Sweet set up! If you have a GoPro or other mountable camera you may want to shoot some video of the rack while towing with bikes loaded. You might be surprised at just how much whipping around the bikes do on the receiver box. One of my buddies devised some guy wires with eyes mounted to the bumper to minimize the whipping effect at back of the trailer. Safe travels.
Thanks for watching and thanks for the tip Joe. I've had similar thoughts as well and experimented with lashing them to the bumper with a ratchet strap for added support on bad roads. I haven't dialed a system in yet, but I think it is worth revisiting. Cheers!
Very nice. Looks like a class 2 equivalent. We did similar but under, but I think I like yours more. We wanted something strong for our e-bikes and the Fiamma and Jack-it were not rated for the weight. Bought a Thule Easy Fold and are quite happy.
Thanks for the informative bike rack video. We will be purchasing an AirStream next week and this is a solution to our conundrum regarding the transportation of our bikes.
Really nice job! We are looking at purchasing a new AirStream 16RB Caravel and it has a similar bumper and we're mountain bikers as well so we are trying to figure out how to get our 1up rack on the back of the new camper. Thanks for the idea!
Great editing and music. Thanks for sharing and l look forward in your next video. I shared your video with another channel hoping it would help them with their bike situation.
Seth K. Hughes You're very welcome Seth. I forgot to say, your drawings nicely compliment your videos and add a new dimension. Until next time, stay safe.
That is awesome. I have a 1up USA rack similar to your rack where it plugs into a 2" receiver though I can add three bikes. We want to get an Airstream Sport 16FB and again Airstream still does not add a hitch. It would be really nice if it were an accessory and just give the customer like a load limit sticker so people don't try to pull another trailer or car. I am sure that is their biggest fear.
Have you used your front hitch to move the RV around? We used ours to move the boat trailer in and out of the water. That way the car wheels were dry. Be safe and have fun.
Cool mod, great idea! I just edited my comment after reading your full description. Keep us posted on the frame separation and whether or not this causes any issues for you down the road. We hope to share a trail with you one day, you look like our kind of people.
Thanks for watching and thank you for the comment. I'll definitely be updating this comment thread with any developments related to the mod. Looking forward to hopefully crossing paths with you guys! I just followed your IG, so let's keep in touch. Happy travels.
Awesome, we'd love to connect. We'll be in AZ this winter, headed up the west coast in early spring, then headed over to the west. We'll keep an eye out for ya.
New subscriber here and binge watching your videos. My husband and I also live in our Airstream though we're stationary in Tucson until next. A bike rack on the back is on our wish list. This is the first resource I've found that explains in detail what that entails. Thank you for documenting your journey! I look forward to seeing more. :)
Yeah, I was surprised there wasn't more info out there on this bike rack set up. I basically made the video that I've been wanting to see for the past couple years. ha!
Great content and editing! I was in NS and NL a year ago and can't wait to go back, such a nice part of the world! If you like it there you'd also like northern Ontario / Muskoka.
Loving your vlog Seth! The sequence of photos in the beginning of this episode was slick. I'm dabbling in video and feel like matching clips to the beat is huge in making a video more interesting to watch but it's not easy! At least not for me : ) I love every video more than the last, keep up the awesome work!
Thanks for the comment. Glad you guys are enjoying the videos! One trick to editing to the beat is to let the playhead play and listen for the beat. Each time you hear the beat hit the "m" key (to add a marker). Then you can easily place your clips on the markers. Bonus tip: Premiere can even auto populate the clips to the markers in the timeline if you want.
Hi Seth, great video and idea. We just bought a 23 ft AS Flying Cloud FB. I've just lined up a welder who will fabricate and install the receiver :). I've looked at the video many times, but can't figure out how many bolts tie the receiver to the frame. It looks like just two one on each side where there is a whole already in the C channel but I thought I saw maybe 3 on each side at one point in the video. We are cyclist carrying two road and two MTB on a Kuat NV which I love. Thanks for posting this.
Hi Greg, we ended up plug welding once on each side rather than using bolts. That way it turned out seamless. Feel free to email me for more detailed notes.
Nice mod!! Carrying bikes on the road can be so cumbersome! Especially in an Airstream, since there's barely any storage. Mountain biking is one of the main reasons we travel, so we have to make them fit. A mod like this is tempting since we could potentially carry more bikes....hmmm 🤔
@@SethKHughes Definitely! We're in AZ for the winter, then Bentonville and Ashville are for a bit, then visiting family in the northeast late spring and early summer. Then we will most likely head back west to Colorado mid summer. Where are you stationed in the next few months?
Fascinating and creative! Yes, a hitch receiver option provided through the AS factory would be ideal. How much weight did this add, and did it affect the rig's handling?
Great modification. I’m an avid cyclist with a new AS. Problem is I’m not going to Newfoundland anytime soon. Do you know of anyone in the states that has or can do this same modification? Or do you have any written directions for a welder to follow? We live in NC. Thanks, Brian
Great Video! I have an airstream and would like to install the same set up for bike rack. What I did not see was how the hole was cut in the chrome bumper. Did the cutting tarnish the chrome? Thank You!!
I searched "Airstream Bike racks" and your vlog popped up. Awesome. Would you possibly have some specks on that mod? We need a bike rack for our Airstream, one that isn't going to add too much weight but one sturdy enough to hold a mountain bike and an electric bike. I have a son in law who owns a welding shop. Great videos! I clicked subscribe. :)
Seth, We are picking up an airstream 16 ft sport and they tell us we cannot put a bike rack on the back. They say the frame cannot handle the weight of the bikes. Did you modify the frame to handle the weight of the bikes.
We were so excited to find this! My husband had suggested the same idea because we had already planned to replace our bumper with a steel bumper. I needed a heavier duty rack for my E-bike, and with this solution I can use the same Thule XT rack I use on my car. Any problems or additional ideas since you did this in 2016?
Curious how the setup is holding up? In reading on the forums, it seams Airstream doesn’t condone a rear hitch as the damage could be sustained but don’t know how the weight carrying properties are any different then the Fiamma option. I love how clean your install is and mounting the way you did give that extra bit of clearance an under mount wouldn’t have. I don’t think you specified the cost for this custom job and maybe inconsequential given where you had done. Just wanted to see how this is holding up and if you still are satisfied with this setup. Any chance you’d do a full in and out tour of you Airstream? Given the hitch idea, I’m sure you have many more modifications many could benefit from. Happy New Year and safe travels!
Thanks for the comment Korey. 1.5 years later and we have zero regrets. Couldn't be happier with how well this mod has served us. No dreaded frame separation issues (even despite full-time use) but I'm honestly not surprised due to the steel fabrication being inserted into the frame C-channel rather than welded on and dangling down below the frame. The only con is that one time the bike handlebar whipped forward and scratched the aluminum panel so now I'm more careful about tightening up any play in the rack and padding the bar end with a small towel while underway. We might be getting a new Airstream in 2018 and this mod along with solar will be my first upgrades.
Great! We just purchased our AS and now we see that there is hope for our bikes coming along for the ride! Just curious how much you ended up paying for it?
Great video; I have been wondering if a rack could be attached to the rear of 25 ft Airstream trailer; Never thought of this as the solution but looks like it will work for us. We have 2 e-bikes, each weighing about 55 lb (25 kg). Do you think the setup you had installed would be strong enough to hold our two bikes?Thanks.
Great video, can you share your design with me? I have been placing our Tandem bike on an aftermarket receiver that fits above the propane tanks. It places our bike much too high and is challenging to take on and off. I noticed the frame work is a tight fit, did you ever consider installing nuts and bolts on the side to further lock in the hitch members to the existing frame?
it's been a few years since you did this. Any thing you would have done differently? Were there any problems with the trailer after time? Did you happen to save your drawings?
Thanks Michael. To name just a few.. in my opinion the Fiamma is limiting, overpriced design. It doesn't have the versatility of hitch receiver. It only transports two bicycles. It doesn't come off for use on other vehicles, and in some cases it blocks the egress from the back window of the Airstream.
I've wanted to do this for a while. Two questions: 1) How much did this cost? 2) Have you noticed any contact with the bikes and the Airstream aluminum or glass?
1) Most shops will quote you around $750 USD. The place I found in Newfoundland was kind enough to charge me half that. 2) Yes, but rarely. Like when we hit massive pot holes or frost heaves. My handle bar grips have thick/soft/forgiving rubber ends so there hasn't been any damage to the aluminum skin. I would recommend a protective pad on the bar end otherwise. Also, I have very wide handlebars on my mountain bike so the average bar length may not be an issue.
Great video! How much did your tongue weight change with the addition of the receiver, bike rack and bikes? Did you do anything to restore some of that tongue weight?
Grant Davidson Thanks for watching and great question. I wish I had access to a scale at the time. I have yet to check the current tongue weight but I can say that I added close to 200 lbs to the rear end. Not sure yet how much that affected tongue weight but I'll let you know when I find out.
Hi Seth, thanks for posting this. I had watched your post many times so now I am in the process of designing a similar hitch for my airstream. My 4-bike bike rack is approx. 80 lbs plus four bikes would be about 200 lbs max. I'm a little concerned due the the 1/8" thick c-channel bumper frame that the hitch will be bolted to. Did you have any issues? I recall reading somewhere that you had some minor issues with separation? Is there any advice from your learning experience you would like to share? Any information would be much appreciated.
Did you consider weight distribution? Did the weight added to the rear of your Airstream affect performance? I love my bikes and have a 2020 Globetrotter 23, but I am not entirely confident with the recommended bike rack by Airstream. Good luck, Tim
Seth, this looks like the perfect solution for myself as well. What did this cost you in $ CAD? I live in Vancouver and I will be getting some quotes for the same work, but I am completely in the dark as to what to expect this to cost me.... great video👍🏻
This is a great solution Seth. I have been looking for better ways to carry the bikes, and i'm tired of crawling into the back of the truck, removing the tarp and unloading the bikes, often dinging the paint on the truck. With the Flamma bike rack, you end up with the same problem when you want to drive somewhere from camp to bike. With your solution, you can just move the rack to your truck. I like it! You could make the frame out of aluminum and save some weight. You are actually helping the tongue weight as you are behind the axles. What other effect it might have I'm not sure. Thanks so much, Greg Wall at www.airstreamtime.com and www.fishacrosscanada.com. Love your beautiful photography and look forward to following you.
Many reasons but mainly because the Fiama rack is not easily removable in case I want to pull the rack off or swap it onto the truck. There’s a lot more versatility with a 2” receiver. Also, you could transport four bikes this way, although I only have two.
Great video!! I love that you can use it on your truck as well! A few questions- what bike rack did you buy, do you have a link to it? Also, can you still access the bumper while the bikes are mounted? I'm a full time Airstreamer, and I use my bumper for all things sewer related, as to keep it all contained to one area.. so was just curious if you could still easily access the bumper. Thanks for making this awesome video!
Thank you Lindsey! Yes, it is almost a year later and I am still loving this setup. It has worked flawlessly and my bike rack is holding up great. I'm a full-timer as well, so it gets heavy use. I own the Thule T2 platform rack - amzn.to/2sKpxnM No complaints with the rack either. I have full access to the bumper, yes. Also, I am able to open my back window which is another thing you can't do with the Fiamma rack.
For years the guidance by airstream sages has to NOT attach a bike rack/receiver to the frame of the Airstream to avoid frame separation. The bike rack sold by Airstream doesn’t even attach to the frame. Your setup looks really beefy and should support the repetitive loading. But I’d really be interested (and so would those on AirForums) on how this works out.
