Cruisers Forum
Main Forum => General Discussion => Topic started by: garmp on October 09, 2020, 05:09:03 pm
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How many of you carry bicycles with you on your travels? My question is how/where do you carry them? If is mount them on the back, how do I get into the rear hatch for my power cords, etc?
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We carried ours on the back of the TOAD. I pull a Jeep Cherokee and and a bicycle carrier that mounts to the trailer hitch. Haven't had any issues.
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Hi Gary,
Since my mobility is getting worse with age and condition, I depend on a bike to get around longer routes I would have previously happily walked. After thinking about it--and quite a bit of research--decided to go with an e-bike to make sure I can cover as much distance as I want without a problem. Found a folding e-bike from Blix that works great. Like Lance, I tow a Jeep Cherokee (mine's a Trailhawk), and I have the option of using a bike rack on the Jeep receiver, or just folding the bike in half and putting it in the rear hatch. I usually just fold it and stick in the back--I can have it out and ready to go in about 30 seconds.
Mike
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I also use a bike rack on my Wrangler toad. This leaves the option of moving it to the RV if I am not bringing the Jeep.
I have this:
https://www.amazon.com/Yakima-8002483-Backswing/dp/B077BX789P/ref=asc_df_B077BX789P/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312091906290&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13052191658832002581&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9002041&hvtargid=pla-568541901733&psc=1
Which I need so I can open the Jeep tailgate and would provide the same convenience to access the rear hatch.
It is pretty well built, just make sure your bike rack is rated to go on with it. The racks with the small hitch tube are not approved.
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Many receiver type bike racks have a hinged lower section that allows you to drop the bikes down and back to access a hatchback or trunk, or swing to the side for a tailgate, or in our case the rear compartment. Be sure to get one hefty enough to support the weight of the inevitable ebike. I can usually just reach into our compartment for the hose or cord without dropping the bikes.
happy pedaling!
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We carried ours on the back of the TOAD. I pull a Jeep Cherokee and and a bicycle carrier that mounts to the trailer hitch. Haven't had any issues.
We have the same arrangement though I have since bought a different bike rack, one that mounts to the spare tire mount on the tow vehicle. Strangely, that is more secure. I like that it mounts the bikes much closer to the tow vehicle, and it also allows us to open the tail gate so the bikes swing away with the rear hatch. Our two bikes and the rack itself are light weight which helps on the concerns of the extra weight on the tail gate.
The bike rack in the picture did work, but there was a lot of weight hanging much farther back. The rack was extra heavy and the bikes thrashed on it. That was one more reason to make a change in racks. I keep that rack in case one day we want to bring the bikes without the tow vehicle.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/7020/6641812687_8e01997fa2_z.jpg)
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Like 2 Lucky does, we just reach under to get things in and out of the rear storage. The hose and shore power line I keep in the side anyway just because I am lazy and don't want to swing the ladder up each time. When carrying bikes (2 e-bikes) I leave the ladder up. I use the below pictured hitch lift/extension for the bike rack.... Two reasons, to raise the bike rack above the taillights (I keep the ebikes in a cover) and to move them back from the rear cap so I can get in the rear storage if needed.
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Garmp - check out the Thule T2 Classic. The design is similar to what’s used for city busses, but with a tilt feature for clearance.
My 2350 doesn’t have a rear compartment, so I can’t say for certain if the door would clear. I bought the T2 primarily because it will handle the weight of 2 e-bikes and can be fitted with optional fat bike tire cradles.
Folding foot pedals might also do the trick if you need just a bit more wiggle room.
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I noticed that e-bikes were mentioned. That is why I'm looking into how to carry them. Which e-bike seems to be the popular/best choice. Naturally I want the best bang for my buck, and I know you get what you pay for. But there's got to be a happy medium. And to boot I know less than nothing about them, battery power, motor rpms, tire size, etc.
Appreciate any & all help.
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Garmp
The Thule is a great rack
I have a Hollywood Rack beefy enough for two ebikes. I picked it because it has a unique method to securely fasten and be wobble and rattle free. A threaded rod in the lower arm hooks to the back side of the hitch pin. You crank it down to securely pull the whole rack into the receiver. You can see the tightening handle on the bottom in the pics attached. Comes with a locking hitch pin and cable lock keyed alike.
The riser Donc shows is a nice addition.
Any type of receiver hitch or rack can be improved with a stabilizer.
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I was posting the previous thread when you asked about ebikes.
