Carrying bicycles - Montana Owners Club

JEROME · 05-13-2020, 05:59 AM

We are wanting to get 2 bikes to carry with us, what is the best method to transport 2 adult bikes ?I can not do a lot of heavy lifting.Thanks a lot. Jerome&Judy

DutchmenSport · 05-13-2020, 06:25 AM

Even though my Montana has a 2 inch hitch on the tail, and even though I have a Road Gear bicycle carrier that we've used for years now, I'd never put that carrier in the hitch of the trailer to transport any bicycles. Why? The trailer is 41.5 feet long. It has an incredible amount of rear overhang from the back axle. The shear force of the back end bouncing would probably be enough to destroy the hitch, the carrier, and the bicycles.

We don't carry the bicycles as much as we use to, but when we do, we just bring them inside the trailer when traveling. Works OK for us. Actually, we have a bicycle for 2. It's long.

RMcNeal · 05-13-2020, 07:43 AM

Curious. I was told that this is why Keystone added the hitch for our 3791RD is for bicycles. Can't pull a trailer as it's not rated for that and no light hookups. The rep told us that Keystone put it on there so that we did not add it aftermarket and void the warranty. If I can't carry bicycles or a hitch hauler, what good is it?

BB_TX · 05-13-2020, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RMcNeal

Curious. I was told that this is why Keystone added the hitch for our 3791RD is for bicycles. Can't pull a trailer as it's not rated for that and no light hookups. The rep told us that Keystone put it on there so that we did not add it aftermarket and void the warranty. If I can't carry bicycles or a hitch hauler, what good is it?

The problem is bounce. And the long overhang magnifies that bounce. Many haul their bikes there with no problem. But some have had their bike rack break and destroy their bikes. I have been behind 5ers with bikes on the back that were barely moving. And behind others where the bikes were bouncing pretty violently. No way of knowing without trying it and having someone behind to watch and give you a report.

RMcNeal · 05-13-2020, 08:44 AM

Gotcha. Sounds like a good idea to have someone watch. I just went out and looked and it says no more than 300 lbs. on the hitch. I guess we'll see how it goes first locally before any long trips.

PNW Fireguy · 05-13-2020, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BB_TX

The problem is bounce. And the long overhang magnifies that bounce. Many haul their bikes there with no problem. But some have had their bike rack break and destroy their bikes. I have been behind 5ers with bikes on the back that were barely moving. And behind others where the bikes were bouncing pretty violently. No way of knowing without trying it and having someone behind to watch and give you a report.

If you are going to use a receiver type bicycle rack be sure to use one that is designed and rated for installation on a towable vehicle. They are designed to withstand the forces and movements the trailer transmits to the rack. In addition do your diligence regarding the OEM vs having reinforcements added fabricated.

bleedmichigan · 05-13-2020, 12:33 PM

Install a receiver on the front of your tow vehicle. Put a bike carrier in front and you can see the bikes as you drive.

432bartman · 05-25-2020, 10:17 AM

After having several bike racks, my buddy turned me on to one that is probably the best out there. The company is called Kuat. I purchased their two bike carrier, which was $490.00. The fit, finish, and quality are second to none. Very simple to use. The rack comes with a lock for your receiver, and a built in cable lock for your bikes. There is a foot lever, which will drop the bikes down at an angle to help in loading if you need it, and if not in use, the rack will fold up flat towards the RV. The best part, it is made all out of aluminum, so it's easy to carry, mount, and it doesn't put a ton of weight on your receiver, because like most, my Montana is only rated for 300 lbs.

**AZ Traveler** · 05-25-2020, 10:59 AM

I have used my low end Swagman ($125) for a few years with no problems even though it is not made for 5th wheels. Our bikes are fairly low end $1K so we would not be upset if something broke. I have no concerns of them falling off. I have an aftermarket heavy duty bumber with an integrated receiver.

If you have high end or ebikes, I would consider one of the $500 Hollywood racks.

432bartman · 05-25-2020, 11:25 AM

My wife and I haul our beach cruisers and if I want to, I throw my lightweight Cannondale road bike inside the RV.

PNW Fireguy · 05-25-2020, 01:14 PM

Our Swagman is rated for towable installations and e-bike usage. It has been rock solid installed on the rear of our Freedom Hauler receiver.

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