Bicycle rack

Good morning all. We are trying to figure out the best way to haul our 2 bicycles.  Does anyone carry bikes on the ladder? I know it was not advised to do that with our previous travel trailer, but thought the Phoenix set up might be a lot stronger. Any thoughts?

Btw, thank you Ron for your input on switching out our television. All went well and it looks great! We need to quit making mods, and get the darn thing out of the driveway. 

Trudy,

Glad to hear the TV thing worked out for you.

About the ladder for bikes.  We ordered our PC without a ladder and roof rack because I didn't want them.  We did get them anyway, but laying inside the RV so they are now stored in our attic at home.  That ladder isn't much to look at in the way of strength.  I cannot imaging hanging bicycles off it.

We plan to bring two bicycles on weekend trips and have two options to do so.

1) install a $15 class-1 to class 3 receiver adapter on the RV hitch to install a bike rack onto it.
2) install a hitch on our tow vehicle and let that carry the bikes.

I have not yet tried either method, but I did purchase everything for both options.

Like Ron, we opted not to have the ladder so I cannot comment on bikes on the ladder; although my husband did not think the ladder would be strong enough for 2 bikes (we have our ladder in the garage).

We bought a Swagman bike rack at Camper's World for our bikes and it works well; however, we do not tow anything (at this point). We had it on our Airstream Interstate and it's perfect for the PC.

Judi

Another bike rack option I forgot about until now.

A hitch is available for the front of a Ford E350/E450 chassis.  People have them for two reasons.

1) Mount a bike rack on the front of the RV
2) Tow the RV behind a huge bus-size RV (strangely, I seen this done on RV.net)

The obvious drawback to having bikes mounted on the font of the RV is all the bugs splattered all over them.

The ladder on my 2007 PC 2900 had a manufacturers self adhesive sticker on the bottom rung of the ladder which said there was a 300lb limit. This weight limit I would think strong enough for two bicycles.
Chris

300 pounds when the RV is standing still is one thing, but 75 pounds jolting down the road is another.  There really isn't much to the ladder, nor what it is fastened to.  I would be concerned the mounting hardware and caulk will yield to the jolting, then water could enter the RV, especially at the top of the ladder on the roof.  I would play it safe and consider alternatives.

I see people hanging lawn chairs on ladders, which is about all the weight I think is safe.

Thank you all for your input. We didn't really think the ladder was a good option, but never hurts to ask.

Trudy