Bike Rack addition - help needed

[McReidy]

Hi Folks,

I want to add my bike rack to the CT but not quite sure of the best way to do it. I'm thinking if I can attach it to the draw bar that is the most logical place, just not sure of the ramifications on wind/drag etc. There is a stone guard on the front as well so this may play a part in the dynamics?



Can anyone comment if this would work, or better ideas? Other option is to throw the bike on top and tie down with ratchets.

Cheers

[DannyG]

We have ours on the back of the camper in a hitch receiver.

That way we can also put the bikes on the tug as well if we want to. We can also leave the bikes on the tug while the camper is connected but it doesn't leave a lot of room for turning.

[dazzler]

I like em on the A frame so when they fall off I don't leave them behind 

[Jeepers Creepers]

I like em on the A frame so when they fall off I don't leave them behind 

yeah, at least on the front, you get to run over them as well as they go.
Pushbikes are evil and need to be punished.

[dazzler]

yeah, at least on the front, you get to run over them as well as they go.
Pushbikes are evil and need to be punished.

Thats gold.  God I hate bikes.

[KingBilly]

I want to add my bike rack to the CT but not quite sure of the best way to do it. I'm thinking if I can attach it to the draw bar that is the most logical place, just not sure of the ramifications on wind/drag etc. There is a stone guard on the front as well so this may play a part in the dynamics?

Mate, what you are thinking will work no worries.  Won't effect the dynamics.  Do CT's actually have any    Just make sure the bike are secure.  I had one pop off at 110kph on the motorway once.  Have a look in my Customline mod thread for another alternative.

KB

[Brett B]

I have mine on the draw bar

[BigJules]

I've had a bike rack on the rear of the camper but it was rough on the bikes. I had a bike rack just like that one, almost cried when I saw what had happened to the paint on the frames of the new bikes we were taking away.

I did get a better quality rack and that was better but it was still not great at the back end. Much better on the drawbar, where you intend to put yours.

[GGV8Cruza]

Put mine on the boat rack



GG

[Marschy]

I've had a bike rack on the rear of the camper but it was rough on the bikes. I had a bike rack just like that one, almost cried when I saw what had happened to the paint on the frames of the new bikes we were taking away.

The trick to the tow bar receiver bikes carriers on the rear of the camper is stabilizing the carrier so it doesn't bounce around. I have welded a piece of galv rhs to the carrier upright, which in turn bolts onto the tailgate. Then I've drilled holes in the sides of the tailgate and the galv rhs so I can hook up turn buckle straps. The turn buckle straps have sufficient length that I can use them to also strap the handle bars to stop them from moving around

[DannyG]

The trick to the tow bar receiver bikes carriers on the rear of the camper is stabilizing the carrier so it doesn't bounce around. I have welded a piece of galv rhs to the carrier upright, which in turn bolts onto the tailgate. Then I've drilled holes in the sides of the tailgate and the galv rhs so I can hook up turn buckle straps. The turn buckle straps have sufficient length that I can use them to also strap the handle bars to stop them from moving around

I agree. Our bike rack is a shocker for being sloppy. Where it goes into the hitch its sloppy and on mine it has its own receiving system and that is sloppy too! We only take our bikes to local camping spots and none of them require to much rough roads luckily so the bouncing around is kept to a minimum but Im sure people following us worry they are about to run over 4 bikes!

[GGV8Cruza]

I have the ISI unit when we need to take the bikes as well, it fits on the back of the boat rack and then can be fitted to the Patrol. I also have the hitch at the back of the Omeo, that would be 8 bikes in total






GG

[evolution]

Mine came with ratchet straps to hold the bike securely on the rack. Because mine is a tilt rack it does bounce around a fair bit. I put eye bolts either side of the trailer (above the tail lights) and use a ratchet strap to diagonally stabilize the carrier on the trailer. Work a treat.

Cheers
Evo

[Marschy]

The problem with all the bouncing around is eventually the receiver tube on the CT may fatigue and break, most likely the welds, then the whole lot will end up on the road.

[DannyG]

The problem with all the bouncing around is eventually the receiver tube on the CT may fatigue and break, most likely the welds, then the whole lot will end up on the road.

Yeh I agree, I am going to put a couple of 'locking' bolts into the side of both the receivers to remove any sloppyness they have. My rack is a good one, its Aussie made and very tough but our bikes are of the kmart variety to they wouldnt be the lightest bikes around I wouldnt think. Our rack has a good strap I can also strap the bikes tight to the CT tailgate so Ill eventually eliminate the movement

[Marschy]

I've removed the bounce out of mine entirely. I'll set it up this weekend and post some pictures

[GeeTee]

Hi Folks,

I want to add my bike rack to the CT but not quite sure of the best way to do it. I'm thinking if I can attach it to the draw bar that is the most logical place, just not sure of the ramifications on wind/drag etc. There is a stone guard on the front as well so this may play a part in the dynamics?



Can anyone comment if this would work, or better ideas? Other option is to throw the bike on top and tie down with ratchets.

Cheers

There's no reason why it wouldn't work - I offer a bike rack option and that's where it's fitted!
On the drawbar, it is tucked behind the tow vehicle so aero is not a factor (although stone strike damage is, but you have that sorted).
Carrying the bikes on the drawbar will add to your vehicle's drawbar weight - don't exceed it.
Carrying equipment on the rear of the trailer is a viable option (sometimes the only option) for many, but the force/weight being carried by the bike rack (and trailer chassis) are amplified due to vehicle movement over bumps - especially off-bitumen - which increases the likelihood of breakage/failure due to metal fatigue. Everything must be stronger/heavier to perform the same task.
Heavy items such as bikes, spare wheels and jerry cans, that are carried a long way from the centre of the vehicle (such as on the tailgate) also increases 'yaw'.. in other words, decreases vehicle stability.

[pabhar]

Hi,  Had the same problem and finished this off over the weekend. A mate welded the bike a frame mount onto the spare wheel support in front of the toolboxes. works a treat. Paul

Hopefully the picture attaches all new to me

[pabhar]

Fixed the orientation...

[DaveR]

Put mine on the boat rack



GG

Thanks GGPatrol.
You have just given me the best idea on how I can get 5 bikes stowed nicely, in beside 2 x kayaks.