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Old 09-20-2011, 02:23 PM   #1
Schmill
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Bike Rack Mounting

We have a 2003 Montana 3295RK. Love the rig except no way we have found to mount a bike carrier since there is no rear bumper. We used a rack on the ladder for awhile but is easier to throw the bikes on the bed while traveling than get them on and off the ladder carrier.
We received a quote from an area RV dealer to attach a carrier to the
frame but they wanted $1,000.00!

Does anyone have any suggestions to getting a bike carrier (via hitch) to the rear of the Montana without spending a fortune.

Thanks for your input,

Happy travels,

Jacob & Sharon Schmill
Peabody, Kansas
 
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Old 09-20-2011, 03:12 PM   #2
Ozz
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Yes, any hitch shop can make you one and secure it to your frame. The hitch used is 2 brackets for frame mount, and a heavy tube with the receiver on it. Many of us have them.

Here is an example, but not the exact hitch needed. If your trailer is like mine with the overhang in back, you will also need an extension.
http://www.etrailer.com/Specialty-Tr...urt/13703.html
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Old 09-20-2011, 06:18 PM   #3
Carl n Susan
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Another option is the Hidden Hitch Model 82201. It is another adjustable hitch for frames up to 72" wide (that be a Montana) and many of us have used it. It is an easy bolt-in suitable for bikes.
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Old 09-21-2011, 03:16 AM   #4
The Old Fogies
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I agree with Ozz. Go to a "good" hitch shop tell them what you need. They should be able to fix you up with a good solid hitch and rack. That's what I did and I love the results. A bike rack on a trailer or 5th wheel gets a lot of bouncing so it needs to be heavy enouth to handle that.
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Old 09-21-2011, 01:59 PM   #5
Schmill
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Thanks everybody for your posts to date.

We don't have questions often but have always been pleased with the the help we receive from MOC.

Thanks again,

Jacob & Sharon Schmill
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Old 09-23-2011, 10:25 AM   #6
ctomwood
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I have my bike rack on front.
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Old 09-23-2011, 06:54 PM   #7
Drifty1
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My 2002 3295 has a hitch on it. But I was lucky as it was on when I bought the trailer. I have some photos of this hitch on my link to my web photos below. I would get pricing from a few shop as I think $1000 is a little high.
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Old 09-23-2011, 08:45 PM   #8
HamRad
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Jacob and Sharon,
I have to agree with Larry (Drifty1) regarding the cost for the bike hitch. A good number of members have installed hitches or platforms mounted on the rear of their rig. I believe the Montana folks want the weight limited to no more 200 lbs. Things mounted on the rear will bounce around a lot. But if you've got a heavy duty hitch welded or bolted correctly to the frame everything should work just fine. Look in your local paper for folks looking for welding work. Or check out any local welding shop. Or stop and talk with someone who has a hitch like you want mounted on their rig. Good luck and let us know what happens. Dennis.

Good luck.
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Old 09-24-2011, 02:15 AM   #9
nowinter
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Just this week, I had MOR/Ryde in Elkhart, Indiana install a 2" receiver on the back of my 3400 RL. Total cost was about $550. I checked with local weld shops but felt MOR/Ryde understands trailer issues better and they did a great job. The factory installed hitch that came on my Montana was a joke. Bikes almost went through my rear window when using the factory hitch. I am no way promoting MOR/Ryde. Just passing on information. Also looked into installing a hitch on the front of my truck. It is a good alternative but I thought it would obstruct my head lights too much. Good luck.
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Old 09-24-2011, 03:04 AM   #10
Lambchop
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Been looking into folding bikes. This might be another alternative to carrying them. You could carry them in the truck bed or trailer basement or ?

If I decide to buy, I'll post on where I'm going to put them.

Roy
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Old 09-24-2011, 06:27 AM   #11
The Old Fogies
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by Lambchop

Been looking into folding bikes. This might be another alternative to carrying them. You could carry them in the truck bed or trailer basement or ?

If I decide to buy, I'll post on where I'm going to put them.

Roy
We have two that we got from Camping World. We also got the bags and keep them in the basement. The bags keep from tearing the flooring and protect the bikes.
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Old 09-26-2011, 12:04 PM   #12
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We just put a 2 inch receiver on our 2009 Big Sky. We have $100.00 in materials and the son in law is a welder for trade so he did the welding on the hitch. I welded the bike holders. I have pictures if you pm me your email address I will send them if you want to see it. On the 2009 Big Sky it had side brackets from the old flimsy hitch that I removed. We also had a 2955 like you no bumper and bolted a bike rack to the frame. I have pictures of it also.
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Old 09-30-2011, 03:18 PM   #13
KathyandDave
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We beefed up the Montana's hitch and added a Swagman bike rack that rides low, minimizing bounce and easy to get bikes on/off. Here's a link to a previous thread with several good solutions.
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