[A/S] Re: how do you carry bikes?

["vrmanac" <andy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Jon

I have always been very reluctant to carry bikes on the back of an 
Airstream mainly because of frame separation and somewhat because of 
the reduction in towing stability.  I still think the best place is 
the roof of the tow vehicle but we have had so many people that were 
determined to carry bikes on the rear that it got me to thinking 
about a better way to do it than mounting a receiver.  

Two bikes that weigh 30 pounds really are not that bad but combine it 
with the weight of a receiver and the carrier and multiply it by the 
distance behind the trailer add in the bouncing and you have a recipe 
for frame trouble.

Last fall we found a carrier assembly that with some adaptation seems 
to work on the Airstream and we have now installed 23.  We mount it 
with Zip-Dee awning brakets and short sections of Zip-Dee Awning 
arms.  The rack is made of high strength steel and aluminum, it only 
weighs 8 pounds.  We mount it very close to the back of the trailer 
so the weight is carried right over the bumper not 2' behind and 
because it is fastened to the rib below the back window and just 
rests on the bumper it is not leveraging on the frame.  

Removal of 2 pins allows access to the rear storage and 4 pins lets 
you take the entire assembly off.  I put 4 pictures of how we do it 
in the photos section.  

Andy