bicycles on an XLP

[broch9901]

We're getting an XLP in the next couple of weeks and was wondering how folks carry multiple bicycles (in our case 5) with these campers? Thanks in advance.

[subaruwx]

I am also pondering a slowly researching ideas.  Here are the options I've seen:

1. If your tow vehicle will support the added tongue weight, get a swagman hitch extender rack or use a double receiver attachment.  The largest one of these I've seen will only support 4 bikes, but there may be some thing bigger.
http://www.amazon.com/Swagman-Standard-4-Bike-Towing-receiver/dp/B00009YUK5/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1408231510&sr=8-16&keywords=swagman+bike+rack

2. Put then on top of your tow vehicle using standard roof rack hardware (Yakima, Thule, etc).  Depending on the size of your tow vehicle, you might be able to fit 5 bikes up on the roof.
http://www.amazon.com/Yakima-Products-Roller-Upright-Style/dp/B009P3MJ3E/ref=sr_1_39?ie=UTF8&qid=1408231607&sr=8-39&keywords=yakima+bike+rack

3. Put them on top of the QS. There are lots of examples of commercial or DIY racks.  The 2 I like most is the Pro Rac style that mounts to the frame of the QS and the Sixnall that rests on top.
http://www.amazon.com/Pro-Systems-Inc-Tent-Trailer/dp/B000V2KN22/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408231737&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=prorack+4-bike+hitch+carrier

http://www.sixnall.com/pop-up-camper-bike-rack.php


I think you can get a longer extension for the Pro Rac and add another bike.  Or build your own. I've seen a few folks build their own using standard parts from the hardware store or even wood.

I am personally infatuated with the SixNAll rack. I like that I don't need to take off any wheels, and in camp it can serve as a bike stand.  But none of these are cheap.

The cheapest solution I've seen - lay them inside the camper. It would be tough to fit five bikes....

Congrats on the XLP - I'd have gotten that instead of the QS10 if I could handle the tongue weight.

[woody]

As a new XLP owner I've thought about this some too.  I have a Yakima 5-bike hitch receiver rack already.  Any chance of being able to put a 2" receiver off the back rack somehow so that this can be used?  I haven't looked into it too much, and it may be way too much weight at the rear.  Don't think a double receiver off the TV would work since it's a Jeep with a spare tire on the back.

[subaruwx]

I'm not a mechanical engineer, but from what I've read elsewhere, you can put a 2in receiver attached to the rear bumper IF one substantially reinforces the connection to the main frame. The bumper (or rear deck) was probably not designed to handle that much weight concentrated at 1 point.  

The other major risk would be balance and maintaining sufficient tongue weight.  I think the factory should offer this as an option.

[woody]

So I noticed there's a used 4-bike sixnall rack for sale near me.  Will the top (underneath of the bunks) on the Quicksilver really support this?  Also would it cause troubles with the tarp?  Just seems a little risky to me without the solid roof a traditional pop-up has.

[admin]

The bunks can support a fare amount of weight while closed especially if you are spreading it out. I've carried two kayaks on the top of my 10.0 with no problem by attaching a universal set of roof bars with some ratcheting straps. I used some pool noodle foam to cushion the tonneau cover from the support brackets, and then some thin foam between the feet for the roof top bars and the cover. This seems to be no trouble at all.
The way I see it the bunks are designed to hold full grown adults when open and supported by a hinge on one side and two bars on the other. It should be able to hold a good bit of weight when closed and supported by the camper box on at least three sides. In another thread I believe someone got the factory to confirm a limit of 400 pounds to be a max weight for the bunks when closed.

Hope this helps.

-Sean

[broch9901]

Awesome ideas - thanks for the information!  Seems like something like the sixnall would be ideal for us.  We can probably get one bike on the roof of the tow vehicle, which would then let us get a 4 bike option on top of the XLP.

[subaruwx]

Call the sixnall folks - I bet they can make a 5 bike rack.

[jammydee]

Looking at the sixnall bike racks. Anyone have them on their QS? How do they attach? Their website has photos on traditional pop ups but I want to be sure they won't damage our brand new 10.0.