I find this interesting, BUT I fabricated a 2" hitch for the back of an Airstream that will hold ANY bike rack. Problem is, the hitch weighs more than the "factory recommended" weight without ANY bikes. So, user beware. There are Airstream recommended bike racks available. Got the hitch sitting here, want one?
Dan Y Hey Dan, Thanks for the comment. Yes, if you’re nervous about frame related issues then the Fiama rack is your best bet. IMO it is overpriced and not nearly as practical. This setup is perfect for me and despite manufacturer recommendations it’s been field tested. Going on three years now with no complaints. Quite the opposite in fact.
Where did you have this done and what price? Do you still have this trailer and how is the bike rack holding up, damage or stress to the Airstream or any affect on towing? You are genius to have thought of this then be able to implement.
WOW../ Thats amazing !? LOL..Nope... just a crane. Now I heard on other vlogs about folks claiming that....you CANT put a bike rack on an AS! But as a welder Im thinking....!? Im pretty sure I can. And others as well. Heres proof.
Just got an Airstream 2 weeks ago and one of the unforeseen dilemmas was how to carry the bikes. Love your solution. Thanks for sharing.
wow! They need to do this at the factory to all AS!
Nice build...not often a shop will let you in to the work space very cool.
Chris Balzer Yeah, I cannot recommend that shop enough. It's too bad they're all the way out in Newfoundland!
Sweet set up!
If you have a GoPro or other mountable camera you may want to shoot some video of the rack while towing with bikes loaded. You might be surprised at just how much whipping around the bikes do on the receiver box. One of my buddies devised some guy wires with eyes mounted to the bumper to minimize the whipping effect at back of the trailer.
Safe travels.
Thanks for watching and thanks for the tip Joe. I've had similar thoughts as well and experimented with lashing them to the bumper with a ratchet strap for added support on bad roads. I haven't dialed a system in yet, but I think it is worth revisiting. Cheers!
Very nice. Looks like a class 2 equivalent. We did similar but under, but I think I like yours more. We wanted something strong for our e-bikes and the Fiamma and Jack-it were not rated for the weight. Bought a Thule Easy Fold and are quite happy.
Thanks!
Thanks for the informative bike rack video. We will be purchasing an AirStream next week and this is a solution to our conundrum regarding the transportation of our bikes.
Glad you enjoyed the video. Congratulations on the new Airstream purchase!
😊
Really nice job! We are looking at purchasing a new AirStream 16RB Caravel and it has a similar bumper and we're mountain bikers as well so we are trying to figure out how to get our 1up rack on the back of the new camper. Thanks for the idea!
The Caravel is super nice. Best of luck and let me know if you want any more info on my rack setup.
Seth K. Hughes Thank You!
Great editing and music. Thanks for sharing and l look forward in your next video. I shared your video with another channel hoping it would help them with their bike situation.
Awesome! Thank you. I hope they find it helpful.
That was great retrofitting work from them. Looks awsome
jwall62 Thank you. Yes, they truly did an excellent job!
Great video as always Seth and very much look forward to the next one.
Thank you for watching Steve!
Seth K. Hughes You're very welcome Seth. I forgot to say, your drawings nicely compliment your videos and add a new dimension. Until next time, stay safe.
That is awesome. I have a 1up USA rack similar to your rack where it plugs into a 2" receiver though I can add three bikes. We want to get an Airstream Sport 16FB and again Airstream still does not add a hitch. It would be really nice if it were an accessory and just give the customer like a load limit sticker so people don't try to pull another trailer or car. I am sure that is their biggest fear.
Have you used your front hitch to move the RV around? We used ours to move the boat trailer in and out of the water. That way the car wheels were dry. Be safe and have fun.
Harold McCarty I would like to try it but never have had the need with my Airstream. I see how it could very useful with boat trailers though. Thanks!
Thanks for your Airstream bike rack video….if your have any sketches or dimensions I would appreciate a copy
Cool mod, great idea! I just edited my comment after reading your full description. Keep us posted on the frame separation and whether or not this causes any issues for you down the road. We hope to share a trail with you one day, you look like our kind of people.
