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Old 01-13-2008, 05:02 AM   #1
RCMP03
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Bike Racks

I am hoping someone has a solution to my bicycle storage problem:

I am hesitant to attach them to the ladder as they have some weight and, I can imagine, place considerable strain during travel.

Unfortunately the short bed of our vehicle does not allow any room.

Does anyone have ideas for carrying and convenience?

Harv

 
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Old 01-13-2008, 05:39 AM   #2
jpbcny
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You can use a Hidden Hitch Front Receiver with any hitch mounted Bicycle Carrier

JP
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Old 01-13-2008, 07:46 AM   #3
Mrs. CountryGuy
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Front hidden hitch.
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Old 01-13-2008, 09:59 AM   #4
John and Carol
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Last summer we were traveling north on I-55 with two bicycles hanging on the ladder of our Montana. The road bed was very uneaven and the bicycles, even though they were tightly attached, took a real beating. An 18-wheeler passed us and the driver honked and waved toward the rear of our 5th wheel. I pulled over and found that one side of the ladder was completely broken. The ladder was hanging to the side and about to completely break and drop the bicycles onto the highway. We removed the ladder and placed the bicycles inside the trailer. We were able to have a front hitch receiver installed on our pickup at the next stop. Since then, we have carried both bicycles on a bike rack that fits in the front receiver. They ride well, they do not obstruct our view, and we always know how they are doing. We like that system so much that we've had another front hitch receiver installed in the new pickup that we took delivery of last week.
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Old 01-13-2008, 11:07 AM   #5
bsmeaton
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Front hitch, or you can always go to the roof rack on the pickup if you have the crew cab.
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Old 01-13-2008, 12:05 PM   #6
awaywego
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Check this site for a bike rack for the front of the Monty

http://www.toppoprails.com/fifthwheel.htm
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Old 01-13-2008, 12:24 PM   #7
bncinwv
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If you decide to pursue the hidden hitch option, be sure to take some measurements first. We tried it on our Chevy Classic and have decided it was a failed venture. We did have four bikes on the front, but even with two we would have had major visibility problems due to the height of our bike rack. Lights were obstructed at night in addition to visibility obstructed at all times, we were fortunate to have fog lights because we could not use high beams at all. Again, our primary failure was not knowing the type of bike rack we were using and the total height to the bikes from the hidden hitch. It may well work on your application, but we will be converting to a roof top rack for the crew cab as Brad mentioned based on our experiences.
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Old 01-14-2008, 03:32 AM   #8
bobgay
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We have always used a ladder rack with no problems, but I'm reconsidering after hearing about problems others have had. I like the roof rack idea, except that it looks like a lot of trouble to get the bikes up there and back down. I also worry about a front receiver blocking the truck headlights. The best solution seems to me to be attaching a receiver to the rear of the RV, although it is not cheap if done properly. Decisions, decisions.
Bob
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Old 01-14-2008, 04:13 AM   #9
exav8tr
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I want to start carrying bikes also and have looked at many options. I feel, for me, that a receiver hitch on back of Monty is probably the best solution. I am in Apache Junction AZ and looking for a competent welder to add a hitch to the Monty. Anyone have any suggestions on a competent welder in this area??????
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Old 01-14-2008, 04:28 AM   #10
DHenry
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Phil, check out muffler shops, they are extremely good welders.
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Old 01-14-2008, 04:38 AM   #11
exav8tr
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Will do Doug, thanks!!!
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Old 01-14-2008, 04:49 AM   #12
cmp-shooter
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Here is what I do to carry my bikes..I position them so handle bars are on passenger side AND REMOVE THE SEATS, usually a twist lock no tools. This makes carrying the bikes easy and no visibility loss cause the driver side of bikes are almost below hood line..see link ain't perfect pict but you get the idea.[notice cable locks also]

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/...2982&members=1
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Old 01-14-2008, 08:20 AM   #13
richfaa
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The newer models of the Montana have a hitch attached as we saw at the Fall rally and were advised that they would be out in Jan08 Told Aram that I wanted one ASAP so we will have a chat at the Tampa RV show Friday..
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Old 01-14-2008, 08:51 AM   #14
bigmurf
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by DHenry

Phil, check out muffler shops, they are extremely good welders.
You must trust those guys more than I do. Would you really want them welding on your frame. Just my opinion.
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Old 01-14-2008, 12:40 PM   #15
Capt Kidd
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I had my dealer add a receiver hitch to the rear of the Monty to carry bikes and if and when I find them two Honda Trail 90's.
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Old 01-14-2008, 01:14 PM   #16
bsmeaton
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by Capt Kidd

I had my dealer add a receiver hitch to the rear of the Monty to carry bikes and if and when I find them two Honda Trail 90's.
This ones going on the front of the TV now that I see the Hidden Hitch listed in this thread. Bikes still to the roof.

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Old 01-14-2008, 01:27 PM   #17
Redrover98
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Found this bike rack on the Internet. www.toppoprails.com/fifthwheel. They are based in Canada and I thought they were a bit pricey but they were an answer to my space problem. Because of the new design of the 2007 front cap I had to have the extension rails which made for some side to side movement. I took the two remaining pieces and and went at an angle from the rack to the king pin. It doesn't move at all. Easy to load and unload bikes and it clears my tool box on the truck. When the bikes are off, the rails fold up to the back support. For me it was worth the money.

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...8/P8210295.jpg

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...8/P8210297.jpg
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Old 01-14-2008, 04:57 PM   #18
wersqu
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We went with the hitch installed on the back of the Monty. It has worked out great. The bikes are easily accessible and the bike rack goes right in the truck's receiver for those times when we need to take the bikes with us somewhere else. Our dealership recommended a welding shop in the area. They did a great job. It has been a while but I think it was around $300.00.
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Old 01-15-2008, 03:06 PM   #19
mcculloe
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I installed a hitch on the front of our Ford F350. They make custom hitches for most full size trucks so there's no drilling to install -- it all lined up very easy. I bought it online from etrailer.com Also the bike rack was from Amazon called a "Swagman XC Cross Country" very steady, well constructed. Holds 2 bikes, although they have a four bike model. It folds up when not in use - very convenient, too. Very well reviewed on amazon and free shipping. Was like $110. Doesn't affect the driving dynamics at all.

Best part of having it on the truck is that the bikes can be moved/driven if they need to anywhere without much setup/removal. And, it's available to us when we're not camping. Works for us.
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Old 01-15-2008, 03:29 PM   #20
markwick
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I mounted Thule Racks to the top of my tool box behind the cab. You have to remove the front wheel and I do have a slider hitch which keeps the bikes from hitting the front of the Monty when turning. It works extremely well. I did have to do a little support strengthening for the tool box lid though. They are about $20 each. - here is the link. you can buy at any good bike shop.
http://westernbikeworks.com/productdetail.asp?p=TJLOW
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