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11-29-2006, 10:30 AM
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#1
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Established Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Las Vegas
Posts: 20
M.O.C. #6513
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Bike racks
Anybody have experience or opinions about bike racks on a Montana. My hubby and I each have a mountain bike, two bikes total and we need to carry them with us.
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11-29-2006, 10:51 AM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Brownsburg
Posts: 1,186
M.O.C. #5634
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I carried 2 bikes on a ladder rack all this summer, trips to Florida, Tennessee and bunch of local CG and Glenn showed me at the Rally how it causes the screws to loosen up in the ladder. I think I may try to find another way of carrying them.
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11-29-2006, 11:36 AM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: _
Posts: 5,238
M.O.C. #6337
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Front Hidden Hitch on Big Butt. No trouble seeing over the bikes, see just a bit of the seats and handle bars the way Al installed, etc. After a few miles, NOT an issue for us. Cost about $100 to 120. He installed in ohhh, maybe an hour at the outside, he had to make a few adjustments, but pretty much straight forward install. He knows HOW it was installed and can do periodic checks for bolts coming loose, that type of thing. Many other options, others will check in and fill ya in.
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11-29-2006, 01:09 PM
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#4
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Sioux Falls
Posts: 322
M.O.C. #2106
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We saw the bike rack TBHD has on the back of his TV and would really, really like to get some info on it. TBHD, can you provide any info on where you got your bike rack? We saw it on your personal website, listed on the MOC front page under MOC Members Personal Sites. Thanks!
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11-29-2006, 01:09 PM
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#5
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Sioux Falls
Posts: 322
M.O.C. #2106
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We saw the bike rack TBHD has on the back of his TV and would really, really like to get some info on it. TBHD, can you provide any info on where you got your bike rack? We saw it on your personal website, listed on the MOC front page under MOC Members Personal Sites. Thanks!
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11-29-2006, 01:51 PM
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#6
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Macomb
Posts: 293
M.O.C. #5709
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On our 2004 3670 there is a lot of room between the rear of the truck and the front of the trailer which we've noticed on some of the newer models is not the same. The bike rack was a rear (square tube) bumper mount from our previous 5er. I bolted a piece of steel to it and welded a 2" square tube on it and it fits in the reciever (hitch) on the truck. So far have not had any clearance problems. Only bad thing is it has to come off to unhitch. There are pictures of it on tbhd"s picture trail. Also Glenn and Judy Denner are using a bike rack that they purchased. Maybe they will be along and tell us where they got it.
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11-29-2006, 01:57 PM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: North Ridgeville
Posts: 20,229
M.O.C. #2839
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My Opinion..The ladder rack is bad news. we bought one, used it twice, took it off.I figured it was going to rip off my ladder.. we WILL have a rear hitch installed for a bike rack...no matter what...
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11-29-2006, 02:34 PM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: K.C.
Posts: 11,731
M.O.C. #5980
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11-29-2006, 02:48 PM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Wappingers Falls
Posts: 1,303
M.O.C. #6263
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I agree...rear hitch is the way to go. My dad was a truck driver and over the years have discussed with him some of these things...mounting bikes on front of truck, mounting spare tire under front of 5er, each time he says; "If it comes loose will you run over it? When the answer is yes, then don't put it there." I think this is good rule of thumb to consider...
Chuck
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11-29-2006, 03:08 PM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: K.C.
Posts: 11,731
M.O.C. #5980
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Add to the equation the ability to remove the bike holder and install it in the TV. 
Attached a picture of mine in Old Town Albuquerque. We left there and tried the 18 mile track along the Rio Grand, try it if you are able to get there, it's one of the best in the nation.
Ozz
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...3/100_0002.jpg
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11-29-2006, 03:58 PM
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#11
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location:
Posts: 1,804
M.O.C. #57
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I posted on an earlier thread, about front mount hitch for truck. When not towing I use it on back of truck. I have a tray that I use to haul moped on.
Gene
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11-29-2006, 05:40 PM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: YUMA
Posts: 861
M.O.C. #2625
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Ozz:
Like the hitch we had one put on our 3400RL, but installed a basket to carry our bikes. I also drilled new holes through the hitch and receiver at 90 degrees to stop flexing while moving.
Be very careful about anything you put on your ladder. On our previous trailer we were at the beach and found that the fiberglass pole and spinner that we had always put up had started to loosen the screws that went into the roof as well as the screws holding the ladder together were coming loose.
