Bike Rack

[kenandjudy]

Has anyone mounted a bike rack to front bumper of TV? If so what manufacture, thanks.
Ken

[BB_TX]

I haven't (yet), but have looked into it. You can use any basic hitch mounted bike rack along with a front hitch receiver like one of these.

[MikeM]

I installed a Hidden Hitch from JC Whitney on our 2005 Dodge 2500 short bed. It worked extremely well-I had 2 bikes on mine-but traveling in the dark is a little different since the bikes tend to block some of the light from the headlights.

[bncinwv]

Ditto Mike, Hidden Hitch brand installed straight onto the recovery hook brackets with no drilling. Double ditto on the obstruction aspect. I can not use high beam at all at night (have to rely on fog lights). Still have the receiver on the truck, but have been using the receiver on the rig (you know, the one that everyone complains is too flimsy) Thinking about adding a cargo carrier to the front now.
Bingo

[DQDick]

I looked at adding both and talked to the Dodge dealer about it, between the headlight issue on the bike rack and the cargo carrier blocking a good deal of air (was investigating this when the string of 24 straight days over 100 was just getting started) I just gave up on the idea. If I'm towing in that weather I don't want to mess with the trucks ability to cool it'self.

[kenandjudy]

Thanks everyone for the response, just what I need.
Ken

[Tom S.]

I would pass for a few reasons. First off is air flow. I know bike(s) won't effect it much, but they will effect it. Second is keeping the bikes clean. Not only from road dirt and debris, but from bugs too. Remember, all that dirt and crud is going to get into your chain and gears. My last reason is the possibility of an oops, either by forgetting they are there and hitting something, or because of a critter (like a deer) running front of you. In a situation like that, you might end up paying two deductibles, one for the truck insurance and one for your homeowners.

[bigred715]

The Hidden Hitch worked great for us and it bolted up to existing holes in the frame. Could barely see it from the front. We never travel after dark and the bikes only blocked our vision a little bit. With the new Montana that comes with the receiver mounted to the frame the bikes are on the back and ride just fine.