Tom/Barb,
Well, this all depends on how much weight all of that equipment is totally. What I use would most likely be serious overkill for your intentions. Mine is a hydraulic lift for carrying our 850 lb Honda Goldwing.
I'm suspecting that each of your Big Wheels is probably somewhere around maybe, 250-300 lbs each??? If so, you're looking at 500-600 lbs correct? I could be way off here but, I don't think too far. So, the rack or system that you pick, must be substantial enough to not only handle the "Static" weight but also the "Dynamic" load too. That is, when those two bikes start to bounce, due to dips in the road, large pot holes, concrete seams and more, that puts considerably more stress on the rack/mounting system than them just sitting there, parked on the street.
So, just a tad bit of advice here. Make sure, that where ever and whom ever you purchase your rack from, makes things substantial enough to handle all the loads without issues down the road. If it were mine, I'd create two more "receivers" that come off the frame. That way, you've got way better stability and load carrying capability. It's not hard to do that but, the one thing that must be done is make sure those receivers are dead parallel in both planes or it will be real tough to install and remove that rack when needed. Just some suggestions here.
Scott
Scott and Karla SDFD RETIRED
2004 Itasca Horizon, 36GD Slate Blue 330 CAT
2011 White Honda CRV EX-L,4WD w/NAV Toad 2008 Caliente Red LVL II GL 1800 Goldwing KI60ND
FIRE UP wrote: Tom/Barb,
Well, this all depends on how much weight all of that equipment is totally. What I use would most likely be serious overkill for your intentions. Mine is a hydraulic lift for carrying our 850 lb Honda Goldwing.
Scott
That's probably exactly what I'll end up with, because every thing I can look at seems very cheaply built.
I have a source for steel, and a welder so I think I am about to design a lift for the 2 big wheels, and still be able to tow the jeep.
Tom/Barb,
If you plan on building it yourself, that's a pretty good undertaking. I've been fabing stuff up my whole life and while I certainly could have built ours, it was way easier to purchase it. We got lucky and got if off ebay for way less than half price. Hydralift usually is around $4500.00 plus tax and shipping. We got it for way less.
If you keep an eye out, you'll find one every now and then on either ebay or Craigslist.
Another couple you might consider is "Cruiserlift", "Blue Ox" and "Overbuilt". They all do the job but, in terms of best quality, best performance, least amount of moving/working parts, most reliable, the "Hydralift" is by far, the best. But, it's also the most expensive.
Now, if you're not planning on making yours just a carrier, instead of a "lift", that's way easier. Two main, 2" x 2" x 1/4" wall tubes, will fit into alternate receivers, one on each side of the frame, and you're 90% there. Then, incorporate a couple of light weight rails, some cross beams for tie down points, a loop for the front wheels to lock into, and you're done. I don't know your plans but, that's some simple but strong ones.
All you'd need is ramp to roll them up and onto and down from, the rack, I think you'd be complete.
But, if you want to tow a jeep, you'll either have to extend the single receiver you already have or, fab one up in the rack you're intending on building. Be interested in seeing pics if you build it. Take care.
Scott
* This post was
edited 08/12/12 01:56pm by FIRE UP *
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