Bike Rack

We have a 2027SD and need a bike rack. I am thinking seriously about a Swagman towing rack. I realize that I will need a 10" long towing bar but am concerned as to how well this type of thing functions especially the clearance on turns. TV 2006 Expedition. Anyone with any experience or other suggestions?

I have a bike rack receiver on my TM is that what you are talking about?

[Civil_War_Buff]

Originally Posted by alphotodoc

We have a 2027SD and need a bike rack. I am thinking seriously about a Swagman towing rack. I realize that I will need a 10" long towing bar but am concerned as to how well this type of thing functions especially the clearance on turns. TV 2006 Expedition. Anyone with any experience or other suggestions?

The Swagman (that's what I have) will extend your receiver, not your hitch, so the bikes will in effect just become the back of your Expedition, so turning clearance is not an issue unless you jacknife of course. Also that 10" is a little much, I found that if you actually measure what you need it will be more in the 6-8" range.

I opted to mount mine in a receiver at the rear of the trailer (which opens up a whole different and controversial discussion), mainly because I use a WDH and the Swagman won't accomomdate that.

Hope this helps.

[ripp1202]

Do you have a picture of how you mounted the receiver at the rear of the trailer?

[Civil_War_Buff]

I attached mine the same way that Rick Newcomb did his, here is a link to his page (click the TM Mods links and then Bike Rack) and the picture is there, as well as below:
http://home.comcast.net/~trailmanor/

Ripp,
My TM is set up on the side of my house so the fridge can cool down before we head out this afternoon. I have the rear reciever mounted by the dealer. I will take pictures and post on Monday.
Bill

[ripp1202]

Thanks to both of you !!!! The Rip

Originally Posted by Civil_War_Buff

I attached mine the same way that Rick Newcomb did his, here is a link to his page (click the TM Mods links and then Bike Rack) and the picture is there, as well as below:
http://home.comcast.net/~trailmanor/

Does it matter whether I mount the receiver on the top or bottom? I am concerned about clearance issues with the road and bed.

You might consider carrying your bike rack on the front of the TV. I have the world's worst driveway with both a hump and a curve as well as individual garage doors which are only inches wider than my TM with awning. I put a 2" receiver on the front of my F150 SuperCrew so that I can see what I'm doing when putting away the TM. A bonus is a great place to carry a bike rack where you can always see the bikes and don't need to worry nearly as much when parallel parking the rig. It works for us.