Thanks for watching and thank you for the comment. I'll definitely be updating this comment thread with any developments related to the mod. Looking forward to hopefully crossing paths with you guys! I just followed your IG, so let's keep in touch. Happy travels.
Awesome, we'd love to connect. We'll be in AZ this winter, headed up the west coast in early spring, then headed over to the west. We'll keep an eye out for ya.
Sounds good. We're on the East Coast now, but we'll be getting to AZ in Jan/Feb. See you then!
New subscriber here and binge watching your videos. My husband and I also live in our Airstream though we're stationary in Tucson until next. A bike rack on the back is on our wish list. This is the first resource I've found that explains in detail what that entails. Thank you for documenting your journey! I look forward to seeing more. :)
Hi Courtney, thanks for the sub! Can't wait to check out your videos as well. Lot's of great content there. Hope to see you on the road!
Yeah, I was surprised there wasn't more info out there on this bike rack set up. I basically made the video that I've been wanting to see for the past couple years. ha!
Great content and editing! I was in NS and NL a year ago and can't wait to go back, such a nice part of the world! If you like it there you'd also like northern Ontario / Muskoka.
Thanks for watching Lee. We loved NL and have never been to Ontario. Hoping to get up there next year!
Awesome solution! I would love to find a similar foundry and have this done at some point. Thanks!
Loving your vlog Seth! The sequence of photos in the beginning of this episode was slick. I'm dabbling in video and feel like matching clips to the beat is huge in making a video more interesting to watch but it's not easy! At least not for me : ) I love every video more than the last, keep up the awesome work!
Thanks for the comment. Glad you guys are enjoying the videos! One trick to editing to the beat is to let the playhead play and listen for the beat. Each time you hear the beat hit the "m" key (to add a marker). Then you can easily place your clips on the markers. Bonus tip: Premiere can even auto populate the clips to the markers in the timeline if you want.
Hi Seth, great video and idea. We just bought a 23 ft AS Flying Cloud FB. I've just lined up a welder who will fabricate and install the receiver :). I've looked at the video many times, but can't figure out how many bolts tie the receiver to the frame. It looks like just two one on each side where there is a whole already in the C channel but I thought I saw maybe 3 on each side at one point in the video. We are cyclist carrying two road and two MTB on a Kuat NV which I love. Thanks for posting this.
Hi Greg, we ended up plug welding once on each side rather than using bolts. That way it turned out seamless. Feel free to email me for more detailed notes.
Awesome video... I’m not seeing any new videos are you still making them?
best job in rack In airstream ever
I am amazed at your documentation skills. What happened with the front end jack - $$$
You'll have to wait for the next VLOG ;)
Wow - those guys and girl were awesome!
So true. They are my heros! haha
Great camera/editing work and story - were definitely subscribing and keep 'em coming :)
California Travel Videos Thank you! Glad you're on board. More to come!
Love it! Thanks for the video. I had wanted to do this and now I can share with a local welder and get the job done right!
Great info. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching Anna. I hope you found it useful.
Nice mod!! Carrying bikes on the road can be so cumbersome! Especially in an Airstream, since there's barely any storage. Mountain biking is one of the main reasons we travel, so we have to make them fit. A mod like this is tempting since we could potentially carry more bikes....hmmm 🤔
TinCanCreativeCo Thank you. Next to solar, it’s the best mod we’ve made. Absolute game changer. We should meet up and do some rides sometime!
@@SethKHughes Definitely! We're in AZ for the winter, then Bentonville and Ashville are for a bit, then visiting family in the northeast late spring and early summer. Then we will most likely head back west to Colorado mid summer. Where are you stationed in the next few months?
TinCanCreativeCo Sounds good! We’ll be in Southern AZ!
sweet bike rack!
Thanks Dan!
Wicked awesomeness 👏🏼 ! Can't believe I just now found you guys off this video. Hitting subscribe for sure.
Thank you! I'm glad to have you along for the ride!
