Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Hitch-mounted bike rack, pulling a toad (Read 1627 times) previous topic - next topic

Hitch-mounted bike rack, pulling a toad

I'm trying to find a bike rack that will mount behind the coach while we're towing our Subaru.  Thought I had a solution with a Yakima platform rack on a dual receiver extension, but it doesn't sit high enough to clear the hood of the car, and a higher top receiver won't allow the engine hatch to clear it. 

Anyone have a solution for carrying two bikes between coach and toad on a U270/290/320?  Kent says his 93 will work with an extended top receiver, but doesn't look like it will work for our U270, and I really don't want to get a rack that hangs on the ladder.

My fallback is to keep carrying the bikes on the toad roof rack, but it's a pain to get them up there, and no way to protect them from the weather.

Re: Hitch-mounted bike rack, pulling a toad

Reply #1 –
Dave and Nancy,

Check out this source.
Tow 'n Go Hitch Rack - Hollywood Racks Bike Racks Mobile Website
For this idea and more.

We have a 4 bike receiver mounted hitch that we put on either the coach (if no toad)or on the toad (most of the time).  There are lots of times when we are "somewhere else" that we want to go somewhere to ride.  Having the bikes on the toad work well for us.  Easy to remove as well when we don't want to be driving around with the bikes.

A rack between the coach and the toad is likely going to make engine access not so easy as it is with ours when mounted on the coach.

Roger



Re: Hitch-mounted bike rack, pulling a toad

Reply #2 –
We carry our bikes on a platform rack (1-Up USA) between the coach and toad on our 03 320.  We had our dual extension made at Smitty's in Houston when they installed our tow and brake system on the toad.  Any competent welding/trailer shop should be able to do the job.  Access to the engine compartment is restricted without removing the extension (but really only takes a few minutes) however another extension, or longer dual might solve that problem.  I do not often need access to the engine compartment when on the road so this setup works well for us.  When we arrive at destination, it is easy to transfer bike rack to the toad and then back again and then I have the opportunity to check fluid levels, belts and have a look around.  A good cover (Formosa Bike Covers) keeps the bikes clean and dry.  One advantage to this setup is the rack with cover, behind the toad blocks the tail lights but not when behind the coach.  We also have roof carriers for the bikes but much prefer the bike rack. 

Re: Hitch-mounted bike rack, pulling a toad

Reply #3 –
Agree with Roger! We too use the Hollywood bike rack that can be mounted either behind the MH or our toad. And so far it remains behind our toad. Rack is also designed to be able to lay the upright post horizontally to allow any kind of tailgate of a towed vehicle to fully open.
Ed

Re: Hitch-mounted bike rack, pulling a toad

Reply #4 –
I lust for Bill and Donna's bike rack.  We have a Thule that works but theirs is so sexy.  ;D

Re: Hitch-mounted bike rack, pulling a toad

Reply #5 –
There's your solution, Dave.  You are just gonna have to build it yourself!!

Re: Hitch-mounted bike rack, pulling a toad

Reply #6 –
While this may not work for everyone we have been adding welded in 1 1/4" small receiver hitches to our cars that we tow. Then I use a thule 9032 rack for our two electric prodeco tech electric bikes.

Setting up our Solara convertible currently to use the bikes and rack. Already on our old Honda

Yes it can obstruct the taillights if I have a cover made up.  Seen covers with  semi -opaque panels at the sides for this. 

The thule has an included adaptor to fit 2" receivers also.

The electric bikes are better for us as where we live there are fairly steep hills.

Too steep for us to pedal up. 

Just one more idea. 

Re: Hitch-mounted bike rack, pulling a toad

Reply #7 –

Like Bob we also have a smaller receiver on our Kia. This was especially handy when we used the tow dolly because we could use the Kia to move the dolly.

However there are a couple of other solutions:

Harbor Freight (and others) makes a "dual receiver hitch" so that you can plug the toad into the bottom one and the bike rack into the upper one:

Dual Hitch Extender

I have one of these but haven't used it because....

Our Jeep has a rear-mounted spare tire and we can just hang a hitch onto it and the put two bikes up (or more if you have the right rack). Here are some examples on Amazon that range from $50 or less to a lot more:

Amazon.com: bike rack for jeep

Some people just hang bikes on the roof-ladder:

Amazon.com: rv ladder bike rack

Craig :)

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Hitch-mounted bike rack, pulling a toad

Reply #8 –

We use the Sportrack, two bike rack, Amazon.com: SportRack SR2901 2 Bike Platform Hitch Rack Grey: Sports & Outdoors. It works with both 1 1/4" and 2" receivers. Been using it for over two years and like it very much. On my U300 I can get to the engine to check oil etc by using a double receiver, adapter, Amazon.com: Dual 2" Hitch Bicycle Receiver Adapter Extender Extension 4000lb:. Harbor Freight and Tools also has one with the hitch ball mounted for $34.95. It holds the bikes far enough away from the back of the coach that I still have access. It apparently won't work that way with the engine door on the Unicoach like Dave's.

