Show Me Your Hitch!
#11
Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Memphis, TN, Earth, Milky Way
Posts: 11,256
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You can't just throw the bikes inside the TT? Near the axle(s)?
My front receivers are integrated into the bumper because their tubes fit neatly inside the frame horns, making the bumper immensely stronger than just the factory bumper tabs (no frame mods for this bumper, and it doesn't interfere with the airbag crumple zones).
(phone app link)
Having 2 mounting points (even if they're smaller than a 2" receiver) will make any rack more-stable (so it doesn't rock as you drive, distracting you), and quieter. But on mine, the grill guard also folds down for hauling (and it's removable - either without tools). I would never go on a public road with this kind of load, but it shows how strong the guard is, even when folded down:
(phone app link)
So ratchet-strapping half a dozen bikes to it would be easy.
My front receivers are integrated into the bumper because their tubes fit neatly inside the frame horns, making the bumper immensely stronger than just the factory bumper tabs (no frame mods for this bumper, and it doesn't interfere with the airbag crumple zones).
(phone app link)
Having 2 mounting points (even if they're smaller than a 2" receiver) will make any rack more-stable (so it doesn't rock as you drive, distracting you), and quieter. But on mine, the grill guard also folds down for hauling (and it's removable - either without tools). I would never go on a public road with this kind of load, but it shows how strong the guard is, even when folded down:
(phone app link)
So ratchet-strapping half a dozen bikes to it would be easy.
Last edited by Steve83; 09-08-2018 at 12:44 PM.
#12
You can't just throw the bikes inside the TT? Near the axle(s)?
My front receivers are integrated into the bumper because their tubes fit neatly inside the frame horns, making the bumper immensely stronger than just the factory bumper tabs (no frame mods for this bumper, and it doesn't interfere with the airbag crumple zones).
(phone app link)
Having 2 mounting points (even if they're smaller than a 2" receiver) will make any rack more-stable (so it doesn't rock as you drive, distracting you), and quieter. But on mine, the grill guard also folds down for hauling (and it's removable - either without tools). I would never go on a public road with this kind of load, but it shows how strong the guard is, even when folded down:
(phone app link)
So ratchet-strapping half a dozen bikes to it would be easy.
My front receivers are integrated into the bumper because their tubes fit neatly inside the frame horns, making the bumper immensely stronger than just the factory bumper tabs (no frame mods for this bumper, and it doesn't interfere with the airbag crumple zones).
(phone app link)
Having 2 mounting points (even if they're smaller than a 2" receiver) will make any rack more-stable (so it doesn't rock as you drive, distracting you), and quieter. But on mine, the grill guard also folds down for hauling (and it's removable - either without tools). I would never go on a public road with this kind of load, but it shows how strong the guard is, even when folded down:
(phone app link)
So ratchet-strapping half a dozen bikes to it would be easy.
#13
#14
Thanks for all the input guys, got my front hitch last week and got it installed this weekend. The fit was snug and I couldn't do it myself so I took it to the local shop. Haven't mounted the bike rack on it yet but will post a follow up pic on Oct 18 for our final camping trip. I do admit it looks funky as it does stick out past the fascia but with a front cover it does make it look beefy, but that's just me
#15
Update...
Just a q quick update on my front hitch (CURT brand). Love this setup with my Thule. Although I have not been on a scale, I'm sure the extra weight does/can compliment a little more up front for better steering. I apologize for the dark shadow, and if anyone wants a better pic I'll post it up. It'll be a while before I mount the Thule up front again (I only mount it when we're on RV trips) and if I do I'll take a better pic.
Last edited by i2oadi2unnei2; 10-22-2018 at 01:23 PM.
#17
My time w/ family is worth more than a 8hr install :)
-My driveway is of gravel, sharp rocks!
-Hole in the frame appears to be a bit small/tight and knowingly I'll drop the nut or parts in there
-Too heavy to have wife handle it while I try to align said hole that may take 15min lol
-Above all, no tools to make this easy to install
So off to a local shop that took them about an hour to install (so they say). I will say this is a better option than having a full receiver/hitch install on the TT. Once the wife and youngest kid decides they want their own bikes, then I will have one installed on the back of the TT. The thule can handle 4 bikes w/ an attachment but no way in hell I'll have 4 bike up front, my cajones isn't that big lol.
#19
Not that difficult to see over the bikes.
The following users liked this post:
TerryD64 (10-22-2018)
#20
Just a q quick update on my front hitch (CURT brand). Love this setup with my Thule. Although I have not been on a scale, I'm sure the extra weight does/can compliment a little more up front for better steering. I apologize for the dark shadow, and if anyone wants a better pic I'll post it up. It'll be a while before I mount the Thule up front again (I only mount it when we're on RV trips) and if I do I'll take a better pic.