I recently bought two folding 26" bikes that fit in the back of our silverado with the 2/3 seat folded up.  They come with a carry bag so no dirt/grime on the seats.  They are 2KSilver Columbra 26" steel bikes and cost ~ $335 each with shipping and the storage bag.  Just the cost of the platform is about the same as one bike.  And if you have to buy a new rack (we would have) then you break about even.

We looked at the bike rack for the back of our 196, and the limit on weight made the answer a hard "NO". If you have one or two light road bikes, the FR supported rack may work for you. If you have heavier mountain bikes, it will be touch and go even with the strap that reduces the pendulum effect of the rack arm.

If, like us, you have electric bikes, the rear bumper is no place to mount them. It isn't just the effect on balance of the weight front to rear, it's the limited strength of that bumper and the even more limited strength of the rack and mount set-up.

I'd say anything over 50 lbs worth of bikes is questionable when added to the rack's own weight. Anything over 75-80 lbs of bikes is no man's land.

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Originally posted by Pod_Geek Does anyone ever consider simply putting bikes inside the TT for transport?  Just curious.

We put them inside our 177 or in the back of the pickup with tonneau cover in place.  It is advantageous as I don't have to be concerned with cleaning bikes once I hit my destination.  We have lightweight road bikes (18 lbs) and really dislike cleaning off road grime or worse yet the chain as it will be full of dirt/sand/grease after traveling down dirt roads or going through rain or wet roads.

That's what I do.  I use tie-downs and secure the bikes to the table (which is secured to the wall for transport) in our 179.  Once you develop a system it's not too much extra work, and the bikes are very secure.  

I wonder just how many more miles that will work...until it doesn't...

I saw your earlier posts o this topic.  Thanks.  As a result we are now looking at a rack that sits on the tongue over the battery.

The rear receiver might handle a couple of light-weight bikes but it's really not meant for them.  Bikes hang out further than the spare so they bounce around which is bad in several ways.  Plus you can't see the bikes back there, and, of course you have to solve the spare tire problem.

The front of the trailer is a better idea for the bikes.  Just be sure they way the mount won't interfere with turning, especially when backing up. 

TT

Trying to get set up for our first trip.  Going to Florida and we want to have bikes with us.  Kayaks will be on top of the tow vehicle.  The spare tire hitch receiver fits our bike rack perfectly, but I've seen some cautioning that hitch receiver not be up to the task.  Have any of you used the rear hitch receiver that way?  And if so, what did you do with the spare tire?  

The alternative we're looking at is buying a "jack-it" which puts the bikes basically over the battery.

Thanks in advance,

Jeremy Skinner