Mine got me up and going again after a botched knee replacement left me "out on a limb?" They are a game changer for me in so many ways. We always have ours along. We often use ours instead of a toad. You can pedal as hard or as easy as you want. It can feel like pedalling downhill all the time! We opted for a brand called Haibike, uses Bosch motor and battery.
In addition to the basic bike varieties ie road, mountain, comfort, cross, etc, there are two basic types of ebikes, mid-motor and hub motor. Mid motor is more pricey and superior in many ways. There are hub motor conversion kits to change a regular bike to ebike...not recommended.
Hub motors tend to overheat and cut out, and can surge when you start pedaling and not very smooth in my experience. I had hub type first, my wife could not keep up on her conventional bike, so she got a Haibike, then I couldn't keep up with her. Now we are on the same grade.
A removable battery is a must in my book. One thing is that removing the battery lightens to load when you hoist the bike up on to the rack. Ebike are heavy relatively. And you can take the battery inside to recharge.
Best advice is to find a local ebike specialist and go ride a few. Be aware it is hard to go back once you ride one.
I notice you have a PC and not a Winnebago. You deserve a good bike!
Dougn
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Gary--
E-bikes have become increasingly popular, and like other items of personal experience you can get endless recommendations for types and brands based on what individuals have personally owned or experienced. Although I decided an e-bike was what I needed in my situation, like you I had absolutely no previous knowledge or experience of e-bike types or technology. The internet is a handy tool however, and I spent a little time getting a basic overview of types and prices. One resource that I found especially helpful was electricbikereview.com--this seems to be pretty much the definitive site for comprehensive reviews of almost all e-bike models; you can learn a lot in a fairly short time on that site, as well as get an in-depth review of whatever model you might be considering. My own choice ended up being a folding e-bike from Blix and I could not be more happy with the result. It has excellent range, and is powerful, smooth, and dependable. Their units have excellent reviews, and the price versus quality ratio is exceptional. I'm sure you'll get a variety of great suggestions, so best of luck in your search.
Mike
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I noticed that e-bikes were mentioned. That is why I'm looking into how to carry them. Which e-bike seems to be the popular/best choice. Naturally I want the best bang for my buck, and I know you get what you pay for. But there's got to be a happy medium. And to boot I know less than nothing about them, battery power, motor rpms, tire size, etc.
Appreciate any & all help.
A 48v 10ah battery is sufficient for a 20 mile range without pedaling. Avoid the cheaper 36v models. E-bikes are limited by law to 20 mph on the streets in the USA, so the motors are generally 750 watts or less, except for high end off road models like those from HI Power Cycles in Chattsworth, California.
Pedego offers a lot of bang for the buck. They are an established USA manufacturer based in Florida with retail stores and and rental outlets, so parts won’t become a problem , unlike much of the off-brand Chinese junk. Their new Element fat tire bike looks like it may be an excellent Unisex model with a smaller frame and low step-over height.
If you need to go fast, climb steep hills, or travel long distances, a mid drive motor is superior to a hub motor because it uses the bikes’s rear derailleur gears as a transmission. Haibike and Hi Power Cycles build quality mid drive bikes, or if you already have a nice bike that you want to convert to mid drive electric check out the more affordable kits from Lectric Cycles or EM3EV
There are 2 types of hub motors, direct drive and geared. Geared hub motors utilize planetary gears and are designed to freewheel when not under power.
My own e-bike was custom built for riding in beach sand. I used a Hi Power Cycles 1250 watt Stryker geared front hub motor driving a 4.7” Surly Big Fat Larry front tire for maximum sand flotation, set in a Surly Moonlander chromoly fork. It’s powered by a Grinfinity programmable motor controller with a Grin Cycle Analyst. A Shimano Alfine 8 speed internal geared hub drives a 4” Surly Endomorph rear tire for two wheel drive pedaling, while staying free of sand and corrosion. The aluminum frame is a Tommisea Terrain Destroyer. Its a monster of a bike, but weighs just 58 lbs.
Diff'rent strokes for Diff'rent Folks (exactly)
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We carry two e-bikes (Pegasus Cross) on the back of the PC. We use a Saris Freedom bike rack (rated to carry two e-bikes). The bike rack was not rated to be used on the back of an RV and it also was not rated to be placed on the back of a towed vehicle. However, it is the perfect bike rack for these two step through e-bikes because of the way that it holds the bikes down. We could not use the ratcheting frame hooks that many bike racks have and since we also have fenders those that locked the front tire would not work. Another requirement we had was for it to be 1 1/4 inch and 2 inch receiver.
