Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: Jack-it bike rack

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Jack-it bike rack

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9896
Printed Date: 29 Jun 2025 at 11:12am
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Topic: Jack-it bike rack

Posted By: frog queen
Subject: Jack-it bike rack
Date Posted: 06 May 2017 at 10:36am

Anyone have experience feedback on the A-frame mounted Jack-it bike rack? It attaches over hitch jack.

Replies:

Posted By: Beachguysc
Date Posted: 06 May 2017 at 11:13pm

I saw one at the rpod rally in Jekyll a couple of weeks ago. I liked it so much I ordered one from Amazon to arrive before we went home. Was easy to install and worked great. we had driven down with the bikes on the rear hitch. Every time I hit a bump I felt compelled to look in the mirror to see if there were bike parts dragging down the road and cars swerving. Not now. But you will most likely need to people to load the bikes because the rack is pretty high up.

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Tim and Melina
2016 182G
2015 GMC Canyon crew cab 4x4 SLT = main Tv
2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid-TV

Posted By: NWRPodder
Date Posted: 11 Jun 2017 at 8:15pm

Looks like an interesting idea for sure. I see some posts saying that it didn't work with existing jack. I have the stock manual jack. I assume that would work with this?

It would get me 50% of the way there. Ideally I need to carry 4 bikes but right now have no better option than the top of an SUV which is quite high!

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2016 R178
2007 Ford Expedition V8 5.4L

Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 12 Jun 2017 at 9:14am

Recently, I saw someone towing a little light weight utility trailer behind their TT. I wonder if the receiver on the pod is sturdy enough to accommodate one. It'd be pretty simple to load some bikes on one and they don't seem to be expensive. I wonder if it's legal (here in NV it's common to see triple trailer configurations, especially for gravel trucks). The other complication, aside from weight (overall and tongue) is visibility. They're pretty narrow and changing lanes and such could get a little dicy since you can't see the end of the little trailer.

I groped around on the web and found an article about it and it seems that 28 states allow it in varying forms, but vehicle configuration (length, brakes, etc. varies). On the east coast it seems to be prohibited.

Personally, I think I'll leave towing double trailers to others.

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Never leave footprints behind.
Fred & Maria Kearney
Sonoma 167RB
Our Pod 172
2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 12 Jun 2017 at 9:24am

The only way I have heard that allows such double towing is with a 5th wheel trailer. I don't know if it is legal anywhere for a trailer with a hitch like our R-Pods to tow a secondary trailer. In any case, it is not going to be feasible with the R-Pods as the hitch on the back is only rated for 150 lbs. A utility trailer might weigh less, but by the time it is loaded, it would very likely be much more. The cross member would need to be significantly reinforced, which would void the frame warranty.

Edit: I am wrong on the first part. Apparently, bumper hitch trailers can tow a second one in some states. I stand by the second part though.

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 12 Jun 2017 at 10:05am

StephenH, is the r-pod receiver rated for a tongue weight of 150 or is that total weight?

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Never leave footprints behind.
Fred & Maria Kearney
Sonoma 167RB
Our Pod 172
2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 12 Jun 2017 at 10:07am

I would say total weight from the way I understood the label. It is meant to carry the spare tire or bicycles on the only bike rack approved by FR. It is definitely not intended for heavy-duty use.

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: Wood River Pod
Date Posted: 05 Dec 2017 at 10:19pm

Beachguysc, how was the summer with the bike rack? Did you get some good use out of it? What's the long term verdict on the Jack-It rack? I'm looking hard at the Swagman option that mounts on the shank. The Jack-It might be my second option.

Frog Queen, did you end up getting the Jack-It rack?

Thanks for the report and help.

Jeff

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Smith's in Hailey
Early 2017 179 HRE

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9134&PN=1&title=wood-river-179-mods - Wood River Mods