stephend wrote: My rack mounts on the TT rear bumper and extends past the spare tire. No problems for 5 years so far.
Neighbor (boilermaker/welder) said it would be no problem for him to do some fab work for me to beef up the bumper. I was thinking this or maybe this
Not sure about the second one though, haven't had my TT home long enough to get the measurements to see it it will clear the spare.
Everyone has their own idea of what works best. After spending a lot of time looking, talking and watching what works best. I decided on a platform style rack. My traveling buddy has the "J" bar style (that you pictured), his bikes bounce all over the place back there and he had to add a slip bar to his wife's bike in order to carry it. Following him down the road, I can see firsthand how much strain he puts on the bumper. When he hits a big pot hole they really go wild back there. His has a pivot point at the shank so he can lower it down to access what's behind it, he likes to carry a rolled up carpet back there. the first time he lowered it to get the carpet out, it was too heavy for him couldn't get it back up and I had to run and help. Yup, traveling with Buddy Paul is like traveling with the Clampits. Big old heavy steel bikes, spare tire (that turned out to be the wrong size), the rug and a set of old steel tent poles and rolled up tarp all on the poor bumper. Lousing the whole mess back there might be the best thing that ever happen. The only sad part is I won't be there to see it, since he makes me lead from now on.
Here's the unit I have: http://www.swagman.net/products/platform-racks/traveler-xc-2-rv/
I built a rack for the bed of my truck for our three bikes. One of the reasons I always have a topper on my trucks. I can lock them inside - they're safe and out of the weather. I take a bike with me everywhere I go.
My rack mounts on the TT rear bumper and extends past the spare tire. No problems for 5 years so far.
3 married children, 6 gr ch
Electrical engineer married to mom/homemaker
New Log Home on lake lot to retire in 8 years
Not golfer, fisherman or hunter but Let's go camping!!
2006 Silverado Crew Cab 5.3L 3.23 w/2010 Dutchmen Lite 25C-GS
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