bike rack question

[gwilkrrs]

my cougar has the pull out rear tray but is missing the metal upright bar that makes the bike rack.
I installed a 4 bike rack on the rear bumper- 1. I already had all the parts to do, 2. I was worried about the extra rear hang of the pull-out tray.

I noticed the rack had some "bounce" when loaded so I used a ratchet strap from the bike rack end over the bikes and back to the tray. when we got home (2hours) I noticed the bumper 4" square) but twisted from the weight. I took the bikes off and it sprung back but...…….. obviously the bumper is not solid enough for the weight. I am now torn on using the slide out or looking for another option.

[Canonman]

The slide out will hold the weight rated at 200#. I did not like the way the bikes fit the standard rack (we have 2 cruisers) so I modified the rack and installed a 2" receiver hitch on the back side of the tray. That allowed me to use our Thule receiver mounted bike rack. Very sturdy and held our 2 bikes quite well. I never used the upright bar and still have it if you want it. The mod cost about $70 for materials and only took a couple of hours to complete. I'll try and find the pictures and send them along if I can.

[GMcKenzie]

Not a fan of them on the back of the trailer on the pull out tray. I did it the first couple of years with this trailer, and had no real issues, but I've followed a couple trailers (no one I knew) and didn't like the bounce. I built a rack to mount them over the tanks and they stay rock solid.

If I were to buy one, I'd buy something like the Jack-It.

[KimNTerry]

I modified my pullout try and bolted down 2 fork mounts to hold the bikes more stable. Front wheels come off and go inside the trailer.

I bought these fork mounts from amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[gwilkrrs]

thanks-
I will look into the tray some more- I think the added length will be less of an issue then the bumper twisting and the bikes bouncing...…
I saw a neck mount for the 5th wheel but not sure if there is enough room up there for 4 bikes or if there is a buy it option......

[GMH]

I have no hitch or mount on the back of my Cougar, so I installed a Curt front hitch on my F-250. I had a CCM folding bike rack that I modified to make it sturdier. Both of our e-bikes are very secure now and I can keep an eye on them.

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by GMH

I have no hitch or mount on the back of my Cougar, so I installed a Curt front hitch on my F-250. I had a CCM folding bike rack that I modified to make it sturdier. Both of our e-bikes are very secure now and I can keep an eye on them.

Better option also is pin box mount, Swagman X2 rack in home fabricated receiver. these ride so smooth, and don't block view, headlights, and TURN SIGNALS.

[Canonman]

Originally Posted by rhagfo

Better option also is pin box mount, Swagman X2 rack in home fabricated receiver. these ride so smooth, and don't block view, headlights, and TURN SIGNALS.

Not sure this option will work with a short bed P/U. Any info?

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by Canonman

Not sure this option will work with a short bed P/U. Any info?

Had in another post another person state they did a four bike rake in a short bed.

[Canonman]

Thanks for the update. It looks a little tight for our 6.5'
I might have to do some math to make sure it would clear

[GMH]

Originally Posted by Canonman

Not sure this option will work with a short bed P/U. Any info?

My thoughts too! It would be a better spot if they fit, but I have already broken one rear window while backing up off camber, so I feel safer where they are.

[GMH]

Originally Posted by rhagfo

Had in another post another person state they did a four bike rake in a short bed.

Any link to that post? Any pictures posted?
Thx.

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by GMH

Any link to that post? Any pictures posted?
Thx.

Can’t remember which forum it was on and more than a year ago. I think he posted a picture.

[gwilkrrs]

the king pin spot looks good- I will see if there is room for 4 bikes there-
is that a diy fabricated option

[rhagfo]

So here is a picture with the 5er hooked to our current TV, as you can see almost 3' to the bikes. You also need to keep in mind the bikes are narrower than the front of the 5er. This Swagman bike rack is NOT recommend for RVs as it only has a 1-1/4" shank, but I don't worry as there is NO bounce.

[gwilkrrs]

I like that- did you fabricate the hitch?

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by gwilkrrs

I like that- did you fabricate the hitch?

I designed it and had a wielder wield it up, and he eve punched the four bolt holes that cost me $40. I got the 1/4" X 4" X 6" angle fro for free from a store build I worked at in Detroit, brought home in my checked baggage, which appeared to be very well inspected by TSA!!

[gwilkrrs]

Originally Posted by rhagfo

I designed it and had a wielder wield it up, and he eve punched the four bolt holes that cost me $40. I got the 1/4" X 4" X 6" angle fro for free from a store build I worked at in Detroit, brought home in my checked baggage, which appeared to be very well inspected by TSA!!

I like this a lot. thanks for the pictures

[Brantlaker]

I had the same thing on my Cougar. first thing I did was remove the bumper and had a welder reinforce the welds and when I put it back on I removed the spare tire and installed a under the RV carrier. I then Installed a Hitch mount on my bumper in the center Backwards slid the carrier out and Bolted it permanently leaving it out all of the time with the bike rack locked to the bumper. PLEASE NOTE the spare and the bike rack will cause the Bumper to Twist and Break off.

[GMH]

There was a recall or service bulletin on my Cougar bumper. They supplied a few small angle iron braces that had to be welded on by a qualified repair shop. The dealer here who received the parts would not Install them, so I did it myself and submitted the photos to Keystone and they were OK with it! That said,the bumper is still flimsy, and I wouldn’t mount any more than a spare tire on mine.