hauling bicycles

[rattletrap52]

Have a 2014 Aliner Ranger 12, pulled by 2011 Durango without a roof rails. Have two 20 lb propane tanks on front and the battery. Would like to use a dual hitch receiver to add a bicycle rack for two bikes between Durango and trailer. The receiver on the Durango says tongue weight max is 500 lbs. Is this therefore doable or are there other things to consider?
I have a receiver on the back of the trailer, but it is inconveniently located under the spare tire, and the bumper says it has a 125 lb weight limit.

[C&G in FL]

The 125 pound limit on the back of the trailer is probably not due to the strength of the weld, more likely the limit was probably established by the manufacturer for anti-sway concerns. Could try it and if trailer doesn't sway at highway speed, you are probably OK. I doubt the tongue weight of the Aliner is so heavy that adding a bike rack at that position will cause the tongue weight limit to be exceeded.


Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV

[Roger H]

Unless you're going to fabricate a rack that carries the bikes above the propane tanks somehow, I'd think that the bikes would be in danger of being crushed when backing into tight spaces. If you had something other than a fold-down, my suggestion would be to carry the bikes in the trailer. They're safe and out of the weather that way. I did that for years. Absent that, I'd look into a roof rack for your Durango by one of the bike rack companies. That's probably the safest and best place to carry them with your setup.

Carrying them on the back of the trailer subjects them to some pretty nasty slinging around at the end of the fulcrum back there, not to mention road dirt and grime and that it's hard to keep track of what they're doing when you can't see them. You can't see them on top either, but the racks that carry them there are a LOT more secure.

[floyd]

A roof rack on your A liner might be a good choice. The bikes would still be easily accessible and low enough behind the TV.
Only problem is how it might affect set-up of the trailer, they may need to be removed first.

[mary and bob]

Those dual receivers supposedly decrease the vehicle hitch capacity by 50%. There may be a sticker on it that states that fact although the one I bought did not. I don't use it. A topic that has been discussed several times. Bikes can be a big pain to deal with. I've used various methods, currently they are in the truck bed, front wheels off, standing upright with the forks secured in hold down brackets that I bought at etrailer

[Ian G.]

I had the same problem, especially when I bought a vintage moped to bring along. My solution is to use a front mounted receiver and use a standard rack system. I quickly looked and a front receiver is available for your Durango CURT Manufacturing - CURT Front Mount Hitch #31033

[ZachO]

Man that's expensive!

But yeah, front mount hitch is probably the best solution.

I was looking into somewhere to mount my bike, too, which is how I happened on this thread. But I'm pretty sure mine's just going in the back of my truck. I think that's the most easily accessible -while almost completely out of my way- place.

A little harder with a Durango I guess.

[RandyNH]

Originally Posted by ZachO

Man that's expensive!

But yeah, front mount hitch is probably the best solution.

I was looking into somewhere to mount my bike, too, which is how I happened on this thread. But I'm pretty sure mine's just going in the back of my truck. I think that's the most easily accessible -while almost completely out of my way- place.

A little harder with a Durango I guess.

Amazon.com: curt 31033

That's why I bought mine from Amazon

[ZachO]

Yes, that's more what I'd expect a hitch to cost

[MCDenny]

Folding bikes would easily fit in the back of the Durango.


Denny Wolfe
Wanderingourway.wordpress.com

[War Eagle]

John, Have you checked out what Arvika (Canada) offers?

Arvika - Home

One of their products is a bike rack that mounts to the a-frame tongue rails of a camper and secures the bikes above the propane tank(s)/battery(ies). We saw one at the Green Eggs & Ham Rally near Montgomery, AL, last year (coming up again this weekend!). It was well-built, looked great, and the owner loved it. He said the biggest drawback was that the bikes, mounted crosswise high on the front of the camper, caught a lot of bugs going down the road, so you need some good bug cleaner when you reach your destination. Check them out if you haven't already....