Bike Rack

[kozzy]

I need a good solution to carry 2 bikes. On our Grand Design, we had a rear hitch, and used a bike rack there. Our Monty doesn't have the hitch, and Keystone said if I put one on the bumper for the bike rack, it voids the warrantee. So I am trying to find another solution
My kids bikes fit in the under storage just fine, but mine and my wifes are too big for down there. I don't like the idea of putting on the front of my truck so that's out. I have seen racks that attach them to the rear ladder. is that safe, will the ladder hold that weight in that fassion? The capacity of the ladder is 250 LBS, and the bikes weigh a lot less of course, but the ladder was not designed to hold weight like that, or was it? I see a lot of people attaching bikes there, and they make racks for it, but that dosent mean its a good idea. Open to other ideas or racks as well..please share.

[bigskyjimmy]

Why can't ya just put them sideways behind the cab in the bed? that is what I do with one of my 5 foot long 200 lbs scooters(you cannot see it in the pic) so sure as heck 2 bicycles will fit there and my other is up front as ya see but you say you would rather not do that,so that is a easy way unless you have a Shortbed

[DQDick]

If you have a tool box, or a short bed or both, why not put them on the roof of the cab. https://www.google.com/?ion=1&espv=2...%20bike%20rack

[kozzy]

I have a short box, really no room with the pull rite auto slide hitch for them in the bed of the truck. I will check out that roof rack. I was looking around and could only fine roof racks that attached to factory installed racks, like on SUVs. I like the ladder idea, if it is safe, because it is clean and neat

[BB_TX]

I made a simple pin box bike rack mount and can carry at least 3 adult bikes there (haven't tried 4 yet). But I have a long bed. Not sure you could get two there with a short bed.

[Starmaster]

Have a look at a Swagman XC Bumper or Hitch Mount bike rack. It includes a bolt on receiver for a bumper. The price is about $200 for the two bike version. Here's a link to it at Camping World, you may be able to find it cheaper online.

http://www.campingworld.com/browse/s...FQkNaQod5-MHgA

Dave

[h2ojocky]

I have a short box and the same pinbox rack as BB TX. I am able to carry 2 adult bikes. Check the search link above for pinbox bike rack.

[sambam]

I put my bikes on the roof with a Thule rack. Yakima makes a good one also. With the height of these trucks nowadays, it's not a slamdunk, at least for me, to get them on and off. But, I've developed a routine that works and I haven't had any mishaps putting on or taking off. They're safe up there and certainly out of the way. I have absolutely no faith in carrying my bikes attached to an aluminum ladder, or bouncing around on a makeshift hitch waaaaay back there behind the Montana. I like to know what's going on. I have a friend who dragged his bikes for miles when his hitch failed. He found out about it when another motorist told him. The pinbox mount is also a solid idea worth taking a look at. I can also fit a couple of bikes crossways behind the cab, with the front tire removed, but I have a longbed and there is room. Good luck finding a way that works for you.

[timandsusan]

While you have cut out the front mount. My experience with my front mount for 2 bike has been great. Last summer we towed about 6500 miles and there were no issues. Best of all, I could always see the bikes on my Thule rack. I got the idea from other Mocers and it has really worked for me. Just a suggestion.
While at home, I have left the rack on the front--works for us.

[dieselguy]

To give feedback on your ladder mounted bike rack question ... not a good solution. If you ever drive behind a fiver with ladder mounted bikes no matter how well lashed down ... the view will answer your question. We used one on our 2005 Montana for a short time ... I switched driving rigs with a friend on a trip one day to check out how a "Chebbie" pulled and got an eye full of ladder mounted bikes on my very own setup. I never loaded them on the ladder again.

[kozzy]

that's what I worry about the ladders setup, although they make mounts for them, the ladder is not designed for that. As for the hitch /bumper on the Montana, Keystone expressly said that is a no no, I called them. Not to mention that does put a lot of stress on the bumper. I like the roof idea, I need to look and see if I can find a roof rack for my truck, I tried the web, and only found racks for factory roof rails, like on SUV's/
Pin box, that might be a solution too...ill look

[kozzy]

diesel, what was going on with the bikes that you didn't like? Too much movement, stresses?

[jcurtis934]

I carry my bike on top of my tool box lid. I have one bolt through the lid that can capture a pedal...bolt goes through pedal and then big fender washer and wing nut holds pedal firm. Front wheel is removed and forks fit into a homemade mount made from two ell brackets, long bolt, and nuts and washers. Rock solid mount. Didn't try to fit two bikes on the lid, but should work. John

[sambam]

Try this: www.rackwarehouse.com

[Rainer]

Getting folding bikes.....and put them in the pass through.

My wife has the folding bike, because she doesn't ride quite as much as I do.

I have an aluminum motorbike carrier attached to the bumper of my rig. This carrier even has a ramp. Why, because we both have electric bikes, and mine weighs about 65 lbs. and sometimes I'm just to tired to lift it, so going up the ramp is a breeze.

I also carry an folding aluminum ramp in the bed of my F-350 to easily get those heavy bikes into the bed when we want to go biking in an area without having Monte attached.

[racquetballfreq]

I have the same truck you have, and also had the same problem with no hitch on my rig, and, it was going to be expensive to install one. I didn't think I would like the bikes on the front of my truck, but, after installing a Curt bolt-on hitch for $135, (45 minute project)' I'm very happy and hardly know that they are there. The receiver is below the license plate so the bikes ride very low. You will need to buy an extension as well to get the bikes out from the front of the truck.

[washley1]

For the ladder idea I would vote a resounding no. I have never done it with bikes or chairs or step ladders (I see these things carried there all the time), and the reason is I have had so many issues with the ladder staying attached without anything on it but me (when stationary!) there is no way they are attached securely enough to deal with the bouncing around that a long day on the road would produce. We went with folding bikes from day one with our rig, and they work fine.

[chris199]

I was also told not to install a hitch on rear of Monty. Pete's RV sells a tremendous number of Keystone products and Montana's. They told me that it would not be an issue with Keystone. Keystone knows Pete's installs them correctly and with excellent reinforcement. I had them put a hitch on. Maybe I'm crazy but I decided to trust Pete's service manager.

I also found most hitch bike rack manufacturers do not advise use on rear of trailer. This outfit is at least on exception. I have to say it is engineered well. Swing away for easy mount/dismount. We carry 2 bikes but it can carry 4. Occasionally we will have one or 2 small bikes for grandkids.


https://www.stowaway2.com/hitch-cargo-racks

[MHC305RL]

We have used the Swagman Bumper Rack 2 and love it. http://www.swagman.net/product/bumper-rack-2/

I added some 1/4" flat plate steel 4" wide and long enough for each rack and installed it between the bumper and rack on top and bottom to help keep the bumper from "crushing" My DW has followed me towing with the bikes and she said they do not move at all. I did not want a hitch mount because that introduces "slop" that would magnify each bounce down the road. It was about $75.