Finally found a bike setup that works!

rich67

So after trying a bunch of different setups to haul my mountain bikes around, I finally go the setup I think I will be sticking with from this moment forward. I tried using the Jack-It for the bikes, but found because I had a 29er and two large frame bikes, a lot of times they were rubbing and damaging the forks, etc. during transit. I also wanted a solution to haul kayaks at the same time as the bikes. Now, I know I have a roof rack for the T@g, but I added a Thule rack to the hard top of my Jeep, so I could easily haul two kayaks on there, then still have the MTB's on the whole setup.

(Edited for photo size.)

So using a Swagman RV approved bike carrier (holds the bikes by the tires, which I prefer) with an extension tube, I managed to keep the whole thing away from my trailer jack and holds the bikes firmly without worry. Not to mention I can disconnect the trailer at the campsite and still have my bikes with me to go to the trailhead without any moving around. The Jackit was stuck to the trailer...not much good if you needed to drive to a riding point. I tried this setup the other week with the kayaks and the bikes, and it worked out perfectly. The only issue is lack of access to the rear hatch; I have to load everything through the backseat. No big deal; I have my Hi-Lift mounted back there anyway, and it interferes with loading regardless.

daveandcorlene

Awesome setup Rich!

rich67

Thanks, I’ll take a picture of it once I’m loaded up tomorrow for my trip.

ontheroad

@rich67 ...Google "using a hitch extender while towing a trailer"... one reason we haven't carried bikes yet...

rich67

rich67

Ontheroad, we examined the issue regarding the hitch extender. The Jeep has a max tongue weight of 350. The T@g with the LP has a tongue weight of 170. With two bikes and the rack, we are adding close to 85 more pounds. That’s roughly a 255 #. tongue weight. With half the max we would have stood at 175#, so we are exceeding the max (using those figures) by 80#. I made sure I bought the right equipment and made sure the trailer is properly balanced to minimize weight issues. Haven’t had any problems thus far. I may eat my words one day, but this was the best solution I have found.

GigHarborTom

Great looking set up. Pretty dang cool.

RealHillary

I think this looks great and would solve some of my problems with hauling bikes, even without the trailer issue. Can you provide a link to the product? Thank you.

BlueTAG

Reese and a few other hitch makers make a hitch that is 16 inches long. That would do away with the extender you have on there. Then you would not exceed the tongue weight. https://www.amazon.com/Reese-80232-Hidden-Hitch-Angle-Cut/dp/B004R39XIG/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=long+trailer+hitch&qid=1596556711&sr=8-5

ClarkGriswold

I've towed my T@G offroad using an 18" hitch extender with no issues. Similar issue as others have had towing with a Wrangler. My tire swing held jerry cans inboard of my already large spare (37"x13.5") necessitating the long entender. I'm glad my new TV doesn't require the big extension although I'm still having to use an 8" one to clear the spare in the same location.

NuCamp is really missing the boat with their tongue design placing the jack so close to the coupler. I think the T@G and T@B would be better trailers overall if they ran tube fore to aft as a backbone. This project is on my short list... possibly this winter.

@rich67 How much did the wrap run you? It looks great.

rich67

https://teardrop-trailers.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/comment/8490#Comment_8490

It’s not a wrap. We ordered the custom color direct from Nucamp. Also requested no decals.

rich67

https://teardrop-trailers.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/comment/8488#Comment_8488

when I get home I will post links to it. Still out and about this week.

ClarkGriswold

@rich67 said:
It’s not a wrap. We ordered the custom color direct from Nucamp. Also requested no decals.

Very cool. I'll have to remember that when we eventually go to a larger model (inevitable).

rich67

@RealHillary said:
I think this looks great and would solve some of my problems with hauling bikes, even without the trailer issue. Can you provide a link to the product? Thank you.

https://www.amazon.com/Swagman-Traveler-XCS2-Towing-Bike/dp/B003YJK1PS/ref=sr_1_23?dchild=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwmrn5BRB2EiwAZgL9ovcFOpd1jqgxeIiZiOEN8qju5LAUXT_Lo5XXPf_JEBl2_u_LZkRLvxoCkaEQAvD_BwE&hvadid=193308834236&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9012375&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=1602533126414314751&hvtargid=kwd-308387323438&hydadcr=7931_9891214&keywords=swagman+2+bike+rv+bumper+rack&qid=1596895061&sr=8-23&tag=googhydr-20
That's the rack itself, which can attach directly to the hitch, provided it's got enough length to fit and clear your tow vehicle. Great rack, and can be lockable as well.

beaky

that whole rig would look good on display at Bass Pro in Vegas