Bike Carrier with R-Pods
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Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3841
Printed Date: 19 May 2024 at 7:20pm
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Topic: Bike Carrier with R-Pods
Posted By: CharlieM
Subject: Bike Carrier with R-Pods
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2013 at 3:42pm
Here's a way to carry bikes with our R-Pods. A two bike carrier is mounted on an extended weight distribution hitch shank between the TV and the Pod. This eliminates the problems of carrying the bikes on the rear bumper AND allows them to be taken with you when you disconnect the Pod at a camp site.    The bike carrier is by Swagman: http://www.amazon.com/Swagman-64664-Bike-Rack/dp/B003YJK1PS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376680682&sr=8-1&keywords=swagman+64664 The extended shank is by Draw-Tite: http://www.amazon.com/Draw-3214-Weight-Distributing-Hitch-Shank/dp/B0016I54ME/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1376680726&sr=8-2&keywords=draw-tite+shank TWO CAUTIONS: The extended shank will increase the effective tongue weight on the TV so it probably should not be used on marginal TVs such as 3500# rated vehicles and, The bikes will limit the turning radius of the rig if two propane bottles are carried. This is OK for normal forward driving, but may be an issue for backing into camp sites or close maneuvering such as gas stations. The fixes are get a second set of eyes (wife), or take the bikes off first. Happy Podding, ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Replies:
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2013 at 4:23pm
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I like the dual propane set-up. I have wanted to do that but do not seem to use enough gas to justify. Charlie, do you have it for convenience, comfort off knowing you will never (hopefully!!) run out, or do you use quite a bit of propane? Just curious. Bike rack looks nice as well. ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2013 at 4:51pm
The dual propane goes with my two batteries, all LED lighting, 35 gallon waste tanks, portable 6.5 gallon fresh water carrier, and 15 gallon "blue tank" waste carrier. All for extended boondocking or other non-hookup sites. So far I haven't used all that stuff, but we plan on lots of Colorado camping at National Parks and Forests. The propane is for heating and fridge without electric hookups and the fridge while driving. Dual batteries are for non electric sites and we carry a lot of electronics. No A/C or micro supported. Larger waste and fresh water capabilities are for longer stays without sewer hookups to eliminate breaking down camp to drive to the dump station. I'll probably never use all this capability, but that's the engineer in me! ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2013 at 4:53pm
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Charlie, I thought you have a tongue-mounted spare tire, too. But, my memory is not what it used to be. Bob ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2013 at 4:58pm
You're absolutely right, Bob. Good memory. The spare was banished back to the rear bumper due to interference with the bikes. You just can't get it all on the tongue. Soon I'll need a second trailer just for all the junque I'm carrying. Well, that's what pickups are for  . ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |