kc
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1959 Shasta
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Post by kc on Aug 13, 2015 6:53:49 GMT -8
As much room as you think you have to bring and store stuff with a camper, it seems there is always a bit more you would like to bring along. Still trying to resolve the spare tire issue, as the extra weight on the rear is not good I know. But the tongue on a 59 Shasta doesn't have much room, can;t fit it inside and doesn't go in the tow vehicle easily and smells like rubber. But that's beside the point. We want to bring 4 bikes with us, and would like to avoid the roof rack. I have seen these strange extension things and then adding a hitch mount bike rack to this. Wondering if any of you have used one, or have solutions for bringing bikes along with? www.amazon.com/Bicycle-Receiver-Adapter-Extender-Extension/dp/B000P6CJ9O |
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Post by vintagebruce on Aug 13, 2015 7:43:25 GMT -8
I have 2 quick thoughts. First depends on whether you are very avid cyclists with "favorite" bikes, who cover a lot of miles of enjoyment once at a camp site. If not, and you enjoy short leisurely cycling around and near the campground, you might consider buying 4 vintage folding bikes. Some are pretty cool with multiple gears like this one I quickly found using searchtmpest. easttexas.craigslist.org/bik/5124548596.htmlThey even have 'em set up if you little tyke you want to take along. littlerock.craigslist.org/bik/5120312320.htmlI have seen 2 for sale in my general area that were $100 for the pair...and kinda cute at that. Secondly...if you do have serious bikes...I wonder how much trouble it would be to search out a small vintage bike trailer that would accommodate 4 bikes, and put a receiver on the bumper of your camper and do like I have seen where owners are hauling a small vintage boat behind a vintage camper. If you think that is crazy, they have rules for it... rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/07/triple_towing.php |
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Post by bigbill on Aug 13, 2015 11:37:13 GMT -8
You could also have a tongue extension made and installed to haul the bikes safely in front of the trailer. I Will install a five foot frame extension on the front of our trailer to haul our recumbent trikes on. This will also make the trailer easier to tow and back up. We are now 15feet overall so this will be the same as towing a twenty foot trailer. the new sub frame tongue extender will bolt to the frame right in front of the spring shackles come out and have a cross member that has a trailer ball to lock into original coupler then extend on to a new coupler. Will use 1 1/2" x 3 inch tube. The entire unit will come off when not needed or if a new owner doesn't want.
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stanley
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still eager, not yet jaded!
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Post by stanley on Aug 13, 2015 12:07:34 GMT -8
I've seen those extenders in Harbor Freight. I'd like to know if they are any good.
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Post by bigbill on Aug 13, 2015 16:37:14 GMT -8
I've seen those extenders in Harbor Freight. I'd like to know if they are any good. If you are talking about the hitch extenders that move the ball back from the vehicle you have to remember that they increase the load do to leverage. A six inch one is the maximum I would even consider, if you look in the towing section you will find more information. |
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SusieQ
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'62 Shasta Compact
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Post by SusieQ on Aug 13, 2015 17:49:19 GMT -8
Yep, I have that very one. I have used it a lot with my teardrop, miles and miles cross country carrying bikes, usually two bikes but I have carried four on it over a thousand miles with no problem. I have NOT tried it towing my Shasta, yet.
Also, I did have to add a short extender to keep my bicycles from hitting my trailer when I turned. My TD is lighter than my Shasta so I don't know if that will be an issue with the tongue weight and extenders. I'll soon find out.
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Post by bigbill on Aug 14, 2015 11:03:47 GMT -8
The extension I talked about bolts to the trailer. This is from an earlier post regarding receiver extensions and their effect on the vehicle hitch. I posted this a few years ago so here it is again A hitch extender is fine, just remember that a hitch extender reduces the tongue weight capacity of your hitch. So if you have a hitch that will carry 500 lbs. and you are pulling a trailer with 300 lb tongue weight a one foot extension is about the maximum, if you are pulling a trailer with 400 lbs. tongue weight then an extension would be dangerous. Subtract a minimum of 25% per foot of extension and the safe figure is 33%. A simple explanation is Leverage, If you have ever used a longer wrench to loosen a tight bolt and noticed how much easier it was to turn, same effect on your hitch. The longer the extension the more likely a disastrous failure. Read more: vintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/thread/2940/hitch-extender-needed-full-truck#ixzz3iojDhJL2 |
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Ten
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70 Shasta 16SC + 1964 Airflyte
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Post by Ten on Aug 14, 2015 12:19:00 GMT -8
In my opinion only, one may be better off to find a rack for either the bikes or the spare trailer tire that could attach to the FRONT end of the tow vehicle...  Okay, maybe not THAT exactly... But possibly this...  ![]() Or maybe this....  This??  |
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Post by bigbill on Aug 15, 2015 16:48:38 GMT -8
Fifty years ago when we used a truck camper we always hauled the bikes on a front rack. Just make sure it is mounted so that the handlebars don't hit the hood.
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cannedhammike
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1963 Shasta Airflyte
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Post by cannedhammike on Aug 16, 2015 9:41:34 GMT -8
The front hitch is the best way to go. I have one and I use it to carry a dirt bike. You can also get other kinds to carry almost anything.
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