| Author |
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Chris Lessard (Thechrisr)
| | Posted on Thursday, September 12, 2002 - 12:49 pm: | 
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If you have been using the lr-discovery list I had recently mentioned how to use a DrawTite (or anyother similar) receiver hitch cargo tray as a bike carrier. In order to avoid waiting too long to post the pics I got some last night but they are a little dark. Check back and I will try to post some clearer ones.....
Essentially the conversation was about what typre of Bike carrier someone should look for for their disco; Tire mounted (w-straps etc) or hitch mounted (big, bulky, not much other use). Well here is one option that could solve your problem.....
FIRST: I picked up a DrawTite cargo tray for the TypeII hitch (approx $150). I chose this one because it folds up when not being used. Plus it is rated to hold up to 500lbs of cargo in comparison to the build it yourself ones that only hold 300lbs.
The nice thing is that the rear door can be opened when the tray is down.
SECOND: I purchased 2 Hollywood (or other brand) quickrelease fork clamps (usually used for the back of Pickups) and attached one to either side of the tray and made sure to put one towards the front edge and the other toward the rear edge on the opposite side. (There is some drilling required here but not much. Also make sure to attach them near the top especially if you have large fron shock on your bike.)
I recommend using Stainless nuts and bolts in case you ever want to remove the stuff later.
After all of the attaching is done you can now attatch you bikes to the rack by removing the front wheel and inserting the front forn into the quick release attachments.
I secure the rear wheels on to the tray with just a simple cinch strap that you should be able to get at any bike shop or hardware store.
Keep in mind...if you don't buy quickrelease attachments that have a locking mechanism to prevent theft, you can always use a standard bike lock and lock them to the tray with a cable or something.
I have had 3 bikes on this at once. In that case I just strapped it inbetween the other two and had no problem. I have even gone roving throught the woods with the bikes on the back and it stayed solid as a rock.
If this makes no sense or you have another question just e-mail me and I'll be glad to help.
I'll try to put better pics on here soon but for now here is all I have. |
Chris Lessard (Thechrisr)
| | Posted on Thursday, September 12, 2002 - 01:01 pm: |
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The nice thing about this set up is that the tray cost about the same as those bulky hitch mounted bike carriers but is a lot more useful. If you are really creative you can add extension with pieces of aluminum, iron or whatever to add space for more bikes/attachments....... |
Don Collins (Donc)
| | Posted on Thursday, September 12, 2002 - 01:11 pm: |
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I did the same thing on my Disco for a short period of time. I picked up a tray from Wallyworld and then got the bike attachment. Total cost was about $85 for everything. The attachment will hold about 3 bikes but I did not like the idea that the only way to get into the back was to remove the bikes. I eventually switched over to the LR style bike rack. (BTW same style but a lot less is available at www.atthemart.com)NOw to find something that will work on the back of the freebie. |
Chris Lessard (Thechrisr)
| | Posted on Thursday, September 12, 2002 - 02:25 pm: |
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True you need to remove the bikes to open the door comletely. But if you want something that is more useful than a huge attachment that always extends 2.5 to 3+ feet you can buy the regular run-of-the-mill-1-purpose-only-hitchmounted-rack that usually costs at least $150 minimum.
The only problems with the rack from WallyWorld is that you have to put the rack together, it doesnot fold out of the way (thus always sticking out 2.5 feet, and it has a lower cargo weight rating.
I usually keep the tray on the back all the time because it doesn't stick out too much even when I'm trail riding.
I do reccommend putting some reflective tape on it for added safety.
-chris |
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