Having Enough Clearance to Use the Bike Bunk # CC-275 between a Travel Trailer and Camper Shell

Question:

Trailer = 2021 Grand Design Imagine travel trailer. Most all of your pics/examples show a truck with a tonneau cover. Id like to know if two bikes on a CC-275 will reduce my turning radius because of bike tires hitting the pickup shell. Also, will I be able to open the shell lid with two bikes in place? And......Im supposing Id mount the CC-275 between the propane tanks and the trailer, and project the recvr forward like your pic that Ive attached too. Any other mounting options? Probably not enough room forward of the propane tanks see my picture for mounting unit and then projecting the recvr backwards, trying to increase room between bikes and pickup shell. My pictures show truck in towing position to trailer, with a yard stick lying across tanks and jack motor for scale. The bike rack itself is approx 30 inches, then allow for cranks and pedals reaching out towards the pickup shell

asked by: Allen E

Expert Reply:

As far as affecting the turning radius, it is possible that mounting the Stromberg Carlson Bike Bunk Trailer-Mounted Bike Rack Carrier for A-Frame Trailers # CC-275 with your 30-inch bike rack can interfere with your camper shell. As far as being able to open your camper shell, even though it is highly unlikely, there is no way to determine that without knowing the distance between the trailer and the truck, the lid length of the shell, and the measurement of your bikes' pedals and handlebars. If you do decide on the # CC-275, the best place to mount the bunk (as long as the frame at that point is between 12-52 inches wide). Also, you most likely need to remove the camper shell from your truck order to get proper clearance. It is important to note, also, that the the Bike Bunk is only safe to use with racks that are already approved for RV use in order to withstand the added torque and force exerted on the rack. It is unsafe to use a non-approved rack on this application.

If you find that you need a travel-trailer approved bike rack, you can still keep the camper shell on your truck with a bike rack mounted on the rear of the trailer. I recommend the Swagman Traveler XC2 Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches or RV Bumpers # S64663. The Traveler comes with a 35-pound weight capacity and is constructed for brute strength to be compatible at the rear of a travel trailer. It is compatible with a maximum tire width of 3.5 inches wide and wheelbases up to 52 inches axle to axle.

If you need a hitch receiver to use with the Traveler or your travel-trailer approved bike rack, I recommend the Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch Receiver for RVs, 22" to 66" Wide # C13704. Not only does this hitch provide you with 500 pounds of tongue weight capacity and 5,000 pounds of gross towing weight capacity, it comes with adjustable brackets to fit the exact width of your trailer's frame. In order to know for sure if the hitch is compatible, I recommend measuring the width of your frame from left to right to make sure it falls between 22-66 inches wide.

expert reply by: Bob C