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Hitch-mounted bike rack, pulling a toad

Reply #9 –

Dave,
We have a setup similar to what you have, but towing a Honda Fit. We have a Roadmaster dual hitch receiver (Part# 077-2) http://www.rvautoparts.com/product.asp?itemid=3770&gclid=COOb-qyticECFdCCfgodZH8AcA
, and a Swagman Bike Rack (Part# 64663) Amazon.com : Swagman 64663 Bike Rack : Powersports Carrying Racks : Sports &.
I believe that I drilled a hole to be able to move the bike platform back about an inch to enhance the engine hatch clearance... It has worked well for us, just need to remove bikes and fold down vertical support arm to open hatch. The dual hitch receiver is rated at 10,000lb/400lb and is extremely heavy duty. I have on there now, a Blue Ox hitch silencer on the dual hitch receiver and two of the Roadmaster clamps, one each for the bike rack and the Roadmaster tow bar. We have a cover that goes over both bikes and fits, but haven't used it much.
Don

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Hitch-mounted bike rack, pulling a toad

Reply #10 –
Thanks all!  Don and Tys have the exact same rig as we do, so if it works for them, should work for us if our hitch isn't longer.  Now to do more measuring...

Re: Hitch-mounted bike rack, pulling a toad

Reply #11 –
Dave,
We use a Thule rack on back of toad (Chev Equinox). It's easy to load/unload bikes and we can tote bikes to trails a ways from where we're parked.

Originally had a Blue Ox rack mounted on coach hitch, but didn't like it at all.

Mike,
2003 u295 6063

Re: Hitch-mounted bike rack, pulling a toad

Reply #12 –
Don, supplier for the bike cover?  We have looked for one but not found one we like.

Roger

Re: Hitch-mounted bike rack, pulling a toad

Reply #13 –
I like the dual receiver hitch. 

Re: Hitch-mounted bike rack, pulling a toad

Reply #14 –
I believe that this is the one we got... may be cheaper from Wally World. Covers both bikes, but a bit of a pain to put on. I plan on putting it back on next time we clean our bikes... :o
RV Deluxe Bike Cover - Classic Accessories 80-111-011001-00 - Bike Supplies -
Don
Quote from: Home2fromHastings –
Don, supplier for the bike cover?  We have looked for one but not found one we like.

Roger

Re: Hitch-mounted bike rack, pulling a toad

Reply #15 –
Quote from: Dave Katsuki –
should work for us if our hitch isn't longer.  Now to do more measuring...

Please report back!  We have been carrying a couple of folding bikes but MUCH prefer our regular ones.  Can't use the roof rack because that houses our Pod with all our golf equipment.

Re: Hitch-mounted bike rack, pulling a toad

Reply #16 –
Just a note about the dual hitch adapter. The one we got was the only one I could find that was long enough without being to high. Since both receiver tubes are welded to the solid 2" square stock, there is the bare minimum riser. Most were 4" or more and then the engine hatch wouldn't clear. As it is, the right most wheel support for the bikes just clears the ladder. You could slide them out of the way each time but that is just one more step. If you have removed the ladder, you won't need as much clearance.
Don

Re: Hitch-mounted bike rack, pulling a toad

Reply #17 –

I found this one on Amazon Amazon.com: Dual Bike cover for transport on rack , for 1-2 bikes.: Automotive but haven't gotten one yet.  Got good reviews and no reports that it came apart in the wind like some others reviewed.

On the dual hitch receiver, I needed a 4" drop receiver for the tow bar, and found this one Amazon.com: Roadmaster (077-4) Dual Hitch Receiver: Automotive which has the 4" drop and a 2" (minimal) rise for the top receiver.

Still evaluating the clearances for the Yakima hitch-mount that I have, (will move the coach out tomorrow to hook up).  Default for the trip is to carry the bikes on the toad roof rack.  If the Yakima won't work, guess I'll sell it and get the Swagman.

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Hitch-mounted bike rack, pulling a toad

Reply #18 –

Dave, do you need that 4 inch drop receiver because your Subaru is that close to the ground? On our Honda fit, the 2 inch drop makes for a very parallel to the ground tow bar. I didn't want the receiver to end of any closer to the ground than it needed too because of those steep driveways we run into occasionally.
Don

Quote from: Dave Katsuki –
On the dual hitch receiver, I needed a 4" drop receiver for the tow bar, and found this one Amazon.com: Roadmaster (077-4) Dual Hitch Receiver: Automotive which has the 4" drop and a 2" (minimal) rise for the top receiver.
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Hitch-mounted bike rack, pulling a toad

Reply #19 –
We installed a hitch receiver in the 2004 Honda just for the bike rack.  The bike rack carries up to four bikes.  This way if we need to drive anywhere we have the bikes with us and available during any excursions.  We have the Thule 4 bike rack.  Easy on and off and it tilts to gain access to the cargo hatch.