[kickstand]

The time has come to retire my super custom Thule T2.

I would like to be able to carry more bikes as well. Eastern States Cup is doing more DH and Enduro combo weekends next year. So being able to take 8 bikes 4 DH and 4 Trail would be ideal.

Like a dummy I sold my pick up truck and bought a Tahoe, so they all need to be on a hitch.

If 6 is the best I can do, I could live with that.

I have a friend with a Northshore 4 bike rack, so I could copy that if needed, but he has mentioned it can be troublesome (not impossible) with smaller bikes, and I have two kids still on 24" wheels, so that's a definite consideration.

I am looking for some build ideas (I plan on making the rack myself).

I thought there was a thread on here with some custom rack ideas, but I can't seem to find it.

 

[marshalolson]

Trailer?

 

[Jm_]

Do you want 6 bikes on a lever arm as long as it would require? The toungue weight will be pretty extreme (do you have heavy duty rear springs?) not to mention your 30 foot long vehicle. A NS rack is your best bet to carry a bunch of bikes, but it's far from the easiest to use and most flexible IME. Most people in your situation go with a roof rack and a hitch rack, rather than try to carry more than 4 on the hitch.

 

[kickstand]

Trailer?

I've considered it, but that adds a lot of cost between the trailer itself, tires, wheel bearings, registration, tolls, loss of mileage, etc.

 

[kickstand]

Do you want 6 bikes on a lever arm as long as it would require? The toungue weight will be pretty extreme (do you have heavy duty rear springs?) not to mention your 30 foot long vehicle. A NS rack is your best bet to carry a bunch of bikes, but it's far from the easiest to use and most flexible IME. Most people in your situation go with a roof rack and a hitch rack, rather than try to carry more than 4 on the hitch.

I "customized" my T2 to take 5 trays (basically I bought a piece of 2" receiver stock and bolted 5 t2 trays to it.

I could find a few more trays, but like you mentioned things start getting pretty long at that point.

Not worried too much about tongue weight. I have a class 5 hitch and can add airbags to the tahoe if needed, but I don't get much sag with a fully loaded truck and 4 bikes now.

Keeping the rack "light" is definitely on the agenda. I also would like to make it swing out like this so I can have access to the cargo area of the truck with out having to unload every bike.

I'll have to figure out a way to brace the rack side to side so all that weight isn't on the hitch alone as well. But that is what welders and steel are for

I'd also like to avoid a roof rack, mainly because getting a bike onto the top of a Tahoe would require a step ladder for me to get them up there.

Some sort of north shore style rack is most likely the candidate, just trying to bounce some ideas around and see what I can come up witht hat may load easier for the wife and kids. As it sits now they can load their bikes on the T2, but I don't know that they could with a Northshore style.

 

[SkaredShtles]

Just sell the Tahoe and get another pickup.

 

[eric strt6]

look into a front reciever hitch for your Tahoe. Curt makes some good ones, that way you can carry two to four bikes on the front rack and the rest on the rear rack

 

[kickstand]

Just sell the Tahoe and get another pickup.

This would get my vote, the wife isn't quite as supportive of this idea.

I sure do miss my truck!

 

[jstuhlman]

oh-yeah. you can do front and back one up 4 bike hitches. friend on mine did that with 2 bike one ups on his fj. guess that wouldn't solve the swing-out issue though.

 

[kickstand]

No, and I'd really rather not use my bikes as bumpers on both ends of my truck, or have my headlights blocked for road trips home

 

[squiby]

7 bike rack here > http://myplace.frontier.com/~glenns8/
might give you some ideas

 

[mtg]

Trailer?

I've done that.

For this year's PNW/Whistler trip, the goal was to take 7 bikes behind my wife's SUV, so we used a 40'x48" utility trailer (~$250) and @SDet and I bolted on 7 fork mounts ($175 retail), and used 2x6's and some other random pieces of wood (~$20), hooks and straps to get all the bikes on there.
It got the job done and was the smallest method to pack that quantity of bikes into, but I wouldn't recommend it as a default transport method. Trailers are always a bit of a pain, such as parking them, needing to back up, security, and storage for the trailer itself.

Recon Racks will make you a custom rack, which you should be able to get a 6-biker on the back of a Tahoe. We have a custom 8-bike Recon Rack on the back of the GG bus, and it gets the job done.

Edit: if you're going to make one, I'd check out the racks commonly used on urban transit buses. Those are designed to be idiot-proof, fast load/unload, handle a wide range of bike sizes, and the cost appears to be pretty reasonable on most I've seen.

 

[SDet]

If you go the city bus method, add length. A medium megatrail does not fit very nicely, so anyone else's large or dh would be a no go.

 

[Trasselkalle]

Why not just have 3-4 bikes on the roof, and then have 'only' 4-5 to worry about on the back? For the times you don't need a million bikes with you, just hook up the rear one.

 

[kickstand]

Why not just have 3-4 bikes on the roof, and then have 'only' 4-5 to worry about on the back? For the times you don't need a million bikes with you, just hook up the rear one.

This.

