Recreational & Family - Hauling multiple bikes ???

Hello everyone! I haven't been on a bike in a very long time, but the need to get in shape and the need to keep up with my two 5yo daughters on their bikes got me into a local bike shop to get a Giant Suede bike. I really love it and have been very happy with my purchase. I think it is one of the most comfortable bicycles that I have ever ridden.

My question is this. I ride alot with my sister and a friend with her kid. right now we have to take several vehicles with bike racks. But I would like to pile everyone in my minivan and pull some type of trailer with all the bikes in it. Does anyone have any recommendations? I have a hitch on my van, just never had to use it. Thanks.

Rita

do you have a roof rack on that van also?

Instead of a trailer, how about a hitch rack - will fit 4 easily - and some on the roof?

That way you don't have to worry about where to park if you go somewhere that is tight on space or such.

here's a link to Yakima's roof-top options. Not sure which is optimal, though as I haven't yet gotten one. But, it's coming soon.http://www.yakima.com/ProductCategory.aspx?id=6

Not a definitive list but a start.


Roof racks
Pros:
- Can carry more than bikes
- Durable
- Can use some or all parts on other vehicles
Cons:
- Expensive
- Hardest to mount bikes to, especially with taller vehicles
- Lower gas mileage
- Increased cabin noise
- Must remain aware of clearance to avoid damage to structures, bikes, rack and vehicle

Hitch racks
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Quick mounting
- Little affect to gas mileage
Cons:
- Bikes exposed to minor rear end collisions
- Can block access to trunk
- Sturdy but not as sturdy as other mounts
- More prone to damage vehicle from improperly mounting bikes

Trailer
Pros:
- Greatest carrying capacity
- Usable to transport items other than bikes
Cons:
- Gas mileage affected
- Relative to other solutions, expensive to purchase and maintain
- Proper weighting must be done
- Parking can be harder to find
- Maneuvering can be difficult

Thanks guys. I don't hve a rack on top of my van, plus if I did I just don't think I could get a bike up there. Since I am talking about hauling 6 bikes I will probably look for some kind of pull-behind trailer. I think that would be the easiest solution. Thaanks again.
Rita

Years ago I had a camper van. The engine cover went across the van behind the front seats. I mounted a quick release there between the seats (bent a lump of steel into a U, drilled two holes for the quick release and bolted it to the engine cover). This meant that my bike travelled inside the van with me :D

Richard

You need to get yourself down to Discount Trailers dot Com and take a gander at one of these:

6 bicycle trailer (with room for two canoes)
http://www.discount-trailers.com/images2/bicycle-trailer-4.jpg

Or the big ten bicycle trailer
http://www.discount-trailers.com/images2/bicycle-trailer-5.jpg

LINK to the WEBSITE (http://www.discount-trailers.com/bicycle_trailers.htm)

thanks!

Rita

you can carry 5 on a draft-master a hitch mounted rack which allows for access and ease, a roof rack could easily carry 4 more. We have a draft master and I love it, easy to load and nothing gets damaged.http://www.draftmaster.com/gallery/3.jpg

Couldn't you.....I dunno.....ride the bikes instead of driving? ;)

Another con of the trailer is that trailer wheels tend to rot and blow out on you at inopportune times. On our ride back from Hilton Head at Christmastime, we had a blow out on our trailer & luckily had a spare. If someone hadn't stopped to help we would have had to completely unload our vehicle to get out the jack.

For 6 bikes I'd look at a combination of hitch and roof options.

gosh, I have never seen a draft-master. I will have to check that out. BTW, we take the bikes to a beach trail (hard surface) that is about 20 miles away so we really need to be able to transport them there. thanks again guys.