Adding a rear hitches for bikes?

[patodonn]

If you are contemplating adding on a hitch at the rear for bikes, check out the Montana Tech Problems Section, page 3 of TOPIC_ID=19139 in a post by Ed and Carol. Not a welcomed bit of info re Keystone warranty policies.

[sailer]

call craig at keystone as they don't want any bikes on the ladders as no warrenty on the glass if it breaks and it will . he said put a hitch on the back ,, he even suggested the rear bumper they put on the cougar but it slides in and out but is expensve and heavy,, if you weld to the frame the warrenty is void but you can bolt as that will move as the unit moves,, call customer service,,, craig

[Glenn and Lorraine]

I have built a bike rack for the 3485 out of tubular steel. Square stock with holes in it. Bought it at Lowes. Mounted it between the rear stabilizer jacks and the frame on each side and only had to drill 2 holes in the frame, one on either side.
The steel portion that the bikes actually set on was purchased at a yard sale but it could also have been built from the same steel as the remainder of the rack. These two pieces are removable by pulling 2 pins on either side.
Also note the cross member that extends from one side to the other reenforcing the entire rack.
The tubular steel is available in 2 sizes allowing the pieces to telescope into each other.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../BikeRack1.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../BikeRack2.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../BikeRack3.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../BikeRack4.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2.../BikeRack5.jpg

[Emmel]

Great idea Glenn, looks like the way to go! I've been looking for a way to put a small bike hitch back there and I will get a firsthand look at it in a couple weeks!

[Ozz]

Pretty slick, Glenn. Looks nice as well.
Ozz

[Dave e Victoria]

Neat!

[Delaine and Lindy]

Dave and Victoria have a Cambridge and Dave had a rear bike hitch mounted as part of their deal. I'm sure Dave would be glad to give you information on the install. Our Cambridge has such a large basement storage we just remove the front wheels and roll them in and they are then secured with bike clamps we got at the bike shop. I believe it took some skills to design the hitch due to the fact the Cambridge has a fully inclosed belly. You aren't able to get to the frame without the removal of a section. Not sure how the Montana's are inclosed. It looks like as Glenn has a good idea also, very professional looking. Maybe he should get a patent. GBY...

[jrgwdenner]

That looks really good, Glenn. Nice job!

[Dave e Victoria]

Our Cambridge and our previous 3295RK have both had rear hitches installed by the dealer. I believe both are pretty standard hitches bolted to the frame. The only complication on the cambridge is that it is installed a fair distance forward to clear the rear cap. So, the dealer welded a short extender on the hitch so it comes agout even with the back of the coach.

Actually, I would prefer the way Glen solved the problem as it looks more stable than the hitch mounted carreir.
Dave

[bsmeaton]

I like that Glenn - sure a nice and simple alternative to trying the reciever route.

[Sunnyside]

FWIW, after debating for a while on how to carry our bikes (I want to use the slide out tray that came with our Mountaineer for fire wood ) I ran across this and decided to use it to install the bike carrier on the front of the truck.

Jim

[bigred715]

I'm going to haul my bikes up front also and got a frame mount from
J.C. Whitney for $129 including free freight. Four bolts and it was done. Can't hardly see it.

[VanMan]

Any idea how much weight could be carried before adversely affecting tongue weight on a Travel Trailer (not a 5er)? I'm contemplating a rear hitch to transport an electric wheelchair for my daughter. The lift (or carrier) and chair will probably be just under 300 lbs. We took it once in the back of the pickup but that was more trouble than it was worth!!