Several folks have asked for more info., so here's the details on my Trunk / Bike Rack.
The unit slides out away from SMB, allows access thru rear doors, carries 3 bikes and holds a lot of dirty gear...
These are the components used to create it:
Telescoping Hitch Rack, Silent Hitch Pins and locks:
http://www.letsgoaero.com/ProductDetail.asp?Pid=33
Aluminum Box 60" x 22" x 11.5"
http://www.discountramps.com/cargo-box.htm
Thule Racks: Artificial Gutters, Gutter Foot Pack, Load Bars, Lock Cores, Bike Mounts; 2-SideArm 1-Echelon.
http://www.thule.com/en-US/US
Other small parts:
-Dual Receiver Hitch Extension: To raise the height of the trunk for better off road clearance.
-Trailer Tail Light Kit w/ wiring and plug. I routed the wiring thru the hitch tubes where possible.
-Pad Locks / Hasps. Extra security. Lock on box is pretty much worthless.
-Carabiners, Sling, Rope and Bolt Hangers (for climbing, you could use something else I just have tons of these laying around): To support lid when open.
-Misc nuts / bolts.
-Silicone: To "pad" the lid to the edge of the box and water proof holes drilled into box for locks etc.
-Foam sleeping pad: To line the box, prevents stuff from banging / sliding around.
Loaded up: w/ 2 mtn bikes, 1 road bike.
Normal position:
Extended position:
Open with bikes attached: Note the sling / strap that limits the opening. The rope supports the lid when fully open, the chains are what came with the box they are just riveted in and are obviously not very strong.
Extended w/o bikes:
Lid open...
SMB back doors open:
Lid fully open w/ SMB back doors open:
This cable limits how far the trunk can slide back on the rails (provided with the Telescoping Hitch Rack)
Hitch pin that prevents the rack for telescoping open when driving. I put one in each side just to be sure... Could also use locking hitch pin here (I just didn't get and extra locking one with the same key)
Detail of Thule artificial rain gutter: I used lock nuts and larger washers inside the box to secure these and the hasps etc.
I think you could squeeze on 4 bike mounts (depending on what type / combo), especially if the load bars were a bit longer. I didn't want my bars sticking out much further than the box which would eventually limit the van doors clearance, as luck / guesswork would have it mine are nearly perfect as is.
I think the weak point is the piano hinge on the lid (especially if you were to open it a lot with bikes loaded, which I don't really need to do often. I inspect the hinge and rivets (lots of them so thats good) often, so far it seems to be holding up very well, but I may reinforce it anyway.
Hope this answers your questions, if not let me know.
Ride-on...