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Post by epoxyman on Apr 12, 2023 10:55:39 GMT -5
I have a 2014 Spree Connect, and I want to mount a 2 bike rack on the back. The manual states that you cannot mount anything on the back bumper other than a spare tire rack. So my question is; How can I mount a bike rack to the back of the RV?
Looking at the under carriage it appears that there are 2 I beams that are the main chassis supports. The back bumper is spot welded to these I beams. Can I mount a rack (with u bolts) to an I beam so that the rack would be on the I beam Vs. the back bumper?
Your experience and input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
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Post by lynnmor on Apr 12, 2023 20:01:26 GMT -5
If you look carefully at those "I-beams" you will see that they have little strength as well. I carry my bikes in the truck.
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Post by epoxyman on Apr 13, 2023 6:33:35 GMT -5
Thank you for your response. It seems unfortunate that the chassis and framing system cannot support a bike rack.
The truck is certainly an option, just not the best space utilization.
Looking to take our first RV trip this late spring.
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Post by johnr on Apr 13, 2023 6:38:52 GMT -5
I've seen people get a towing receiver welded to the frame and then people use a hitch type bike rack.
I would take it to a reputable place that installs them and have the trailer evaluated to make sure that the structure is there.
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Post by lynnmor on Apr 13, 2023 9:12:10 GMT -5
I built a rack to hold both bikes in the smallest amount of space possible. I have more photos if you intend to build one.  |
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Post by epoxyman on Apr 16, 2023 14:38:06 GMT -5
I would love to see the pictures related to your rack build. Would give me some great info. for going forward.
Thank you
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Post by lynnmor on Apr 17, 2023 8:17:20 GMT -5
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Post by laknox on Apr 17, 2023 16:07:49 GMT -5
I have a 2014 Spree Connect, and I want to mount a 2 bike rack on the back. The manual states that you cannot mount anything on the back bumper other than a spare tire rack. So my question is; How can I mount a bike rack to the back of the RV? Looking at the under carriage it appears that there are 2 I beams that are the main chassis supports. The back bumper is spot welded to these I beams. Can I mount a rack (with u bolts) to an I beam so that the rack would be on the I beam Vs. the back bumper? Your experience and input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Usually, the biggest issue is the bumper tube being =very= thin-walled and that's what fails. I had it cut off my old Komfort and a heavier tube welded on so I could mount a 2" reciever for a cargo or bike rack. (NOT a trailer!) The frame extensions were plenty heavy, so adding a 500 lb capacity cargo rack wasn't an issue, let alone a bike rack. Cool thing was that the OD of the new tube was exactly the same as the old tube, so the decorative aluminum cover slipped right over the new one and looked great. Only down side was that the stinky hoses wouldn't fit in the new tube, but I never carried them there, anyway, so that wasn't an issue. If a pro welding shop says that the frame extensions are heavy enough to hold up, say, 200 lbs, then do what I did. Lyle |
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Post by epoxyman on Apr 19, 2023 7:40:55 GMT -5
Thank you Lynmor for the pics - I like the idea of a small wheel up front to make it easier to roll in and out - Great Design
Thank you also laknox for your input on the bumper / frame. I think to eliminate the need of replacing the bumper I will go with a bike rack like Lynmor suggests. Best regards to both of you
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Post by epoxyman on Apr 19, 2023 7:45:34 GMT -5
Lynmor,
Could you possibly take a close up picture of the front holding brackets where the small tire fits in. I would like to better understand the configuration and height of the brackets. Also what did you make the base of the sliding fixture out of (is it White plastic or painted wood)?
Again thanks, much better to learn from others than to try and reinvent the wheel (pun intended)
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Post by lynnmor on Apr 19, 2023 8:20:57 GMT -5
I'll get you photos later, for now I will give you some general information.
It you have not topper, a much simpler system can be made. Since I built this system, my bikes are in the truck about 99% of the time staying clean and dry and always available.
The base is 3/4" plywood painted on all sides. The base has carpet where it contacts the truck bed. A ratchet strap pulls the base to the left front till the carpet touches the the bed, holding it firmly in place. Threaded tee nut inserts are used to fasten everything to the plywood.
The folding uprights for the removed wheels are conduit, they are spring loaded to lock them in place.
I needed to lower the bike in front to clear the topper, thus the lawnmower wheel, it also makes the bike shorter. Spacers were added to the wheels and quick release mechanisms stay with the wheels.
The guides for the tires are 2 x 4 lumber cut to suit.
The brackets for the front wheel are made from 3 pieces of solid steel, machined to suit. The depth of the axle slot allows the mower tire to have just a bit of clearance. A hole above the axle is for the locking pin attached to a lanyard. There are commercially available brackets available that don't have provisions for wheels.
I use a ratchet strap over the bike frame near the seat to hold the bikes down, plus a bungees as a backup since they keep a constant tension.
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Post by wahoo on Apr 24, 2023 8:51:36 GMT -5
You have to recognize craftsmanship when you see it, that rack is functional and easy on the eyes!
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kbrady
Seasonal RV’er
Posts: 167
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Post by kbrady on Apr 24, 2023 19:04:51 GMT -5
They do make bike racks that mount on the tongue. That might be an option if you don't have a truck bed available.
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