Have you thought about some type of cover? Be nice to keep them dry and secure.
Wow.. that’s cool.. you give me a Great idea
Woah! Just found your vlogs, wicked work man! Keep the good vibes coming 😍🙌
Thanks for the comment Aine. I appreciate it!
Fascinating and creative! Yes, a hitch receiver option provided through the AS factory would be ideal. How much weight did this add, and did it affect the rig's handling?
Very cool!
Schuyler Oliver Thank you Schuyler
Great modification. I’m an avid cyclist with a new AS. Problem is I’m not going to Newfoundland anytime soon. Do you know of anyone in the states that has or can do this same modification? Or do you have any written directions for a welder to follow? We live in NC. Thanks, Brian
Great Video! I have an airstream and would like to install the same set up for bike rack. What I did not see was how the hole was cut in the chrome bumper. Did the cutting tarnish the chrome?
Thank You!!
Good question David. Unfortunately I missed that part too. However, I can tell you that the finished hole looks great and it did not tarnish.
I need this!
Great Video! Wondering if the Air Stream manufacturers can get any ideas on incorporating this bike rack system on any future trailers.
Dee Bryson Thank you. They're aware of the shortcoming but I don't think they're interested in changing their design.
I searched "Airstream Bike racks" and your vlog popped up. Awesome. Would you possibly have some specks on that mod? We need a bike rack for our Airstream, one that isn't going to add too much weight but one sturdy enough to hold a mountain bike and an electric bike. I have a son in law who owns a welding shop. Great videos! I clicked subscribe. :)
Thanks Seth... I just sent you an email.
Awesome job man! Great edit!
Thanks for watching Tony!
Seth, We are picking up an airstream 16 ft sport and they tell us we cannot put a bike rack on the back. They say the frame cannot handle the weight of the bikes. Did you modify the frame to handle the weight of the bikes.
Awesome rack and yet another story to tell!😊
Thanks Jim!
Thinking of doing the same to my 19’ flying cloud. Was wondering how it has fared for you?
We were so excited to find this! My husband had suggested the same idea because we had already planned to replace our bumper with a steel bumper. I needed a heavier duty rack for my E-bike, and with this solution I can use the same Thule XT rack I use on my car. Any problems or additional ideas since you did this in 2016?
No problems since
Curious how the setup is holding up? In reading on the forums, it seams Airstream doesn’t condone a rear hitch as the damage could be sustained but don’t know how the weight carrying properties are any different then the Fiamma option. I love how clean your install is and mounting the way you did give that extra bit of clearance an under mount wouldn’t have.
I don’t think you specified the cost for this custom job and maybe inconsequential given where you had done.
Just wanted to see how this is holding up and if you still are satisfied with this setup.
Any chance you’d do a full in and out tour of you Airstream? Given the hitch idea, I’m sure you have many more modifications many could benefit from.
Happy New Year and safe travels!
Thanks for the comment Korey. 1.5 years later and we have zero regrets. Couldn't be happier with how well this mod has served us. No dreaded frame separation issues (even despite full-time use) but I'm honestly not surprised due to the steel fabrication being inserted into the frame C-channel rather than welded on and dangling down below the frame. The only con is that one time the bike handlebar whipped forward and scratched the aluminum panel so now I'm more careful about tightening up any play in the rack and padding the bar end with a small towel while underway. We might be getting a new Airstream in 2018 and this mod along with solar will be my first upgrades.
Great! We just purchased our AS and now we see that there is hope for our bikes coming along for the ride! Just curious how much you ended up paying for it?
Great video; I have been wondering if a rack could be attached to the rear of 25 ft Airstream trailer; Never thought of this as the solution but looks like it will work for us. We have 2 e-bikes, each weighing about 55 lb (25 kg). Do you think the setup you had installed would be strong enough to hold our two bikes?Thanks.
Nice heavy duty. Could probably haul much heavier cargo too
Yeah, like another Airstream. We could use a guest bedroom or office. ha!
