Bikes on Hitch Racks - Cover or No Cover

[pbwhitney]

I'm planning to FT after I retire in 2 years, and I want to take my Trek hybrid with me. I have a 1998 Roadtrek 190 Popular, and I'm thinking about getting a cargo carrier or hitch platform of some sort to carry any extra gear, such as ex pens for my dogs and the bike. I just recently got a bike rack for my minivan, so I don't have experience with carrying bikes on long trips. I mainly see bikes on racks on the back of vehicles without covers, so I'm wondering how do bikes do without having any covers on them. When they're behind RV's, do they get bugs splattered on them or mud when raining, etc.? Do you have to clean up the bike whenever you get to where you're going? I've seen some bike covers on-line, but they are kind of bulky and could definitely block my view out the rear window. My hybrid is just 2 years old, so I'd like to keep it looking good as long as possible. Thanks in advance for any advice and tips!

Pam

[Jlo11111]

We have a cover for our bikes but don't put it on them when driving for two reasons. When the cover is on, you can't see the taillights of our van and I'm worried someone will run into the back of us. I'm also worried the cover will flap in the wind and buff the paint off our bikes. The cover we have doesn't seem to fit snuggly and firmly enough to hold up under 70mph winds. So yes, the bikes pick up a lot of dust from the road and we usually need to wipe them down before using them. But no, there had been no damage from rocks as the rack sits up high enough to prevent anything from hitting the bikes.

[SargeW]

Hi Pam, there are some inherent problems with bikes on the back of vehicles, some of which you have already mentioned. I carried bikes on the back of my Jeep for years, uncovered. I went through 2 sets of new bikes in about 6 years due to the beating they take back there. A little dew and dirt causes instant rust and sludge. And I quickly got tired of trying to keep them clean. Most any cover that you put over them has the possibility of hiding the brake lights on the vehicle. That can get you pulled over and cited. And if it doesn't, you still run the risk of an inattentive driver (playing with their cell phone) not noticing your vehicle stopping, and hitting you.

Lots of folks do it, you just need to be aware of what can happen. Also be aware that expensive bikes can be a target for theft, even if locked onto the bike rack. These are just some issues to consider as you prepare to outfit your rig.

[Ndrorder]

From personal experience with motorcycles, the dust and road grime that lands on the bike was unacceptable - not to mention the places dirt would go if there was road spray in the rain. The light nylon tefeta covers never wore the paint and a terry cloth insert protected the plastic windshield. Visibility is a different issue, but a good cover provides more protection than damage.

[Unplanned Tourist]

If you are getting a cargo carrier, you could put lights on it.

I use a large size motorcycle cover for our 2 bicycles and tie a rope around it to stop any flapping. Use a bungie cord to keep the rope tight and it will be good to go.

Rain and road grime is bad for bicycles and also the seat on mine takes on water if it rains.

Happy Glamping.

[Podivin]

I have a cargo carrier that we put on bikes on. Unless it's a VERY short run to wherever we're going we put a cover over the bikes, and then straps over the cover to make sure it doesn't blow off.
The cover partially blocks one tail light, so I put magnetic lights on the back of the cargo carrier to solve that problem.

[twogypsies]

We full-timed and started off carrying bikes... with a cover. They really got messed up and dirty; much so that for a 1 or 2-night stay we didn't even want to bother taking them down and cleaning them for a ride. Bikes also get in terrible shape when on the coasts. The salt air is horrible on them. We found they need to be washed daily to prevent rust. Bikes can really bounce up and down on a hitch so make sure they're not touching each other to prevent damage.

The best thing for traveling is if you can put them inside your RV and take them out when you arrive.

We got rid of the bikes after a couple years. We found that it's more pleasant, good exercise and raises your heart rate sufficiently to take a long hike in a scenic area.

[ThomB]

Ours were covered and I used a truckbed bungee to wrap them so the cover didn't/couldn't flap around in the wind. In 3 years I think we rode them 3-4 times. I don't plan to take them if we go out again. I always said they looked pretty on the back of the RV.

[grindstone01]

We have full timed for almost 8 years now with a swivel trailer behind our fifth wheel camper. On the swivel trailer we carry a motorcycle (Honda GL1800 and now a Honda VTX1300) along with 2 Schwinn mountain bikes. The bikes are never covered on travel days and the mountain bikes are chained to the trailer. The bikes do get dirty, but they are not hard to clean. There are a lot of people that worship their motorbikes. To me they are machines to be ridden and enjoyed, not worshiped. If your goal is to keep your bikes pristine for resale, you will probably be disappointed.

[pbwhitney]

Thank you, All, for the input!! I did find an ad not long ago for a bike cover with really good reviews, and it seems like it had attachable tail lights that you could add to it. It sounds like I should go with a cover or put it into a cargo carrier of some sort. That's a real consideration though of how much it will get used. One thought was to use it to go sight seeing so I didn't have to move the Roadtrek once I had camp set up, such as to explore small towns, etc., depending on where I'm camped. It's a 2018 women's Trek Verve hybrid bike, so not a real expensive bike ($550), but it's my favorite color - purple, so I'd like to keep it looking nice. I'm planning on doing a lot of traveling my first year of full-timing to do more sight seeing, so your input gives me some things to consider.

Thanks again!

Pam

[Jake21]

100,000 miles later...bikes in great shape and stay clean. Not 100% waterproof. I drape a shower curtain liner over the top of the bikes, then put the Skinz cover on.


http://www.skinzprotectivegear.com/b...ortcovers.html

[pbwhitney]

Originally Posted by Jake21

100,000 miles later...bikes in great shape and stay clean. Not 100% waterproof. I drape a shower curtain liner over the top of the bikes, then put the Skinz cover on.


SKINZ PROTECTIVE GEAR
Attachment 294737

Thanks, Jake! The Skinz cover is actually the one I was planning on getting, along with their tail light kit. I hadn't thought about adding a shower curtain liner though. That's a great idea!

Pam