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Old 08-07-2013, 05:24 PM   #1
mister50
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bicycle rack to rear of 2005 Montana

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to install a bicycle rack on the rear of a 2005 Montana fifth wheel with the moulded rear cap?
 
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Old 08-07-2013, 05:49 PM   #2
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Does yours have a trailer hitch installed? If not, a ladder carrier might be your answer. Something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Surco-501BR-La...dder+bike+rack
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Old 08-07-2013, 06:34 PM   #3
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Search for "Hidden Hitch 82201". This is an adjustable 2" receiver hitch that bolts to the frame. Many of us used it (or variations) with that year Montana (before factory supplied hitches appeared). Some will knock it as "voiding your warranty" but yours is gone already. Do not use any ladder rack. Too many of us have had ladder failures hanging weighty items there.
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Old 08-07-2013, 06:45 PM   #4
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I agree with Carl ... if you ever follow a fiver with a bike rack on the ladder ... you'll see just how scary it performs no matter how many lash straps are on the assembly. I tried one for a few months on my 2005 Montana ... just too much scuff wear on the ladder rails and the bikes themselves.
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Old 08-08-2013, 01:28 AM   #5
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Those ladders leave a lot to be desired, as far as strength is concerned.
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Old 08-08-2013, 01:52 AM   #6
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Like Carl said, that's exactly what we did on our 2005 Montana.
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Old 08-08-2013, 02:46 AM   #7
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The Hidden Hitch is a very nice unit
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Old 08-08-2013, 04:05 AM   #8
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I know a lot of people carry their bikes on a rear hitch. But I did not like even how they bounced on those. So I made a pretty simple pin box mount for about $20. No bouncing at all. But you would probably need a long bed to use it. Don't know what you have.
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There is a Canadian company that sells commercial models, but have heard they were a little expensive.
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Old 08-08-2013, 04:32 AM   #9
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If you want to know what is behind the rear cap where you ladder is screwed onto the coach just unscrew your electrical plugin and see fiberglass covering plywood. Also, just grab your ladder and give it a hard shake and watch the joints move, and that is mild compared to bouncing down the roads with bikes hanging there.
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Old 08-08-2013, 10:32 AM   #10
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Thanks everyone for your replies.Good info.
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Old 08-08-2013, 11:15 AM   #11
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Keep in mind that a 20 pound bike probably increases about 10 fold the amount of weight it becomes when your trailer bounces on whatever it's attached to.

This is why understanding weight ratings is SO important. Just because you carry or hitch up any weight and it seems light enough at the time, this object is gonna turn into a LOT heavier weight when bounding and bouncing down those roads and whatever it's attached to is gonna have to support it.

My ladder says it supports 300 lbs but only when I climb up slowly and not bounce onto each rung as I climb. The ladder is designed to support this weight when stopped and no additional stress like when driving. Now put some bikes, the brackets, any hardware, locks and chains and each pound increases substantially on the ladder when driving. Over time the ladder supports will eventually weaken and this is how some owners have reported problems (and I've seen some).

That's why I think finding a way to attached a receiver to the trailer frame is a better solution because the frame is already much much stronger than the ladder. Then attach the bikes and lash them such that they are NOT loose and bounce around. I've seen a major difference following a trailer or vehicle with a loosely mounted bike rack and bikes and a very well tightly mounted bike load. Having loose objects further increases any stresses.
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Old 08-09-2013, 01:56 AM   #12
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I learned that lesson about the ladder on my first travel trailer
Many of us have gone the extra step of a rear carrier, along with the bike racks.


Nice rack Bill!

(Now I couldn't post that if a lady posted the pictures..)
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Old 08-09-2013, 02:48 AM   #13
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don't do a ladder bike rack...if you don't have a hitch just go to a "professional" welding shop and have them weld one on...
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Old 08-11-2013, 07:06 AM   #14
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What is the common thinking regarding carrying a ladder on the ladder? 8' fiberglass number, weighs about 30#. Thanks.
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Old 08-11-2013, 07:47 AM   #15
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I carry my ladder on the RV ladder. It is still there and nothing has come loose.
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Old 08-20-2013, 02:09 PM   #16
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After reading this, kind of afraid of using the ladder for what it was meant for.
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Old 08-20-2013, 05:35 PM   #17
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There's nothing wrong with using the ladder for what it is intended (roof access). The rear of your camper is the most violent place to hang anything while driving down the road. A couple of bicycles no matter how well lashed down creates a lot of extra weight to sling around as you go down the road. Unless you're mimicking King Kong swinging off the Empire State building, regular use of the ladder should be fine.
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Old 08-21-2013, 03:01 AM   #18
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Well written, Mr. D.G.
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