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Old 05-13-2013, 06:16 PM   #1
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Impact of Bikes on rear of 17B

On some of the other sites I've been looking at there are a number that "do not recommend attaching a rack & bikes" to the rear of the trailer, they say it is a definite No-No....

I realize this impacts the overall balance of the trailer, we carry two bikes and a fairly heavy rack - approx. 120 lbs in total.

Has anyone who carries bikes had any problems with sway etc. due to carrying the bikes ?

It isn't always easy to add an additional 120 lbs up front.
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Old 05-13-2013, 07:09 PM   #2
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Extra set of 6 volt batteries on the tongue would help. But yes, too low tongue weight will result in sway.
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Old 05-13-2013, 07:31 PM   #3
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On some of the other sites I've been looking at there are a number that "do not recommend attaching a rack & bikes" to the rear of the trailer, they say it is a definite No-No.....
The frame of Casita trailers are not built to attach anything to the back. So if you read this on the Casita's forum or a thread referencing them, then that would not apply to you.
I have made a few trips with bikes on a rack using the bike rack attachment (added as an option when we bought our trailer) and did not notice any difference.

Ben
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Old 05-13-2013, 07:39 PM   #4
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I have a cargo rack and box on the back of my 17B, utilizing the bike rack receiver. I try not to fill it with bricks, but, once again, that's where it's handy to have the Sherline so you can adjust what you put where to keep optimum tongue weight.
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Old 05-13-2013, 11:20 PM   #5
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We have a 4-bike rack as well as dual 6V batteries on our rear bumper. To counter-balance that we have two propane tanks and a cargo box on the front. I think it just comes down to weight distribution. We have started to put the kids bikes inside the trailer, as I think 4 bikes is excessive. I think the trailer can handle it (if you are balanced), but I do not trust the bike rack with that much weight. Two bikes work fine.
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Old 05-14-2013, 12:12 AM   #6
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My husband often carries a small motorcycle on the rear of our 2011 17B Escape when he goes fishing and hunting. When he does, he doesn't fill up the trailer's water tank as it would add further to the rear weight. He takes along (4) 5 gallon water jugs - he places 2 in the storage box and 2 in the front dinette. He uses a Sherline tongue scale so he can be sure the tongue weight is 350+ lbs.

Our tow is a Toyota Tacoma and besides the trailer and motorcycle, he's also carrying a 12' boat on a boat loader so he's loaded up. He's never had sway issues but he drives aware of his limitations. He travels 350-500 miles a trip with the motorcycle on back and he's never had issues.
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Old 05-15-2013, 09:39 PM   #7
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Like others on this thread we have had no problems carrying two bikes with a Yakima rack and two 6 volt batteries on the back of our 17B. Up front we have two propane tanks and a small box. Our tow vehicle is a Tacoma with a WD hitch.
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Old 05-16-2013, 10:09 AM   #8
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Glenn, just wondering - How do you find the tongue weight after you put the Sherline in the cargo box?
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Old 05-16-2013, 11:06 AM   #9
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I just add a case of beer under the front dinette to balance it out.
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Old 05-16-2013, 11:30 AM   #10
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I just add a case of beer under the front dinette to balance it out.
And in a stroke of design genius the black tank is at the front so after he's drunk the beer the balance stays the same.

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Old 05-16-2013, 03:37 PM   #11
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I have thought about using a rack like yours Glen for the generator and gas can. I have yakima roof racks for the bikes but I have the bike rack ready option on the trailer.
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Old 05-16-2013, 04:12 PM   #12
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I used to have a five litre gas can strapped atop the battery, but it went missing one day ( at home ). Across the street was a clapped out boat of a car and I found the gas can ( sans caps ) in the grass next to it. Now the gas can rides inside the box.
The cargo platform came from etrailer for about $75. The shipping was at least as much, but it was still the cheapest option I could find. If you go that route, phone etrailer and ask if they can ship from their Ontario warehouse.
The box was for camera gear in the trunk of the company car. I removed it because it made the trunk space useless. Kept it when I retired.
The cargo rack is held on with a locking pin.
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Old 05-16-2013, 10:36 PM   #13
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Hi . Try the ATV cargo carrier item 69858 at Harbor Freight & Tools, 1155 E. Sunset Dr, Bellingham. (360) 676-1764. I paid $37.99 plus tax a week or so ago. It is a 500# hitch carrier but the great thing is it is only about four feet wide and has a "Goose-neck" draw bar. Not only that, the nice Customs guy didn't charge us any duty. I mounted it with the basket reversed so that I can secure stuff nearer to the spare wheel. A great addition. Cheers, Richard
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Old 06-25-2013, 05:58 PM   #14
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Our solution was to purchase 2 Dahon folding bikes. At 26 lbs. each they will travel on the bike rack or they can also be folded up and placed inside the Escape need be.
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