When I started to tighten the screws on the roof found that the holes were enlarged, and would not hold the screws. Easy fix was to fill holes with caulking, and trade in trailer for our first fifth wheel.
The only thing we mount on the ladder is a ladder that we tie down so there is very little flexing of the ladder going down the road. Enough stress is put on it when climbing the ladder to get on the roof, and I us the other ladder to get as high as possible to get on the roof.
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11-29-2006, 11:10 PM
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#13
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Fall Creek
Posts: 1,328
M.O.C. #3699
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When you put the hitch on the rear of the Monty, did anyone need to move the rear jacks forward to allow room for the hitch attachment to the frame? Also if you had a choice is it better to have it welded or bolted to the frame? We are having this done in the Spring by our dealer. Also what size receiver do most people put on?
Thanks
__________________
Bob and Nancy Kassl Fall Creek, Wisconsin
2015 Montana 3440RL Legacy Edition, G614's, Pressure Pro TPMS, Dish Tailgaters
2016 GMC Sierra Denali 3500 CC SRW, Iridium Metallic, Duramax Allison Transmission
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11-29-2006, 11:27 PM
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#14
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Frewsburg
Posts: 62
M.O.C. #6198
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Did you purchase this item , designed as a bike rack or is it universal and could be used for heavier items ? I am thinking of buying some sort of lift to haul a golf cart ? Thanks
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11-30-2006, 12:47 AM
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#15
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Wetumpka
Posts: 4,936
M.O.C. #1105
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We have basically the same setup as TBHD. We saw Dennis' setup at the Elko rally. While this is a good setup you have to be sure that you have enough clearance between the truck and trailer. It seems that you need an extended pin box. We have a 2004 Monty and a long bed truck which gives us plenty of clearance. The bikes are easy to get on and off. If we're going to spend a night without riding out bikes, we can take the entire bike rack off in one piece without having to break it down.
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11-30-2006, 02:14 AM
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#16
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: K.C.
Posts: 11,731
M.O.C. #5980
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I would also caution about mounting ANYTHING to the ladder, the small screws and limited bracing is just not meant for any permanent loads. I cross my fingers and meekly climb it only when I have to.
When I had my hitch kit made, the hitch company, (Croft, in K.C. Mo.) said when they mount them, they usually move the jacks forward. I did not, I found I had barely enough clearance. It worked fine on mine.
Bolting it is best, welding is tricky up there, too many things that go 'Poof'.
2", you can always reduce down.
Hey Bob, how did you get to Missouri on your maps without hitting Iowa? Did someone tell you not to go there? Just kidding.
I welded and bent the bike rack myself, made a smaller one for Sue's car. You can buy lighter versions anywhere.
DO NOT try a heavier load, the frame is just too small, and the welds on it are not strong enough for a heavy load. Stay away from any vertical loads.
Some members are towing light items, so towing MAY work for you, but be careful.
I am no expert on this topic, I am only relating what I did, it may not be for everyone.
Ozz
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11-30-2006, 04:37 AM
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#17
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: North Andover
Posts: 669
M.O.C. #1900
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by nancy784
Anybody have experience or opinions about bike racks on a Montana. My hubby and I each have a mountain bike, two bikes total and we need to carry them with us.
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Nancy & John,
We looked in to front mounted and receiver hitch bike racks and found the following one that is bumper mounted perfect for our needs.
http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/b...e-carriers.htm
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11-30-2006, 08:53 AM
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#18
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Established Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: *
Posts: 27
M.O.C. #1097
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We haul our two mountain bikes inside, on the bed. We just put an old blanket on the bed first, to save the bedspread. The 2 bikes
fit fine there. It may not be for everyone, as it is a bit awkward to lift the bikes onto the bed. Just a suggestion as an alternative.
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11-30-2006, 10:15 AM
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#19
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Brownsburg
Posts: 1,186
M.O.C. #5634
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Did I not read somewhere and also did the Keystone Rep at the rally not state that welding or bolting anything on the rear frame of the Montana would void your warranty??
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11-30-2006, 12:27 PM
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#20
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: K.C.
Posts: 11,731
M.O.C. #5980
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Probably, but they will have to prove my rack caused a frame problem, and then we will see if my Lawyer can beat up their Lawyer.
Seriously, a major part of the enjoyment I get when I travel is slipping my bike off and exploring, it's good for my heart, I meet nice peps, and well, it makes me smile.
I'll chance it. Life's short and I'm on a roll...................
Ozz
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