We’ve been home from our epic trip for over a month, I thought I would share some learnings..
Let’s talk bike rack. I worked my butt off trying to figure out a killer bike setup for 4 bikes. I’ve tried just about everything and I thought this version was going to be good. No it sucked. First night in NM we go off roading to our campsite and the bikes where bouncing all over the place. I was so disappointed.
The next day, after some careful contemplation over beers, a fix was had! See, the problem is a 2” hitch is a terrible way to connect anything to your vehicle. It’s probable fine if you don’t offroad. We do... a lot. The 2” interface just doesn’t provide enough surface area to be sturdy. Plus, I have a pretty heavy rack with 4 bikes, there is a lot of weight at play.
I figured I needed to use some sort of triangulation. I ended up simply using cheapo ratchet straps and attaching them to each door hinge. That hinge structure is solid! I attach the other side to each arm of the Recon rack. Then I give the rack some preload, just enough tension so the arm Is actually pulling on the straps, just a little. I also am able to tighten each side to level out the rack even if the weight isn’t evenly distributed. So the rack is straight up!
This works amazing. I can haul ass on dirt roads, taking the bumps, or even going slow over rocks and such, it’s sturdy, doesn’t move, and no noise. It’s amazingly stout.
You can open the doors part way with the straps deployed, to use the swing away simply loosen the straps, and pivot the bikes out. Then reverse to rig for travel.
I use cheapo orange straps from a Loves truck stop on our trip, but I already swapped them out for sturdy replacements - also black not orange.
Hope this helps someone else. This configuration is bomb proof!
