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Bike Rack Light Bar

mcjimjam

mcjimjam

Junior Ranger
Donating Member
Jim made this light bar for our bike rack, with a salt treated 2x4- painted silver, and some LED lights. It mounts into the bottom of the rack. Cary advised us on how to hook it up to the trailer brakes.
We were very happy to have it on our first outing with our bikes, because when we covered them when it started raining, the bike cover totally obstructed the trailer lights. We also changed the lights on the trailer to the LED model from the Camp Inn store.

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I have been kicking myself for not adding the trailer hitch receiver (as well as the bumper) to our trailer. I might see if Mick would be willing to put one on for us. I love the idea of your light bar too. That looks great, and I never would have never thought about the lights being covered until it was too late. Thanks for sharing this!
 
Sarah, We added the hitch to use for the bikes, and have since decided to use a double receiver at the car, so the bikes go between the car and the trailer. I felt that the bikes got bounced around too much at the back of the trailer. I know others here don't have that problem.
If you go with the 'between the car & trailer' setup, you'd need to add a short length of trailer wiring since the new double hitch puts the trailer a foot or so further away from your car.
It may or may not be the way you want to go, but either way is going to require some additional hardware to get done...
Here's a pic (but this shot includes an additional extender in place, between the double hitch and trailer, which I don't use any more):


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Ken could you tell me how many inches away from the trailer the bikes sit in the set up with the extender? Any problems when you make a tight turn with the bike hitting the storage part of the trailer? Thanks, Rob
 
Speaking from experience, beware the double hitch/bike rack combo! We did some damage to our propane bracket when turning sharply while backing up. Thankfully, Camp-Inn had a replacement for us. Now when when we bring the bikes, we tow with our Tundra, and put the bikes in the bed of the truck.
 
Jim and Jamie,
That looks like a great setup. You've got what I'll be needing for an upcoming beach trip - racks to haul bikes and boats. Way to go!
 
ROBandTERRI said:
Ken could you tell me how many inches away from the trailer the bikes sit in the set up with the extender? Any problems when you make a tight turn with the bike hitting the storage part of the trailer? Thanks, Rob
Click to expand...

I don't know how many inches, but you do need to be careful making sharp turns, unless you use the extra extender shown in the photo. I did put a dent in my trailer the 1st time I used this setup (without the extender), a trauma that still hurts when I think about it...
But, that can be avoided by making sure the bike pedals are positioned out of the way. Once we did that (and bungee'd them in place so they wouldn't rotate) the setup worked fine.
 
Gary said:
Ah Ken you dog...You have the Family TRKSTR! Should we call you Mr. Griswald?
Click to expand...

Gary, we've had TRKSTR1 and TRKSTR2 since 1984, as you suspected, after the Griswold's car in Vacation. Please, call me Clark.
 
I remember that you had that issue with your setup. We haven't had that problem with ours, but it may be due to a different bike rack - the bikes could be held at a different height?
We've got the Yakima DoubleDown 2 rack, fwiw.
 
I am trying to make a bike rack decision. I have the type where the wheels are set in place on the rack. I'm afraid of it blocking the tail lights. Has anyone put an extension on the hitch that will lift the bikes above the lights? Is anyone aware of a light bar I can purchase that I can clamp to the bike? Can the extension be long enough so the hatch can be opened without removing the bike? How long would it need to be? Thanks, I appreciate any input.I don't want to put the bike between the trailer and TV as I haven't towed before and don't have very good depth perception to judge if it is going to hit the trailer.
 
Pat,

I was also concerned about blocking the tail lights with my setup. It turned out not to be the case.

I use a heavy duty Thule platform rack, and carry both 26 inch wheel and 29er mountain bikes. There is no problem with the views of my tail lights. The rack is made to drop down after pulling a safety pin, so you have pretty good access to the kitchen, or you can get quick access without dropping the rack down at all.

I wouldn't entertain extending the setup any further out due to the torque placed on the hitch. Cary can give you plenty of answers about any questions you have.

The whole rig worked very well for me on my 5000 mile road trip in the fall. I used a putty knife as a shim to minimize the verticle play because it tends to get amplified with the rack extension.

Timothy
 
Snudley,
I'm not clear on if you are using an extension or not. I would like to if possible without causing a problem. I am also thinking I would feel more comfortable with a light bar of some sort to put on the bikes to warn off tailgaters. I get a little nervous in traffic. Thanks for your input. I will take some measurements and send Cary an e-mail with some questions.
 
Snudley,

I also have the Thule platform bike rack. Worked great all the way to and back from Key West with one bike.

Able to carry two bikes on rack attached to teardrop.

I can open the teardrop hatch with bike(s) in place, depending upon bike placement

As for tailgators, there are reflectors of bike wheels and peddals.

You can add more reflective tape to bike.

If someone is tailgating, slow down more and more, they will pass you.

I really like the Thule platform bike rack. Bikes stay in place no matter how many pot holes I drive over.

I have used a traditional forked bike carrier, had a bike bounce off behind the tear, was dragged, and scratched teardrop hatch.

Bikes are much easier to load and secure with the Thule platform carrier. It is expensive and worth every dollar.

Jean
 
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