Bike Rack on Front of Truck

[mountain high top]

I have a 2014 Montana 36rl which doesn’t have a rear bumper, so I want to install one on the front of my 2010 Ram… my question is has any one had any issues with keeping truck engine cool with bikes installed in front of radiator of tow vehicle?

[mlh]

My nephew has one on the front of his truck. He says it “messes with the aerodynamics of his truck. He is only pulling 6k pounds with a Dmax so he doesn’t have a problem with cooling.
Lynwood

[thegumbos]

I carry one Lectric e-bike on the front of my Ram3500. I tried putting a cover over the bike until I noticed about a 20˚F rise in coolant temperature. Once I took the cover off the engine ran at normal temps during my entire winter snowbird trip.

[mountain high top]

thank you for your replies. I didn’t think it would affect cooling unless I put a cover on also. I would think because you change the aerodynamics of air flow that the only problem guy would have besides rock chips and bugs would be less fuel mileage

[Cbrez]

We carry our bikes up front and never had a coolant issue. Been cross country several times and crossed the Rockies and Sierra’s without issue. We do not put a cover over the bikes. They’re just beach cruisers so easy to clean up if it’s a buggy trip.

We remove the seats when we travel since DW can’t see over them when she drives. I replaced the original seat post clamps with quick release so no tools are needed to remove the seats. Also face both bikes towards the passenger side so the handle bars don’t block driver’s line of sight.


The rack folds up when the bikes aren’t being carried, but I can’t see the rack in the folded position so I forget about it. I added a holder and insert an orange fiberglass marker stick that extends above the hood so I remember to leave enough clearance when driving around without the bikes.

[Mikendebbie]

On my two previous Chevys i had a Ranch Hand bumper and grill with a built in hitch reciever. Carried bikes many times without any issues.

[LeftOverParts]

We carry two bikes out front without a cover and no issues with eng temp regulation. However, sometimes we get a lot of bug hits.

Think you’ll have to test a cover and chk temps if you want to use one.

There are rear hitches available that should fit across your 5ver frame. Not sure if this one fits yours but here’s one example.

https://www.etrailer.com/s.aspx?qry=...or+Fifth+Wheel

(One of the reasons for a front hitch for us was to eventually get a motorcycle. The rear hitch isn’t rated for the weight or it would be right at the limit. Our rear cap and ladder also necessitates a short extension or custom 2 inch tube for the heavy duty ebike rack that we use out front.)

[timandsusan]

I have a bike rack for the front receiver. Works great! Yes, can be a bit buggie if the bugs are out. We carry 2 bikes.

[JimKrieger]

We carry one e-bike on the front without a cover and experienced no Duramax cooling issues. Have noticed about a 15% decline in mpg. Concurrently changed from 10 to 14 ply tires and do wonder whether the tires are most of the mpg problem.

[Doug Brown]

California will give you a ticket if you block the view out your window with a bike. I don’t know how many other sites also do that be aware.

[JimKrieger]

Heard from a Canadian friend that some of their provinces will ticket for obstructing the view of front (or rear as well) license plates.