Cant Crank Trailer Jack Handle with Bikes Loaded Between 2005 Ford F-150 and Trailer

Updated 07/12/2016 | Published 07/11/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Multipurpose Ball Mount with 2" Receiver for Bike Racks and Cargo Carriers - 7,500 lbs

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Stromberg Carlson Bike Bunk Trailer-Mounted Bike Rack Carrier for A-Frame Trailers - 2"-100 lbs

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Inno Truck Bed Cargo Rack - Standard Beds - Full-Size Trucks

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Swagman Fork Down Roof Mounted Bike Carrier - Fork Mount

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Thule ProRide XT Roof Bike Rack - Frame Mount - Clamp On or Channel Mount - Aluminum

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Ultra-Fab Electric A-Frame Jack - 18" Lift - 3,500 lbs

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Question:

Truck is a 2005 Ford F-150 with a hitch installed. Camper is a Rockwood Freedom Series 1910 with Air conditioning. On the trailer tongue is the manual crank, battery and propane bottle. We are having trouble fitting a bike rack between the truck and trailer without the bikes hitting the trailer crank. Any recommendations? We tried a dual hitch extender, but we couldnt get the bike rack installed. We also tried a lowered ball extender, which we were then able to get the bike rack installed, but the bikes hit the trailer crank. We have 3 28, 26, 24 adult bikes and 1 child bike 16. The bike rack we currently have is an Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack with 2-Inch Receiver. Thank you for any help!

asked by: Kristina J

Expert Reply:

I have some possible solutions for you. First, one option is the Bike Bunk, # CC-275. It mounts to the front of the trailer A-Frame up over the propane tank. The only catch is that it is rated for 100 pounds and the bike rack used has to be rated for use on a trailer. The combined weight of the bike rack and bikes will likely exceed the 100 pound capacity so you would have to put 1 or 2 bikes somewhere else.

Another option is to use a tailgate pad such as # S64760 to hold the bikes in the truck bed while protecting the tailgate. Since the front bike wheels drape over the tailgate there is still some space at the front of the bed for other cargo.

A third option is to put crossbars across the bed using # INRT101-79. This will allow the truck bed to be free while the bikes ride on top of the bars on roof rack bike racks such as # S64710 for a fork mount or # TH598004 for a frame mount.

In all likelihood you will not be able to use the bike rack that you have since there aren't the type of extensions that you need. But another option is to replace the jack with an electric one such as # UF38-944017 so you won't have to worry about cranking the jack by hand.