Date:         Wed, 2 Jun 2004 10:55:25 -0400
Reply-To:     Tim Demarest <tim.demarest@POBOX.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Tim Demarest <tim.demarest@POBOX.COM>
Subject:      Re: Bike rack - ball hitch mount recommendations.
Comments: To: "Spinoso, Tom" <TSpinoso@AMERICANTV.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <3D079777F8D7394180FC70B6851213201B2370@mail2.ds.atv>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed

I have the same type hitch you do, and I bought a folding rack from Just-Rite:

http://www.justriteracks.com/br3ballmounted.asp

I've got no affiliation with these guys, I'm just a fairly satisfied customer.


The pros:

         - The rack folds down easily to allow you to open the rear hatch,
easy enough with one bike attached, I never tried with a full load.
         - Locking knobs are available (but cost extra) so your bikes can
be locked to the rack. The hardware supplied with the rack locks it to the
base.
         - The rack can be removed when you are not toting bikes (leaving
only a small piece attached below your hitch ball).

The cons:

         - I needed to perform some elaborate bungee-engineering to keep
the handlebars and front wheel from hitting the hatch, I think I'd have the
same problem with any rack, though.
         - When the rack is removed, the mount juts back a bit at knee
height... can be a hazard when working around the engine compartment. I
think I have invented some all-new cuss words.

Tim


At 08:58 AM 6/2/2004 -0500, Spinoso, Tom wrote:
>Hi,
>
>
>
>I have a small hitch mounted to the tow loops on my 91 Carat.  It was told
>it would support 1500 lbs (for what that's worth).  It does non have a
>hitch/receiver that I can remove only a ball that seems to be connected with
>a nut from below.  I would like to carry 2 bikes.  Does anyone have any
>experience or recommendation on a brand or model that they have used or
>might work well?  Thanks in advance.
>
>
>
>"chasin' rainbows" - 91 Carat
>
>Tom