I'd also like to avoid a roof rack, mainly because getting a bike onto the top of a Tahoe would require a step ladder for me to get them up there.

Plus, fuel mileage suffers from multiple bikes on a roof far more than multiple bikes on a hitch, when you drive the miles I indicated earlier to attend races that adds up, quickly.

Plus, I don't want to build a new hitch rack to replace my current, and then also have to spend a ton of money to find the proper adapters to install cross bars, purchase cross bars, purchase additional trays, etc.

 

[TrumbullHucker]

the vertical bike "hang" i think is your best bet. loaded into your hitch receiver. if you stagger them (bike #1 is 1ft higher than bike #2, which is 1 foot lower than bike #3, etc etc) you can probably get them closer to each other (because of the wide bars)

 

[kickstand]

So far some sort of vertical rack seems like it's going to be a winner. Now I just need to decide on bike contact points, as I don't care for the northshore and the fact that it's not compatible with all bikes. Our stable ranges from kids on Mini's, kids xc and DH bikes, adult bikes, dh bikes, and a road bike or two. I won't be taking all of them on all trips, but it's got to be compatible with them all.

I am thinking of two options, some sort of height adjustable rear wheel tray that will carry the weight of the bike, with an adjustable contraption for front wheels, allowing the bars to be turned so you can slide the bike up or down to allow for fitment.

The hardest part may be coming up with a good way to make the contact points adjustable.

 

[jonKranked]

why not just buy a school bus? you can find them used on craigslist for like $5k

 

[TrumbullHucker]

So far some sort of vertical rack seems like it's going to be a winner. Now I just need to decide on bike contact points, as I don't care for the northshore and the fact that it's not compatible with all bikes. Our stable ranges from kids on Mini's, kids xc and DH bikes, adult bikes, dh bikes, and a road bike or two. I won't be taking all of them on all trips, but it's got to be compatible with them all.

I am thinking of two options, some sort of height adjustable rear wheel tray that will carry the weight of the bike, with an adjustable contraption for front wheels, allowing the bars to be turned so you can slide the bike up or down to allow for fitment.

The hardest part may be coming up with a good way to make the contact points adjustable.

you can use the same principle that pipe clamps use.. customize them to hold the different wheelbases vertically mounted?

 

[kickstand]

why not just buy a school bus? you can find them used on craigslist for like $5k

Yes, because I want to get 5mpg on the freeway and maintain a school bus.

How about, I want to custom build a rack for my needs and don't want to buy a trailer, build a school bus, or put my bikes on the roof?

 

[kickstand]

you can use the same principle that pipe clamps use.. customize them to hold the different wheelbases vertically mounted?

something like that could work. I was thinking more along the lines of spring loaded pins, or even just simply clamping the trays in place like you do on a T2 side to side/front to back.

Something like how you adjust the cable pulleys on a work out station at the gym.

 

[jimw]

Those Recon Racks mentioned above look sick. If I was looking to get a new rack I'd go for one of those over the NS rack.
https://www.facebook.com/ReconRacks/

 

[Kntr]

Cody at Recon Racks will make what you need. Best rack out there IMO.

http://recon-racks.com/images/e6ktgbltey4e0ydzhsgqi1c296ap2k

 

[kickstand]

Now we're starting to brainstorm!

Britt have you hung the grom hit from one of those? is the wheelbase long enough to strap the rear tire down?

I still have to consider the kids bmx bikes.

 

[csermonet]

This is ambitious, but hopefully not rubbish.

 

[Kntr]

Now we're starting to brainstorm!

Britt have you hung the grom hit from one of those? is the wheelbase long enough to strap the rear tire down?

I still have to consider the kids bmx bikes.

I have not. My daughter is on an adult sized bike now. Call or message them. Im pretty sure it will work with the Grom Hit but probably not the BMX.

 

[kickstand]

I have not. My daughter is on an adult sized bike now. Call or message them. Im pretty sure it will work with the Grom Hit but probably not the BMX.

The plan is to build my own. So I'll make sure it works with all bikes in my garage.

 

[Kntr]

The plan is to build my own. So I'll make sure it works with all bikes in my garage.

I did that to begin with and found out in the long run it was better just to buy one built. The trial and error bit was just not worth it. The Recon has went though many years of changes and it's about perfect now.

 

[DirtEveryDay]

There simply just isn't a more humbling compliment that an experienced fabricator saying you've done something right and then not copying his work. My sincerest thank you, Britt. I appreciate that more than you'll ever know.
This thread really isn't about the Recon Racks, so I'll butt out here, but yes, the racks will accommodate kids mtn bikes, new prototype wheel baskets coming soon that will hold any bike short of fat bikes.

And can i just say that after YEARS of trying every design and clamp and strap and tube sizes and tube thicknesses and driving home trip after trip with messed up bikes and broken bike rack parts that there is just no self satisfaction in simply trying to copy what someone else has done. No matter how well it turns out you'll never get rid of that taste in your mouth of knowing you only ate of someone else's plate. There's ideas out there that no one else has thought of yet! Find them! Let's see the next greatest thing! Just better find it before i do cuz i love this shit and I'm all over it!