We went to a local welding shop and they made us a carrier out of 2 inch x 3/16 inch steel tubing that will easily hold 1000 pounds. When we want to put the bikes on the back of the PC we simple bolt the rack to the carrier and are good to go. They are rock solid. There is plenty of room to fully open the rear hatch with both bikes on the rack.
We can also use the bike rack on the back of the toad when we do not have the PC. We just unscrew the two bolts and use the bike rack on its own.
Picture 1 - bike rack carrier
Picture 2 - bike rack attached to carrier with blue ox ready for travel
Picture 3 - PC carrying one of the e-bikes and towing the car
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Barry
That is a great idea with the bike rack. We have the same bike rack.
Ron S
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Thanks all for the super great comments. So now all I gotta do is a ton of research, find a bunch of money, and convince the DW (Dear Wife). Maybe the package can be a Christmas/anniversary combo?
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Good Luck Garmin. Let us know what she decides! LOL
When I looked for a bike rack i could not find one that was approved rear mounting on a tow car and RV. They were approved for one or the other only. I only looked on trailer.com. I find that kind of strange and suspect they just want to sell more bike racks. Bike racks mounted behind a toad or RV seem to me to have to be design similarity.
Anyone know of a bike rack the is approved for use behind an RV and toad?
Ron S
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This one is rated for both but out of stock.
https://hollywoodracks.com/products/rv-rider?variant=31819472437317
I have the Hollywood Sport Rider for E-bikes that I've used on the PC and Tracker toad for close to 15k miles with no problems, tho now I see it is not rated for use on trailers. I have a question in to Hollywood regarding this rating right now. Never thought of there being an issue.
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Just got this back from Hollywood:
info@hollywoodracks.com
Attachments
2:02 PM (1 hour ago)
to me
Hi Doug,
Travel trailers (including towed vehicles and fifth wheels*) have a slight side to side motion that's very low frequency (1 to 1-1/2 times per second) that fatigues the steel from which the racks are manufactured. The fatigue first happens at a molecular level, but eventually (several thousands of cycles later) a visible crack will appear. Once the crack has formed, it will enlarge, finally to the point where the rack drops off the vehicle and the rack (and bikes) impact the roadway. This is also a dangerous situation for whoever may be following the trailer on the highway. We have seen 100+ incidents where the consumers/end user has not taken this advice and suffered disastrous results. We've even had phone calls from consumers who said they read that advice (do not use on a trailer) and ignored it, only to discover a tragic end result. So, please don't do it.
For Class A,B,C, towed vehicles and fifth wheels our RV Rider is the only rack that will work. It will not work for travel trailers.
The RV Rider (HR1700) is a heavy duty version of the Sport Rider for Electric bike rack (HR1500). The key differences are attached.
Thank you,
Jen / Hollywood Racks
Now I'm afraid to use mine...had no idea or warning...
PS just got clarification my rack is good for the RV miles, so I'm trying to find out if it is ruined after 6300 miles on the toad.
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2 Lucky
Thanks for sharing. Our Saris Freedom cannot be used on RV or Toad. I have a backup heavy duty bike rack I will use on our PC. I may look into building the Barry support for our bike rack so I can use it on PC and the car once at a destination.
I love this forum!!
Ron S
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We carry two e-bikes (Pegasus Cross) on the back of the PC. We use a Saris Freedom bike rack (rated to carry two e-bikes). The bike rack was not rated to be used on the back of an RV and it also was not rated to be placed on the back of a towed vehicle. However, it is the perfect bike rack for these two step through e-bikes because of the way that it holds the bikes down. We could not use the ratcheting frame hooks that many bike racks have and since we also have fenders those that locked the front tire would not work. Another requirement we had was for it to be 1 1/4 inch and 2 inch receiver.
We went to a local welding shop and they made us a carrier out of 2 inch x 3/16 inch steel tubing that will easily hold 1000 pounds. When we want to put the bikes on the back of the PC we simple bolt the rack to the carrier and are good to go. They are rock solid. There is plenty of room to fully open the rear hatch with both bikes on the rack.
We can also use the bike rack on the back of the toad when we do not have the PC. We just unscrew the two bolts and use the bike rack on its own.
Picture 1 - bike rack carrier
Picture 2 - bike rack attached to carrier with blue ox ready for travel
Picture 3 - PC carrying one of the e-bikes and towing the car
Thanks for taking the time to post this item. We have the same Saris Freedom rack and may build a carrier like yours.