Great video, can you share your design with me? I have been placing our Tandem bike on an aftermarket receiver that fits above the propane tanks. It places our bike much too high and is challenging to take on and off. I noticed the frame work is a tight fit, did you ever consider installing nuts and bolts on the side to further lock in the hitch members to the existing frame?
it's been a few years since you did this. Any thing you would have done differently? Were there any problems with the trailer after time? Did you happen to save your drawings?
Seth, great video. I just subscribed. I have a great Kuat rack that needs a 2” receiver. Is your design available for sharing or purchase? Thank you
Hey Al, sure, email me and I can send you my notes on the install. Email is on the about page.
Very nice! Sorry if it’s in the video and I missed it but why choose the custom route over some of the ready made options like Fiamma?
Thanks Michael. To name just a few.. in my opinion the Fiamma is limiting, overpriced design. It doesn't have the versatility of hitch receiver. It only transports two bicycles. It doesn't come off for use on other vehicles, and in some cases it blocks the egress from the back window of the Airstream.
Awesome mod! Any idea how much total weight it could hold? Do you think it would hold the weight of 4 bikes?
Andy Kordsmeier 4 bikes would be no problem at all. No question. I bet I could tow a car or another trailer behind if I wanted. ;)
I've wanted to do this for a while. Two questions:
1) How much did this cost?
2) Have you noticed any contact with the bikes and the Airstream aluminum or glass?
1) Most shops will quote you around $750 USD. The place I found in Newfoundland was kind enough to charge me half that.
2) Yes, but rarely. Like when we hit massive pot holes or frost heaves. My handle bar grips have thick/soft/forgiving rubber ends so there hasn't been any damage to the aluminum skin. I would recommend a protective pad on the bar end otherwise. Also, I have very wide handlebars on my mountain bike so the average bar length may not be an issue.
THX! Hit me up if you get to the midwest. Lots of great MTB here in WI and in the secret land of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Brad Knapp Thanks Brad! Will do. Can't wait to get up that way!
Great video! How much did your tongue weight change with the addition of the receiver, bike rack and bikes? Did you do anything to restore some of that tongue weight?
Grant Davidson Thanks for watching and great question. I wish I had access to a scale at the time. I have yet to check the current tongue weight but I can say that I added close to 200 lbs to the rear end. Not sure yet how much that affected tongue weight but I'll let you know when I find out.
How has your bike rack hitch done. I’m looking at getting that done on my Airstream.
Man wish they sold this as a kit haha I need it bad for my Airstream
I know what you mean. It's a challenge for sure. If you're in the Denver area I can refer you to a welder for this.
Hi Seth, thanks for posting this. I had watched your post many times so now I am in the process of designing a similar hitch for my airstream. My 4-bike bike rack is approx. 80 lbs plus four bikes would be about 200 lbs max. I'm a little concerned due the the 1/8" thick c-channel bumper frame that the hitch will be bolted to. Did you have any issues? I recall reading somewhere that you had some minor issues with separation? Is there any advice from your learning experience you would like to share? Any information would be much appreciated.
Hing Ngo After two years of full-timing with this setup, all is well. 👍
Did you consider weight distribution? Did the weight added to the rear of your Airstream affect performance? I love my bikes and have a 2020 Globetrotter 23, but I am not entirely confident with the recommended bike rack by Airstream. Good luck, Tim
No, the weight has not affected performance at all. There really hasn’t been any downside for me with this setup.
Seth, this looks like the perfect solution for myself as well. What did this cost you in $ CAD? I live in Vancouver and I will be getting some quotes for the same work, but I am completely in the dark as to what to expect this to cost me.... great video👍🏻
Do you know how much this mod weighed? How much did it reduce the tongue weight?
