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08-08-2015, 11:19 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Seattle
Posts: 173
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Bike Racks
I tried a search but only became more confused. I would like to add a two bike rack to the rear of my SMB. (2005 E 350). I have the stock bumper with an Aluminess spare tire carrier. I think the issue is with a hitch mounted bike rack, it won't stick out far enough to clear the spare tire. And I would like something that will allow me to open the door without a lot of fuss.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
thanks...
Tom
__________________
2005 SMB RB 50 4X4 w/ a 6.0 PSD
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08-08-2015, 11:30 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 386
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Re: Bike Racks
I use an extension and swing away bike rack. You can carry 2 or up to 4 bikes, also swing open and away the bikes to open entire back up.
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08-08-2015, 11:35 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Durango, CO formerly Seattle
Posts: 177
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Re: Bike Racks
Tom,
We had the same concerns and sounds like we have similar vans. We bought a hitch mounted Yakima swing away bike rack, ours can hold 4 bikes but we only carry two. It just clears our Aluminess mounted spare tire. It allows the bikes to be swung aside in order to fully open the rear doors and it's not too much of a pain to swing them away. We just travelled about 1500 miles through Idaho and Montana for two weeks with the bikes on the back and it worked flawlessly. The only problem is the dust that collects on the chain and gears. We're out near Issaquah/Redmond if you want to have a look in person.
Ours is from Craigslist for $150, an older version of this: http://www.amazon.com/Yakima-SwingDaddy ... +bike+rack
Brad
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Bardo
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2005 RB-50 5.4L V8 E250 "Blanca"
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08-08-2015, 02:49 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 344
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Re: Bike Racks
I run a Kuat two bike rack out of the Aluminess bumper (with deluxe box and spare tire carrier). Took several tries to find a hitch extension that would clear the box/tire carrier and allow access to the rear doors without having to remove the bike rack. Ended up with a Brophy 14" hitch extension. Had to add a Blue Ox Hitch Receiver Immobilizer II to eliminate what was a significant amount of play in the extension. Both of those items are available at Etrailer. Am very pleased with the setup and highly recommend the Kuat for strength and ease of use. Hope this helps.
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2014 Ford RB-50
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08-08-2015, 11:30 PM
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#5
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Covina
Posts: 1,317
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Re: Bike Racks
viewtopic.php?t=7470#p83076
I have had great use on this and the only upgrade would be the 1up racks mounted to it and not the Thule
__________________
Kelly, Claudine, Sophie dog, Bell the redheaded step child and Gooseberry RIP.
Most the time the Copilot is Now Sophie dog the noise maker.
2000 7.3 PS Quigley/RB30 with a 6 window poptop.
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08-09-2015, 12:01 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Seattle
Posts: 173
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Re: Bike Racks
thanks all, for your tips. REI's Labor Day sale is coming up, so I think it may be the Yakima or Thule rack for me. I had thought about mounting the bike rack on the front receiver, but am loath to add anything that will block any airflow to the engine.
Tom
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2005 SMB RB 50 4X4 w/ a 6.0 PSD
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08-10-2015, 09:33 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Renton, Wa
Posts: 438
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Re: Bike Racks
I've carried 3 mt. bikes in front with no cooling issues. Gas v10.
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08-11-2015, 10:53 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: SLC, Utah
Posts: 165
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Re: Bike Racks
I have carried two bikes on the front. I find it a little odd. I had my time trial bike up there and it was really odd because there is so much 'frame' to get in the way.
For me, the fact that it blocks so much of my view is kind of a deal breaker. It is an option but only if I absolutely have to.
I have the Kuat and have used a hitch extension with the same Aluminess bits.
__________________
2012 E350 SMB/Quad Van
2021 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison
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08-11-2015, 08:40 PM
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#9
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Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Salt Lake City
Posts: 51
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Re: Bike Racks
Tom,
I assume you saw this thread:
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/vie...hp?f=16&t=7618
I have the 2006, with the rack option at that time. It supports two bikes, high enough up. I made my own bike bag, which is great for dusty roads or rain. Another plus is that people can't see what you are really carrying. I've since made another cover, using camo. The black coated material I used for the cover shown in the photos did not last nearly as long as the heavy cordura.
Steve
__________________
2006 EB 6.0 Diesel, custom gaucho,
Espar hydronic and heat, 2 Solara panels,
Trojan F&R, ARB lockers, Warn winch.
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08-11-2015, 11:10 PM
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#10
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Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Grand Junction, my van
Posts: 35
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Re: Bike Racks
I use a North Shore Rack. I have the 4 bike version, but they make a 2 bike. Folds down and clears the doors and bumper swing outs with the bikes attached.
__________________
2000 E350 EB fixed top 7.3l 4x4. Soon to be deQuiglified with full Ujoint conversion.
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