Bike rack or transport

[tractor]

I have a 2005 3500 rl has anyone found a way to install a bike rack.

[mtlakejim]

Not sure about your specific model but there are multiple ways to attach a bike rack.


Many people attach them to the rear bumper of their camper. Most use a bolt on reciver as the bikes are light.


Some folks use a front bumper reciver and carry the bikes on front of their trucks.


Others weld a reciver onto their 5th wheels king pin hitch (the part on the camper) and carry the bikes above the bed of the truck that way.


We have a basement garage on our unit so it isn't really an issue for us anymore but in the past we have actually carried the bikes on the rear bumper of the truck. You have to use a drop down hitch to get the bikes below the height of the tailgate but it is a really great place for them. A hinged swing down style bike rack (yes they sell those) allows you to drop the tailgate to unhitch the 5th wheel. This is a good option as it keeps the bikes fairly clean and out of the weather and you can take them with you if you go somewhere......


Or you can buy a Montana HC 380 or 381TH and use the basement garage for the bikes and other toys!!!

[packnrat]

do the king pin style mounting.
avoid anything on the rear bumper. many things can go wrong back there and you would never know it. till after.
possable to park them inside during transit?
my bycycles are way to costly to carry them outside. they are not wally wourld specials.

[jcurtis934]

For truly expensive bikes...inside is best, but most spousal units would veto this idea. That leaves passthrough storage or back seat of truck. One could always make a lockable truck roof top enclosed locker to hold the bike minus it's front wheel installed. Easy to get to bike once fifth wheel is off by walking in the truck bed. I used bolts, nits, washers to install mounting studs through the top lid of my truck bed toolbox. One stud to go through a pedal (cage type) with washer and wing nut locks crank to lid. Two studs for locking fork to lid. My mountain bike lived in the open when on the lid.

[timandsusan]

I carry our 2 bikes on a mount in front of our truck. Works for us and I use it when the Monty is not behind us!

[BB_TX]

Here is an older post showing my pin box bike rack. Pictures are on photobucket but appear to still show up.

bike rack post

Some people have made one that bolts to the top of their pin box. But I did not want to drill holes thru my 5th Airborne pin box.