Bikes on Back?

Originally Posted by Scott O

There are a number of devices which would allow your bikes to be carried upright in the bed of your Tacoma. I use the factory fork mounts that fit into the existing bed rails. There are others which will hold the bike wheels.

We carry them in the bed now, sideways. A vertical fork mount would work with our cap but requires wheel and seat/stem removal. Not that big a deal, really, but climbing into the bed to extract the bikes is one of complications I'm trying to get rid of.

Our bikes are pretty old but functional. They're not worth much. Carrying them behind the trailer doesn't bother me.

And then I'm trying to move more weight to the trailer.

Finally, there's a distant possibility that the Taco gets replaced by SUV in the future.

I use the factory fork mounts that fit into the existing bed rails

Don't think I have those ...

The factory fork mounts are something Toyota makes...they fit into the existing moveable tie downs with 2 screws. This was one of the many features which caused me to buy a Tacoma!

We have a 2004 2027SL with the factory installed 2" receiver and a Thule platform carrier. This receiver has wells on it which hold the wheels and bike in an upright position therefore are not hanging. We are avid cyclists and the bikes go where we go. They went on a cross country trip last Fall from NH to CA and back without a problem. A 2" receiver is much more secure than a 1 1/2 receiver with an adaptor.

The one we were looking at is similar except it's designed for a 1.25" receiver and requires an adapter for the 2". I especially like that you bolt it into the receiver; it doesn't just use a pin.

Bike-Racks-Swagman

Originally Posted by [email protected]

You would be better off to call them. I have never been able to get anyone there to answer an email.

Or respond to a message on the answering machine. So I called until I actually got Eddy (the parts guy) on the phone.

And he said yes, the 2" hitch receiver is available for ~$250 + shipping. And it can be bolted onto the frame although they weld it on at the factory.

I'll either wait until we pass through on our way to Florida this fall and have the factory do it. Or ask a local shop to fabricate something similar.

Just discovered and ordered the:
Curt 19101 RV Bumper Hitch - for 2" Square Channel Bumpers

It bolts onto the Elkmont's 2" rear bumper bar. Will require a little cutting and fitting of the plastic and metal storage compartment back there. But generally should work fine for the bikes on the back of the Elkmont. Wouldn't ever use it for towing anything. Will post pics once I get and install it.

It's a lot cheaper and probably lighter than the factory hitch. Also is a 2" receiver; there don't seem to be any 1.25" bolt-on receivers. But we can live with that.

The Swagman I linked to above, and purchased, comes with a 2" adapter and is really solid when bolted into my TV's 2"
receiver. And, by the way, that Swagman is nice and solid and very easy to mount/dismount bikes.

EDIT: Cancelled the order. See below.

[mjlaupp]

Originally Posted by brulaz

Just discovered and ordered the:
Curt 19101 RV Bumper Hitch - for 2" Square Channel Bumpers

It bolts onto the Elkmont's 2" rear bumper bar. Will require a little cutting and fitting of the plastic and metal storage compartment back there. But generally should work fine for the bikes on the back of the Elkmont. Wouldn't ever use it for towing anything. Will post pics once I get and install it.

It's a lot cheaper and probably lighter than the factory hitch. Also is a 2" receiver; there don't seem to be any 1.25" bolt-on receivers. But we can live with that.

The Swagman I linked to above, and purchased, comes with a 2" adapter and is really solid when bolted into my TV's 2" receiver. And, by the way, that Swagman is nice and solid and very easy to mount/dismount bikes.

Read this before you hang your bikes on a bumper hitch.

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/75...-be-aware.html

[mjlaupp]

Here is an old TrailManor thread on the same subject. The 2003 and older TMs have a 4" steel box bumper.
http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...ht=bumper+weld

Thanks!

Last time I had the rear bumper sheeting off, the bumper bar looked pretty securely attached. Guess I'll double check that. There's some local places that could reinforce it if necessary.

[T and C]

About a year ago this topic was being discussed on some thread or other. One owner reported that he had been driving out of a campground when someone shouted out that his bikes were dragging on the ground. When he checked the receiver had broken loose and bent down.

Tom