Bicycles on front hitch

[ROLIN JOSEPH]

Any of you guys (gals) have any feedback / opinions on carrying a couple of bicycles off a front mounted hitch?
Does this bother or interfere with your driving at all?
I recently installed one of these http://www.etrailer.com/Specialty-Trailer-Hitches/Curt/C19101.html on the back of my Cougar TT and as 'perfect' as it is, it's still mounted on a flimsy RV bumper. It's just a matter of time before the bumper starts to tear away from the frame.
I have removed the BBQ and the spare wheel, to cut down on the stress but I still don't trust the setup with the bikes bouncing at the back.
Really considering front hitch or for the same price, having a custom made replacement bumper for the trailer that is of a thicker gauge.
Speak to me...:confused:

[BirchyBoy]

I think a front bike rack is a great idea. I can't remember if I asked about it here or another forum, but one person replied that is illegal in some states and might be cause for getting a ticket. I haven't spent any time yet on trying to determine what states may disallow it.

[JRTJH]

I'm not sure about the legal/illegal issues, but I do know that depending on where you travel, having anything on the front could mean not using it until you go through a carwash. If you carry bikes on the front in the southeast during "luvbug" season, you won't be able to do anything with them (but slide in the goo) until you get the bugs cleaned off.

I know that in many areas, the most that gets on them would be a couple of "stray grasshoppers" but that's not the case in the southeast.

[skifreak76]

i bought a front hitch for my truck to do the same. ive been doing this now for about 3 years with no problem.

[ROLIN JOSEPH]

Thank you guys!
I had not considered the legal aspect nor the bug massacre.
Hmmm. Me thinks....Heavier gauge trailer bumper is a better way to go.
Love this forum! Thanks again.

[BirchyBoy]

I've seen an attachment that goes on the tongue and has a receive hitch placed above the propane tanks. This is an option for campers like ours that don't have a good rear bumper, or any bumper in my case. The only problem may be with turning radius but that hopefully isn't the case.

I'm going to look at this for mine before I commit to either a front hitch or no bikes (gasp!).

Edit: this is it:
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/the-bike-bunk/72004
https://images3.campingworld.com/CampingWorld/images/products/7000/45x45/72004n.jpg

[ROLIN JOSEPH]

BirchyBoy,
In my case that is not an option.
I have one of those "new and improved" front caps. All show no go.
Looks pretty, but gets in the way of a lot of other things...like batteries...bike racks...canoe overhang. :rolleyes:
Thanks anyway.:)

[EricLynnAllison]

I had a front receiver installed on my suburban and had four bikes on it for 6 years with no problems. Headlights at night are a little less effective, but not bad.

[greengiant]

I had a front receiver added last summer for $225 installed. I looked into getting a receiver on the back end of the trailer, and/or adding that same 'curt' bumper receiver, but in the end I just wasn't sure I trusted it-kinda how you seem to feel even after trying it. (Note-since then, I have seen my same camper with this set up and no bumper problems). Anyways, I like the front receiver for a few reasons, but there are some catches.

I borrowed a friends bike rack before buying one. I found that the vertical post (riser) on the rack was a bit too long, and when I put 3 bikes out front, they did get in my view range (even with seats removed), and after a 50 mile trip I still hadnt' gotten used to it. My solution was to scan craigslist. 4 months later, I found a custom bike rack that is a bit odd, but had a shorter rise to the vertical post, thus the bikes sit below the hood and I have no issue.

I also like the front receiver because I can put my cargo rack out there for hunting season while still pulling camper, I also used the cargo rack at the beach on the front end. I've heard of the bug issue, but in my neck of the woods it has not been a problem yet. No more bugs on them up front that when they are on the roof of the truck cap.
Greengiant

[BirchyBoy]

Thanks for the info greengiant. I also like the front receiver hitch idea because it can be used for intermittent winch use :)

[wbdvt]

Rolin Joseph -
Keep us posted on what you finally end up doing and with pics, of course. I will be getting my 2014 Cougar 21RBS in April and will be looking for a way to carry the bikes.

Right now they mount on a bar that fits between the sides of the pickup box but sit high. I therefore cannot carry the kayaks on the roof rack with the bikes.

Thanks

[Dwighop]

Never put bikes on the front. Dirtbike though.


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