Towing a QuickSilver LIvin Lite Camper and Bike Rack with a 2007 Ford Freestyle  

Question:

Expert Reply:

I have a solution for you, however I can't recommend using an adapter to resize the receiver for use of a bike rack. Primarily, the 2 inch to 1-1/4 inch receivers are not useable when towing, as the stress added to the adapter can cause failure of the pin or the receiver itself, plus anything inside the receiver.

The short-style wagon design of the Ford Freestyle opens up a few easy alternatives to using the trailer hitch as a towing option. This has the added benefit of letting you access the rear hatch and any cargo you've loaded there.

One of my go-to bike racks for situations like this, especially for bikes with quick-release front wheels as most Treks do, is the SeaSucker Mini-Bomber, part # 298-BM2006 . This is an innovative fork mounted rack that mounts to any clean, smooth surface on your vehicle with incredibly strong vacuum cups. This allows you to mount on the roof without adding a roof rack to your vehicle. This is the exact reason I'm getting the 1 bike Talon model for my 2011 Honda Civic.

I do recommend adding a cable lock, part # e98891 to secure the bike to the vehicle's existing raised side rails.

Another option you have for the QuickSilver if it has A-frame that measures between 14 and 55 inches wide is the Stromberg Carlson Bike Bunk, part # CC-275 . This will add a suspended 2 inch hitch above the A-Frame that can support up to 100 pounds, letting you use a traditional hitch mounted bike rack in the space above the A-Frame.

You will want to measure the distance between the rear of the Freestyle and the QuickSilver, so that you're aware of how much space is available. The Bike Bunk is only 2 inches wide, but the racks will be adding the bulk of the space.

We only have 3 carriers that is approved for and RV and Bike Bunk application. Out lightest is the Thule Range # TH9057 which weighs 36 pounds. Even though this is a 4-bike rack, the weight limit on the Carlson Bike Bunk will limit you to carrying a total of 64 pounds of bicycles which will probably equal 2 bikes up to 32 pounds a piece. The Thule Range comes with locks for the rack and the bikes so you will not need to purchase those separately.

Another suitable rack is the Saris Freedom 2, part # SA4412B . This increases your weight capacity to 77.5 pounds of total bike weight since the carrier weighs 22.5 pounds.

To carry the bikes on the Bike Bunk, so you'll need to have an accurate weight for both of your bikes to use this rack. One of the other big advantages of the Saris Freedom is the ability to support the bikes with adjustable, pivoting frame clamps, letting you pick the best spot for the bike to be secured. This rack does not include locks, so you'll want to use the Saris Hitch and Cable lock, part # SA984 to fit the hitch correctly and add security.

For the raised rails, you also have the option of using the newer all-in-one designs of roof racks to quickly install a roof rack when its needed, and remove it when its not. My research indicates that you are limited to 125 pounds on the roof when using the rail system, which will include the roof crossbars, bike rack, and bikes. You should verify this capacity in your owner's manual prior to loading the vehicle.

I like Yakima's Railbar racks for this type, as they install quickly and easily to the vehicle and can be stored away outside of camping season if you don't want them on your vehicle. These are available for your vehicle in Silver, part # Y00435-2 and Black, part # Y00450-2

For the roof racks, when you get to the aggressive frames of the Trek bikes, I recommend wheel mounting options over frame mounting, as sometimes on the roof racks, the frame clamps just don't quite make it to the bike.

In particular, Yakima's FrontLoader wheel mount, part # Y02103 is a great match for Trek bikes. Its able to hold wheels from 20 to 29 inches in size and adjusts easily to 16 to 48 inch wheel bases. Additionally, the rack folds flat when not in use, and are incredibly aerodynamic in this position. This also comes in handy when loading bikes onto the rack, as you don't have to lift over a clamp or other mechanism if you have to load from the same side.

If you go with the roof rack option, Yakima's Same Key System (SKS) allows you to use a single key for all Yakima accessories. You would need 8 cores, available as a kit as part # Y07208 . these would install into your crossbars and FrontLoader bike racks to improve their security.

I've included videos of all of these racks and accessories (Including a video of a pair of SeaSucker's Talon model lifting a VW Bus!) so you can get an idea of all of their features and make the choice that best fits your bikes and needs.

expert reply by: Jacob W

0