 

[kickstand]

There simply just isn't a more humbling compliment that an experienced fabricator saying you've done something right and then not copying his work. My sincerest thank you, Britt. I appreciate that more than you'll ever know.
This thread really isn't about the Recon Racks, so I'll butt out here, but yes, the racks will accommodate kids mtn bikes, new prototype wheel baskets coming soon that will hold any bike short of fat bikes.

And can i just say that after YEARS of trying every design and clamp and strap and tube sizes and tube thicknesses and driving home trip after trip with messed up bikes and broken bike rack parts that there is just no self satisfaction in simply trying to copy what someone else has done. No matter how well it turns out you'll never get rid of that taste in your mouth of knowing you only ate of someone else's plate. There's ideas out there that no one else has thought of yet! Find them! Let's see the next greatest thing! Just better find it before i do cuz i love this shit and I'm all over it!

You mention copying quite a bit. This thread is for brainstorming ideas, not copying. It's also so I can personally build a rack that suits my particular needs, not so that I can profit.

I've always built my own things. Bumpers, Roll Cages, skid plates, my current rack system that uses T2 trays, my outdoor wood burner that heats my house, etc.

 

[DirtEveryDay]

Certainly not saying don't build your own, that would make me a hypocrite! I AM asking that find your own path while doing it is all.
I actually started out with my own fab shop building tube chassis and crawlers, still in the overland and prerunner thing...
On a side note, people think copying a product for their own personal use isn't a patent violation, but it absolutely is. Makes for a good read sometime...scary actually on how many rules get broken every day.

 

[kickstand]

Certainly not saying don't build your own, that would make me a hypocrite! I AM asking that find your own path while doing it is all.
I actually started out with my own fab shop building tube chassis and crawlers, still in the overland and prerunner thing...
On a side note, people think copying a product for their own personal use isn't a patent violation, but it absolutely is. Makes for a good read sometime...scary actually on how many rules get broken every day.

That is exactly what this thread is for, ideas. I like the "idea" of the vertical racks, yours included, but neither you or northshore offers what I am after.

 

[DirtEveryDay]

Well, i LOVE seeing fresh ideas as much as the next builder so best of luck to you!
I feel kinda cheated as i used to love creation threads, but now i can't really play because now my stupid ideas are directly relevant to feeding my family! D'oh!
So good luck to you all!

 

[imp]

$200 at harbor freight. Grease the hubs, weld the bolted joints. Add a 20'er of steel angle to rack the bikes up.

registration is what... $12?

Look at where the GG bus fenders are in relation to the outboard tires... that rack would be ungainly wide for the Yukon. Keep it simple and low effort.

 

[TrumbullHucker]

$200 at harbor freight. Grease the hubs, weld the bolted joints. Add a 20'er of steel angle to rack the bikes up.

registration is what... $12?

Look at where the GG bus fenders are in relation to the outboard tires... that rack would be ungainly wide for the Yukon. Keep it simple and low effort.

----> post #4


you thinking welded steel or bolted aluminum when assembled? you sketch anything out yet?

 

[Beef Supreme]

Just chiming in to say the North Shore is fine with 24" bikes. You can also hang bmx bikes from the bar/stem.

 

[kickstand]

----> post #4


you thinking welded steel or bolted aluminum when assembled? you sketch anything out yet?

Welded together. Have not sketched anything out yet, it's all in my head right now. Would like to start building after the holidays.

 

[dump]

$200 at harbor freight. Grease the hubs, weld the bolted joints. Add a 20'er of steel angle to rack the bikes up.

registration is what... $12?

Look at where the GG bus fenders are in relation to the outboard tires... that rack would be ungainly wide for the Yukon. Keep it simple and low effort.

What's the speed rating on that thing. Can it do 75mph for 8hrs every weekend?

 

[SDet]

What's the speed rating on that thing. Can it do 75mph for 8hrs every weekend?

We did 75-80 for a huge tour around the northwest back in July. No problems with the trailer.

 

[DirtEveryDay]

for the trailer thing, I bought the exact same thing pictured above, but used on craigslist for $80. Bought it for the title and reg, now building what I need out of it. Dump the tires and axle and you can get unit bearings matching your tow vehicles wheel bolt pattern off ebay for as low as $30 each. Track down a couple cheap steel wheels with tires(full sized spares off wrecked vehicles are SUPER cheap) and you have a dependable system with an interchangeable spare for everything.
The absolute BEST thing you can do for a trailer is move that axle to the way back and/or lengthen the tongue. You wont be backing that thing up in a parking lot like it is.
Trailers are awesome for long travels. But you just aren't going to be doing weekend shuttles with one unless its a pretty public or wide open area at top and bottom. It just sucks.

Another option that's strange and sitis in the realm between trailer and cargo carrier is the mono wheeled things behind campers. They attach to the back of your rig with only vertical movement allowed and then a single wheel on the carrier turns. Positive is that it isn't a trailer and behaves like a hitch rack. Negatives are that you effectively lengthen your vehicle and the thing swings around pretty fast back there. And if youre in rough terrain you have the risk of smashing the bikes into the back of the vehicle in a low spot.