I am considering building one or getting one built.
Do you have any drawings or measurements on your carrier? More pics at different angles would also help. What welding shop did it? How long ago? We are in the area and could request another carrier.
My email is sarz272000@yahoo.com.
Anything you can do would help!
Ron S.
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Ron,
I will work on getting different pics and measurements. We have a local welding shop within 5 miles of our house. I first made a prototype out of wood and took it to them to get their thoughts. I had to modify it once because my blue ox would interfere with it on steep grades.
It works great for our bikes and towing a chevy cavalier. That is the one caution I have. Depending on your tow vehicle, measurements could be different. The chevy is a low profile front end so I do not get any interference on tight turns or steep grades. I went to a parking lot and did tight turns while Sue was outside watching the clearance.
Barry
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Thanks Barry. You are right the measurements may vary with each toad. If you could just take a side view of the carrier I think that would help. If you have the measurements fine but don't spend a lot of time on it. I like the wood model idea. You never cease to amaze me with your ideas!
We bought a 2021 Trailblazer for a toad. However, the base plates are back ordered, there are no cross roof racks available yet and owners manual for recreational tow vehicle procedure is wrong. Ugh. May have to shop for a used toad instead!!
Ron
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Ron
PM on the way.
Barry
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For a bike rack with "play" in the hitch, consider one of those "Quiet Hitch" type products to tighten it up. There are a few different designs for removing "play" in the hitch.
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Would I be wrong to assume that the hitch receiver can handle about 200 pounds? That being a swing away rack 60 pounds, and 2 ebikes at 70 lbs each. This should not be an issue should it?
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Would I be wrong to assume that the hitch receiver can handle about 200 pounds? That being a swing away rack 60 pounds, and 2 ebikes at 70 lbs each. This should not be an issue should it?
No, should not be a problem.
If your hitch still has its original label it should show both towed load capacity which is probably 8,000lbs and also tongue weight capacity which is usually 10% of tow capacity so probably 800 lbs
It's the lower number (tongue weight capacity) that I am sure will be well over 200 lbs.
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Your rack should be approved for use behind a motorhome. Not too many are approved. Your e-bikes at 70x2 may be too much weight for rack. Hopefully your rack can handle weight and be motorhome certified.
Ron S
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Yes I am checking on the compatibility issue now. The rack is made for RVs & SUVs and made for ebikes.
Thanks for the reminders.
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I put a 350lb motorcycle and a 50+lb rack on my hitch with no issues. I can't even tell it is back there.
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Well found a carrier that I like. (Kuat NV 2.0, and American made!!!) Will hold both ebikes. Tilt down & swing away. Down side is it is not rated for motorhomes. Can't seem to find a carrier that is both tilt & swing away, RV rated for two ebikes. Do I really need a swing away? That seems to be the issue. Any more thoughts or ideas?
thanks again.
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One more up date. I contacted Kuat inquiring about an ebike carrier for RV (swing away/tilt) and this was their reply, for those who might be interested.
Thank you for reaching out. Currently, we do not have any racks that are rated for the back of RV use. We will have one rack coming out beginning of the year the "Transfer v2 2-bike 2 inch" SKU#T222B
This rack will be rated for RV use as long as the hitch installed on the RV is connected directly to the chassis of the vehicle. (So not a bolted on hitch to the bumper)
The Transfer v2 will be able to carry up to two 60lb bikes and is available for pre-order at your local Kuat dealer now. We will have more information about this new product added to the website soon.
Hope this helps those who might be interested.
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I have a hitch mounted bike rack from Yakima. The RidgeBack model comes in a 2, 4 or 5 bike versions.
product link: https://yakima.com/products/ridgeback
product demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAPy7Tqf2So
In the demo it says to tilt it down without bikes mounted. I have the 2 bike version and I tilt it down with 2 bikes mounted on it all the time. I suspect it might be heavy to lift back in place if 4 bikes are mounted.. I like that it doesn't wobble in the hitch if you tighten it down correctly,, and the 3 U-clips hold my bikes tight without wobble or vibration. And, they don't seem have any marks on the paint after hundreds of miles.
I originally bought it for my SUV which has a large rear hatch door,, but it works just fine for the rear storage door access as well. Another cool feature is the the rack folds flat. Note how it starts out flat in the video. It fits under my queen size bed on a PC2900,,,.if I want to store it inside.