Hitch mount cargo carrier for bikes?

[zuren]

Does anyone have a platform cargo carrier that they use for hauling bikes? I'm curious on how well they work and how many adult sized bikes you can get on one. My idea would be to buy some truck bed fork mounts and bolt those to the carrier.

I'm not looking to do any serious off-roading with something like this attached, mostly for hauling bikes when going camping and have room for a canoe on top. Also so I don't have to wrestle bikes to the top of a full-size van. I hunt so it would also be useful for hauling deer, cans of gas, etc. - anything that is messy or smelly could stay outside.

Thanks!

http://www.amazon.com/Rola-59502-Ste.../dp/B0016I8E1M

http://www.etrailer.com/Truck-Bed-Bi...ts/RKY013.html

[colodak]

I have a carrier made by Swagman, it's a two piece unit. The base attaches to a step bumper (could be wleded to a piece of stock for use with a receiver hitch), then an upright portion that holds four bikes. It has tabs on each side that slide into holes on the base, then the whole unit is attached to thebase with two metal pins and cotter keys. I can remove the two keys and fold it down to the ground with the bikes attached. They don't make the one I have anymore, I've had mine probably 10+ years and used it many times and it works great.

www.swagmanbikeracks.com

[thetanningman]

I use one to carry my bikes. I bought a bike attachment for mine that the front wheels ride in, think old school bike racks, so I don't have to remove the front wheel. It is made for 3 bikes but I can only carry 2 because the oversized spare tire on my Jeep blocks off one of the loops. I can send you a cell phone pic if you pm me your email address. The other downfall you didn't mention that I have with mine is I have to take the bikes off if I want to get in the back. But other than that it comes in handy for camping and hauling stuff that won't fit inside the cabin.

[zuren]

I use one to carry my bikes. I bought a bike attachment for mine that the front wheels ride in, think old school bike racks, so I don't have to remove the front wheel. It is made for 3 bikes but I can only carry 2 because the oversized spare tire on my Jeep blocks off one of the loops. I can send you a cell phone pic if you pm me your email address. The other downfall you didn't mention that I have with mine is I have to take the bikes off if I want to get in the back. But other than that it comes in handy for camping and hauling stuff that won't fit inside the cabin.

Yeah, I did think of that. I've half considered getting a different bumper or building one that can accept a swing-out pivot (http://www.atozfabrication.com/store...Hinge-Kit.html) then building a platform that can swing away to allow access to at least one door at the rear of my van when loaded. This would also leave the 2" receiver available for a trailer (if needed). Unfortunately, there aren't many aftermarket options for Chevy vans other than Aluminess. Building something would require more time, money and skill than I have at the moment. A receiver carrier may be my best bet for now.

[Jay H]

This thread would likely get more hits if it were in the bicycle section.

The coolest hitch rack solution I have ever seen is from north shore racks.
http://northshoreracks.com/
Its just a darn good design. The design is unique and a huge improvement in virtually every way.

Kuatt racks are much fancier in materials and construction but use conventional design.

[Mr. Nacho]

Hey Zuren, I Own a Quigley 4x4 Van and I have great luck with a bike attachment on my front hitch. My Bike attachment is a Thule T2 bike carrier, it's folds up nicely to the front grill when not in use. It's a super bomber rack and is very stable even off road. I often drive on road trips with up to 4 bikes up front with the seat posts pulled out, the visibility is not to much of a big deal during daylight hrs . If driving at night the bikes can block the headlights a bit so a set of low mounted auxiliary light (driving lights) take care of any additional lighting that is lost. If it's an issue I just move the carrier to the rear hitch when driving at night and then back to the front once I've arrived. It Free's up the rear of the van so I can get in and out and is easy on and off. Another bike attachment I've installed is hanging the bike from the back door. I mounted a small piece of Z-track ( Home Depot they use it for hanging electrical wiring in commercial buildings) on the upper portion of the door with Qty 5 3/16 stainless steel screws, I then mounted two rocky Mtn's Bike carriers for truck beds http://www.rockymounts.com/truck_bike_racks_s/118.htm to the Z-track using the slides you can purchase with the z-track. The bikes hang so the rear tire clears the top of the bumper and sits against the back door, I then thread heavy duty rubber bungees through the rear wheels and attach to below the bumper. I works great and is a little tricking holding the bikes up there to secure them but it work if I have extra bikes with me. You can also move the bike mounts around in the Z track to get the proper clearance of handle bars. Lots of great options with the Z-Track I use the stuff all the time, just another option. I guess i could upload some picture if you would like?