Bike Rack for Receiver Hitch

Jim,

The dual hitch idea on the tow vehicle is a good one. There are some bike racks out there that have a hitch built into them. We have seen these used from time to time to tow our campers. They work good. But, I like this setup better for that. The reason is you can use what ever "drop" you like on the ball mount. The bike racks with the built in ball mount have no adjustment so likely the trailer tongue will be at the wrong height.

One thing you will need to plan on doing. Plan on making a 7 pin trailer connector extension cord. Other wise it won't reach. Plus you will likely have to make safety chain extensions too.

Cary

 

The Tearjerkers website had a posting with this link. Wanted to add it to the list of possibilities:

http://etrailer.com/Ball-Mounts/Curt/D210.html

If you have access to the Tearjerkers website, below is a link to the ball mount in use:

http://tearjerkers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4221&highlight=

Below is a picture from Teardrops & Tiny Travel Trailers forum. You don't need special access to view:

http://www.mikenchell.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=43747

 

Well, we decided to invest in the dual receiver hitch from Northern. We feel much better carrying our bikes between the tow vehicle and the teardrop. Especially since the time one of our bikes was dragged for a mile down the road when the tension arm on the bike rack came loose, while the rack was on the receiver hitch of the teardrop. We just hadn't cinched it down tight enough, lesson learned! This set up also allows us access to the galley while on the road, and doesn't block the tail lights on the trailer. As Cary advised, we did need an extension cord for the 7 pin trailer connector, as well as longer safety chains.

 

Where did you get the 7 pin extension? We've been looking for one online and have only found a 7 foot one. Thanks.

 

Please see my reply to Ken in photo gallery.

 

Cary what do you think about using a swing away bike rack on the Camp Inn like Evan spoke about. Steve

 

Steve,

The swing away bike racks work great. I don't think the one like Evan showed would however because of the cargo rack. The swing aways are fairly heavy. With two bikes on there you are getting right at the 150lb limit on the back of the trailer. I just don't see any extra cargo carrying capacity left.

Cary

 

Thanks Cary if we did anything it would be without the cargo rack. Also we would have to put a receiver on the Camp Inn first any thoughts about that. Thanks Steve

 

Steve,

The hitch is one we prefer to do here. Generally don't consider it a customer installed item. Though it is possible.

What we need is the other Steve (of Steve'nEllen) from the forum to chime in on this, he has done this on his. So Steve, if you see this can you give us your two cents on the feasibility of putting the hitch in the field?

Cary

 

Cary i talked with Steve'nEllen through PM and he said it was easy to install and he got the parts from you,is the receiver something i can get locally.Steve

 

Steve,

Shoot me an email and we will get it set up.

Cary

 

Sorry,
I have been off line, computer broke, out camping off line, and job responsibilies. The receiver hitch went well. It was straight forward and not time consuming. The bumper install is another story. But they are both done.
Steve