This is a great solution Seth. I have been looking for better ways to carry the bikes, and i'm tired of crawling into the back of the truck, removing the tarp and unloading the bikes, often dinging the paint on the truck. With the Flamma bike rack, you end up with the same problem when you want to drive somewhere from camp to bike. With your solution, you can just move the rack to your truck. I like it! You could make the frame out of aluminum and save some weight. You are actually helping the tongue weight as you are behind the axles. What other effect it might have I'm not sure. Thanks so much, Greg Wall at www.airstreamtime.com and www.fishacrosscanada.com. Love your beautiful photography and look forward to following you.
Thank you Greg! Glad you enjoyed the video. The points you made are spot on. This is clearly the best way to travel with bicycles.
I have similar thoughts. In my case the tool box and the kayaks are in the way on the truck bed. So bed transportation of the bikes is not an option.
Seth - how is this custom rack for your bikes holding up?
Wonderfully. Zero complaints.
Hi Seth really cool mod! Any chance you have the specs for it?
Yes, I can share more info on my build. Shoot me an email or DM @sethkhughes
Super awesome - I am very jealous!
Thanks Dave. It's been a long time coming! I remember chatting with you about it on our trail ride back in Phoenix.
Quick question - why didnt you use the Fiamma rack by airstream - airstreamsupplycompany.com/products/airstream-carry-bikes-by-fiamma/
Many reasons but mainly because the Fiama rack is not easily removable in case I want to pull the rack off or swap it onto the truck. There’s a lot more versatility with a 2” receiver. Also, you could transport four bikes this way, although I only have two.
Great video!! I love that you can use it on your truck as well! A few questions- what bike rack did you buy, do you have a link to it? Also, can you still access the bumper while the bikes are mounted? I'm a full time Airstreamer, and I use my bumper for all things sewer related, as to keep it all contained to one area.. so was just curious if you could still easily access the bumper. Thanks for making this awesome video!
Thank you Lindsey! Yes, it is almost a year later and I am still loving this setup. It has worked flawlessly and my bike rack is holding up great. I'm a full-timer as well, so it gets heavy use. I own the Thule T2 platform rack - amzn.to/2sKpxnM
No complaints with the rack either. I have full access to the bumper, yes. Also, I am able to open my back window which is another thing you can't do with the Fiamma rack.
I just noticed there's a newer version of the rack available now. Thule Pro XT 2 - amzn.to/2si6I9X
For years the guidance by airstream sages has to NOT attach a bike rack/receiver to the frame of the Airstream to avoid frame separation. The bike rack sold by Airstream doesn’t even attach to the frame.
Your setup looks really beefy and should support the repetitive loading. But I’d really be interested (and so would those on AirForums) on how this works out.
8 years later and still no problems. Aside from the 2" lift and solar install, this is my favorite Airstream mod.
I find this interesting, BUT I fabricated a 2" hitch for the back of an Airstream that will hold ANY bike rack. Problem is, the hitch weighs more than the "factory recommended" weight without ANY bikes. So, user beware. There are Airstream recommended bike racks available. Got the hitch sitting here, want one?
Dan Y Hey Dan, Thanks for the comment. Yes, if you’re nervous about frame related issues then the Fiama rack is your best bet. IMO it is overpriced and not nearly as practical. This setup is perfect for me and despite manufacturer recommendations it’s been field tested. Going on three years now with no complaints. Quite the opposite in fact.
Where did you have this done and what price? Do you still have this trailer and how is the bike rack holding up, damage or stress to the Airstream or any affect on towing? You are genius to have thought of this then be able to implement.
Four years later and no problems! Pricing will vary but expect between $750-$1000 for the custom metal work and welding.
How much did it cost
Eliseo Lusian $500-$1000 for the rack + mod.
Maybe Airstream will take this as a hint...
That would be nice, but I'm not holding my breath. This has been an issue for customers for a long time and they've never addressed it.
They already sell as many as they can make, so not a lot of interest in innovation, I guess.
Jollyprez That's true
WOW../ Thats amazing !? LOL..Nope... just a crane.
Now I heard on other vlogs about folks claiming that....you CANT put a bike rack on an AS! But as a welder Im thinking....!? Im pretty sure I can. And others as well. Heres proof.
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