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Old 01-06-2019, 09:26 PM   #1
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Trailer Frame Receiver Question - Bike Rack Mounting

We're in the process of building out our 17B sheet for an end-of-May pick up. One of the items we are trying to work out is how best to attach our bike rack to the trailer while we tow.

I've seen in some videos that there are 2" receivers on the rear of (at least some) 17s. Is this a standard feature, or an unlisted one that needs requesting/installed?

I've also seen some front-of-trailer units that essentially put a 1 1/4" receiver between the trailer and the towing vehicle. Does anyone have experience with those? We are looking at getting the cargo box, which would complicate that a bit, but it's a consideration.

Thanks!
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Old 01-06-2019, 09:33 PM   #2
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bike rack ready with 2" receiver is a standard feature.
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Old 01-06-2019, 10:21 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by abaum View Post
I've also seen some front-of-trailer units that essentially put a 1 1/4" receiver between the trailer and the towing vehicle. Does anyone have experience with those? We are looking at getting the cargo box, which would complicate that a bit, but it's a consideration.
If it is really between the tow vehicle and trailer - not mounted on the front of the trailer - this is done with a ball mount extension which has an additional receiver socket for the bike rack. This is generally a bad idea, because it extends the hitch ball too far back, causing structural and stability problems for the combination.

A better idea if you have clearance for it is a rack mounted on the trailer... but clearance is a real issue. The lid of the cargo box is an obvious problem, access to propane tanks can be difficult depending on the position and design of the rack, and the wheels of the bikes can easily hit the tow vehicle in tight turns (depending on the bikes, the rack position along the tongue, the rack height, the ball mount length, and the tow vehicle shape and width). If you can make it fit, this is a good position for stable towing.
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Old 01-07-2019, 05:22 AM   #4
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Welcome Adam,
You do not mention what your tow vehicle is and type of hitch installed? Those adapters like these are not very stable as well as reducing your hitch capacity....best to use the trailer's rear mount for bikes.
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Old 01-07-2019, 05:42 AM   #5
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I've seen in some videos that there are 2" receivers on the rear of (at least some) 17s. Is this a standard feature, or an unlisted one that needs requesting/installed?!
It's a standard feature now, but was an option in prior years. I only mention this for those that may be reading this thread and are looking to buy a used trailer. Double check.

It was a $75 option on my 2014 5.0TA. I got it.
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Old 01-07-2019, 11:05 AM   #6
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I used the standard 2 inch receiver on the rear of our 19 for a bike rack. It works well and is very strong and not just clamped to a light gauge tube bumper. I considered a front mount rack that is Y shaped and bolted to the hitch, but it was higher and does make the hitch a very busy area. If you use the rear mount the rack should be rated for an rv bumper as it needs to withstand more movement. Also consider how you will provide a security lock and a bike cover. I recall following a good thread on this site about the various bike racks.
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Old 01-07-2019, 12:03 PM   #7
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Those adapters like these are not very stable as well as reducing your hitch capacity...
That's an example of the hardware that I mentioned earlier:
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Originally Posted by Brian B-P View Post
If it is really between the tow vehicle and trailer - not mounted on the front of the trailer - this is done with a ball mount extension which has an additional receiver socket for the bike rack. This is generally a bad idea, because it extends the hitch ball too far back, causing structural and stability problems for the combination.
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Old 01-07-2019, 12:43 PM   #8
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I recall following a good thread on this site about the various bike racks.
Two good threads on the subject:
http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f7...ion-12542.html

http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f2...ain-10313.html
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Old 01-07-2019, 08:38 PM   #9
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Welcome Adam,
You do not mention what your tow vehicle is and type of hitch installed? Those adapters like these are not very stable as well as reducing your hitch capacity....best to use the trailer's rear mount for bikes.
We're going to be pulling with a 2017 Explorer with a class 3 receiver, which with our engine should be rated to about 5k. We're planning on getting the E2 hitch for pulling the trailer as well, which should make a 17b fairly easy to pull.

We've currently got a Thule Vertex 4 (which I don't care for, doesn't fit our son's bike, bounces around a lot and doesn't appear to be RV rated). The challenge has been finding something that carries 3 bikes well.

The 1UP looks great, but seems to say it's no good with the 3rd rail expander on back an RV. Was also looking at the Arkiva over-propane mount rack as an option, but don't know much about them beyond "might probably work".

As far as those crazy hitch forks, I don't know what I would feel good about putting on one of those. Maybe a bike rack and one of those boat propeller spinners?
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Old 01-07-2019, 08:49 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by abaum View Post
We've currently got a Thule Vertex 4 (which I don't care for, doesn't fit our son's bike, bounces around a lot and doesn't appear to be RV rated). The challenge has been finding something that carries 3 bikes well.

The 1UP looks great, but seems to say it's no good with the 3rd rail expander on back an RV. Was also looking at the Arkiva over-propane mount rack as an option, but don't know much about them beyond "might probably work".
How about two bikes on the 1UP on the back and one bike inside the trailer? A bike could be easily secured and I think this is an often overlooked possibility.
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Old 01-07-2019, 09:41 PM   #11
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As far as those crazy hitch forks, I don't know what I would feel good about putting on one of those. Maybe a bike rack and one of those boat propeller spinners?

I have one, which is used with a two-bike rack in the top receiver and nothing at all in the bottom receiver. We only use it to move the bike rack up (for clearance) and back (so the handlebars clear the back of the vehicle) on a vehicle with a hitch receiver which is too low and far forward. I wouldn't tow much with it, if anything.
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Old 01-07-2019, 09:57 PM   #12
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How about two bikes on the 1UP on the back and one bike inside the trailer? A bike could be easily secured and I think this is an often overlooked possibility.
Great suggestion! This is exactly what I did when we had two guests, each with bikes going to OR for the Aug 2017 eclipse. We had 2 bikes on the 1UP and 1 inside the trailer.

I used a bit of 3/4 foam pipe insulation on the front tire, wedged between the two cabinet door handles below the bed on our E19’. Then I used two nylon web straps around the bike’s handle bar stem to installed anchor points on the framing under the main hatch under the mattress. I also had a bungee from the rear wheel to the adjusting knob under the table top to keep the back of the bike centered in the isle. Worked like a champ!

This was a situational solution for one trip. I’m sure it could be refined for more regular use.
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Old 01-07-2019, 10:24 PM   #13
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This was a situational solution for one trip. I’m sure it could be refined for more regular use.
Like this maybe?
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Old 01-07-2019, 10:36 PM   #14
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Like this maybe?
Exactly!
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Old 01-07-2019, 10:53 PM   #15
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For the hanging type carrier, we got the swagman original 3 that carries three bikes (one 24", one 26" and one 20") and is RV rated.. hangs in the back of the 19' and not blocking the rear windows. probably doesn't work too well if you have fat tires or the carbon fiber ones tho..
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Old 01-08-2019, 11:50 AM   #16
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i used to carry my bike in my trailer wrapped a quilt around it - worked fine. i now use a swagman carries two bikes -one regular and one fat tire E bike. Rubs a bit so i pad my bikes.
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