Bike Racks on Trailers

[cnskate]

I have a 2" receiver on the back of my Canadian M101 that I was planning on putting a bike rack on. Now that I'm shopping for bike racks I notice that they all say not to mount them to a trailer. Why exactly is that? Too bumpy of a ride? Has anyone done it anyways?

 

[alosix]

I have a 2" receiver on the back of my Canadian M101 that I was planning on putting a bike rack on. Now that I'm shopping for bike racks I notice that they all say not to mount them to a trailer. Why exactly is that? Too bumpy of a ride? Has anyone done it anyways?

I'e got one that I welded in as well. I need to add supports to the back of the receiver though, being just notched into the back allows it to bend.

throwing my rack and 2 bikes on the trailer really seems to mess with the weight distribution of the trailer. It tends to 'wag' a lot more and I have a much tougher time getting the tongue weight correct.

 

[goodtimes]

Bike rack, as in bicycle rack, or motorcycle rack?

 

[cnskate]

Bicycle rack.

I was wondering about the weight distribution too. I guess you can always counterbalance it, but that's more weight for the poor Jeep to haul over the mountains.

 

[nwoods]

I noticed virtually no difference in handling, bouncing, weight, or anything, with a 2-station bike rack mounted to my trailer recently:

 

[goodtimes]

If it's a bicycle rack, I can't see it making that big of a difference with weight distribution. All told, you're looking at what, 40 - 50 pounds for a pair of bikes and the rack? Shift a little more of the heavy cargo up front to bring the tongue weight back up where it should be . . .

 

[cnskate]

Three bikes and a rack and I think it might come in close to a 100 lbs cantilevered out there. Sure would be nice to have, though. I'll give it a try and let you know how it works, thanks.

 

[alosix]

I noticed virtually no difference in handling, bouncing, weight, or anything, with a 2-station bike rack mounted to my trailer recently:

Bigger heavier tow vehicle I was also using my 3 bike rack that fits the TJ with the 35 on the back, so it sticks out a little further. I picked up a 2 bike rack now for the WRX (comes a a 1 1/4 and 2" adapter) It worked a lot better.

That was on my trip out here. Without the bikes it was just barely balanced and I think that put it over the edge. The trailer is now back to behaving after swapping the pintle mounts so the nose points down a little better now.

To the OP: That picture is probably about 3000 miles into a 3200 mile trip across country. As you can see everything is still ok. I'll even be riding that cannondale home today.



FWIW.. The Yakima instructions online warn against using them on trailers, campers, and motor homes. My guess is that they don't want to be responsible for a messed up hitch or it coming in contact with something. They also don't recommend using them offroad.

Now that mine is finally adjusted well I don't mind using it. Just need to brace the receiver a bit.

 

[nwoods]

I am also using a Max Coupler instead of a pintle, which I suspect helps, or at least masks any minor balancing issues.

 

[compactcamping]

When I discussed the "not for use on trailers" with Yakima, their concern is the bumpier ride of a trailer could cause problem, so it's a liability thing.

I've taken one of these clamped on receiver style racks and extended it to fit on a 3x2 tongue.

 

[boknows]

Here is my Thule T2 rack, really like it over the hanging types. No issues towing it with mine but you should always be mindful of you tongue weight!