Just picked up a new bike rack for our pup at a great deal and have an important question... Where do you install it ? I have seen them installed from the front of the pup all the way to the back. My dealer told me to install it over the axel or a little behind it if possible. Is there really a correct spot for them ? If so, why have so many people got it wrong ??
Thanx...
Rich...
2 Parents
2 Kids
2 Mortgages now
05 Saturn Relay 2 ("the beast")
05 Flagstaff 825D ("the mobile puppy")
" Flexible people don't get bent out of shape. "
The tongue weight should be 12 to 15% of the total trailer weight. If you know your TW meets this criterion then mount the rack directly over the axle. If the tongue weight seems to be light move the rack a few inches forward of the axle or vice versa.
Dick_B
2003 SunnyBrook 27FKS
2003 3/4 T Chevrolet Suburban
Equal-i-zer Hitch
One wife, two bikes (both Electric Schwinn's with motor assist)
You didn't say what kind of rack it is. I'm assuming it is a roof rack, from what you describe (?).
Why do people get this wrong? Because they do not weigh their PUPS and/or do not think about potential sway issues. You can determine your weight distribution by going to a CAT scale (you can search on this topic --- it has been discussed a great deal including my questioning how it's done). You need to weigh while en-route someplace so you have your true weights (everything loaded, including the dogs and kids).
But yes, as a general rule, over the axles which of course will 'neutralize' the weight from either tongue or rear, if you can properly figure the weight distribution of the bikes themselves so they're positioned at their fulcrum point directly over the axle (kind of difficult to do).
No one can tell you how well you're weight distribution is --- you have to weigh for yourself and many people don't bother or spend the money (about $10).
Pup: 2007 Jayco 1206 w/slide-out + shower
surge brakes, 54w solar panel
TV: 2005 Nissan Xterra 4X4, manual trans
25 years tent camping, 4000+ miles of hiking, lots of biking
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