nicholsinic4

What would you all say is the best way to transport bikes to a trail or camping? We have 4 bikes (2 adults and 2 children's) Should we consider a tail hitch one, or one that goes on luggage racks on top? :confused:
We have a minivan, but thought our back would be full of camping gear and tent.
Thanks in advance!

happybooker1

After investigating this same dilemma, I opted for a hitch-mount carrier. I found one on Ebay for a decent price inc. S&H. I determined that ones that slide INTO a receiver are a little more sturdy than ones that mount on a ball. For me (at 5'3") getting bikes on TOP of anything would be a problem.

The carrier I got was very easy to load/unload. Unfortunately I only used it once before buying a pop-up camper, so now it won't work for me. I usually load the PUP with our clothes & stuff and carry the bikes (just 2) inside.

Shannon

Sorry for all the questions I'm about to hit you with:

Do you have information (brand, model) on the hitch-mounted bike rack you have? I need to get a lightweight tow hitch installed on our Ford Escape Hybrid (it's not a factory option, due to the low towing capacity), and I've been keeping my eye on hitch-mounted racks on eBay. The big cost for me is the hitch and installation, not so much the rack, but if it'll be compatible with my future hitch I'd be interested in taking it off your hands, if you're looking to sell it. I'd need info though so I can make sure it'll work with the lightweight hitch I am looking at getting.

Even if you aren't interested in selling, the brand and model info would be useful in my quest for a good hitch-mounted bike rack. Does it carry a single or multiple bikes, btw?

Incidentally, I have a Saris Bones 2 bike rack for sale -- carries one or two bikes and mounts to one's trunk (sedans/sports cars) or SUV/van liftgate/rear door. It's pretty much brand new since it was used for a couple months prior to us getting an "InstaGator" truck bed-mounted rack for our F-150 pickup. We used the Saris Bones rack on our '92 Corolla, but I haven't mounted it to our Escape Hybrid. I'd prefer a hitch mount for convenience now that I have a larger vehicle.

__________________
- Shannon Moore
Your Host @ WildTexas.com

happybooker1

Hi, Shannon. I got a 'Swagman' (als0 called Drawtite) off Ebay -- a 3-bike holder. And I posted exactly the opposite of what I had found out -- sorry! The BALL mount is supposedly more versatile & stable than the one that slides into your receiver. However, I looked up some websites with recommendations for you. It all depends on what types of bikes you're carrying. Mine were an adult & a child's, but they have different recommendations for mtn. bikes, racing bikes, etc.

http://www.lakelandgear.com/bike_rac...e_carrier.aspx

http://nordicgroup.us/rack.htm

Here is a link for an article where the author supposedly has a PDF file of available hitches for your Escape. http://greenhybrid.com/learn/article...g-options.html

However, I just searched online & bought a Hidden Hitch from the cheapest place I could order one from. (Can you tell I like to order online?!) My brother installed it, but if you get a frame-mount hitch they're fairly easy to put on. You don't have to drill holes or anything -- the holes are already there in the frame.

If you're only doing a bike rack you'd just need a Class I/II hitch, not the heavy duty one. You wouldn't even need the optional wiring harness. I didn't use mine enough to have any recommendations or problems with it. I would be glad to sell it. Email me if you have any other questions.

dwalsdorf

We got this one last year: http://cgi.ebay.com/SOFTRIDE-BIKE-RA...QQcmdZViewItemand I really like it. We have a factory hitch, the smaller 1.25" size. If I had it to do over, I would get a 2", even though I would have to go aftermarket. Hitch mount on a minivan is great. This model folds down with the bikes on it, so you can still get in the back of the van.

__________________
In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell...it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort. :asleep:

nicholsinic4

Great info. so far, thanks!!