going to have a receiver welded on top of it at the appropriate angle for dolly towing so the bike rack will be on the car rather than the coach. About the only solution I have at this point. They won't let me return the rack I have and the one that will both hold our bikes and is RV rated is too long and will hit the car.

Had I known it was going to be such a debacle I wouldn't have even bothered to start with.

[radcac]

Originally Posted by vettenuts

Your rack is similar to mine but appears to be much heavier. Per etrailer, it is not rated for RV use http://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Bike-R...le/TH9044.html

I just bought a second hitch for the car and am going to have a receiver welded on top of it at the appropriate angle for dolly towing so the bike rack will be on the car rather than the coach. About the only solution I have at this point. They won't let me return the rack I have and the one that will both hold our bikes and is RV rated is too long and will hit the car.

Had I known it was going to be such a debacle I wouldn't have even bothered to start with.

This is what I use , it is great thus far.

[vettenuts]

Originally Posted by radcac

This is what I use , it is great thus far.
Attachment 158219

Are you towing the car on a dolly? Looks long, how far back does it protrude from the hitch pin?