Mountain Biking - Well.....Nice Rack!

I've been wanting a hitch rack for my Xterra for a while now and my unemployed status has not helped matters. I was roaming around in Harbor Freight this morning and saw they had hitch mount cargo racks on sale for 39.99.........hmmmmmmmmmm. I got to thinking,I worked for years as a mechanic/fab guy. I have an awsome set of tools,I can fix it! I brought it home,pulled out some old 1" square tubing I've had for a while and after about an hour and a half....new bike rack. I've still got some little design tweeks to make but it's pretty much done.

The basic cargo rack........
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w69/mtnbiker66/Bikes/nicerack001.jpg

An old hacksaw and some tubing.....
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w69/mtnbiker66/Bikes/nicerack002.jpg

A little trial and error design work......
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w69/mtnbiker66/Bikes/nicerack003.jpg

Nice rack......
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w69/mtnbiker66/Bikes/nicerack006.jpg

Awesome, you just gave me an idea for a hitch rack for my XTerra. Thanks!

I have an awsome set of tools,I can fix it!

:lol:

You might could throw a moto tie down over the wheels, then it'd be bomber for those trips down to GSO.

:lol:

You might could throw a moto tie down over the wheels, then it'd be bomber for those trips down to GSO.

I'm glad you got the joke. I picked up a new pack of 4 ratchet straps just for this little project. I'm not rolling down your way until everyone is able to ride.

If I may ask, what are the dimensions of your rack mtnbiker?

I'm wondering how practical it would be to extend it to fit another 2 bikes....then the whole family could ride!

I've seen 4-bike standing racks sold commercially, but much prefer to make it at home.....do you think your design would work if it were extended?

Cheers

eman

Good work. And for probably far less money than something commercial. Looks to be able to handle a fair amount of abuse.

Good work. And for probably far less money than something commercial. Looks to be able to handle a fair amount of abuse.

Knowing the way the TGMBG abuse themselves, i shant care to think of the slaying their bikes must get. I'm positive that due time will tell this one.

If I may ask, what are the dimensions of your rack mtnbiker?



I think he's somewhere around a 36 D.

I think he's somewhere around a 36 D.

You beat me to it!!!!!!!!!:roflmao2: 44DD

It's a 20"X60". I'm sure if you have the know how you could make a 4 bike rack out of it.I have around 50 bucks in it so it's a good bit cheaper than a store bought rack.

WOW!!!

That is a huge rack! I think that will do just fine. I should be able to manage the extra materials, I have large hands....good for working with big racks!

Thanks (in all seriousness) mtnbiker!

Cheers

eman

Great job!!

As for adding on, you may be able to find some square tubing that will fit inside the rack tube. Then just slide maybe 10-12" in the back of the "truck side of the rack", then after you shorten the 2nd rack, slide it over the "extender adapter" about 10-12", and run a couple grade 5 bolts on each portion.

Another thought: A fork mount could be bolted to the rack for about $10.00/ each fork mount. Just a thought.

Chris