Utility Cycling - Hauling the Big Dummy

Got some excursions coming up this summer and I would love to take the BD along. Have any of you hauled your Dummy on your car/truck/SUV yet?

We have a Toyota RAV-4, which has the spare tire thing on the rear door, so that probably precludes using a rack that hangs on the door itself. I am thinking I may have to go with one that fits in the trailer hitch...of course since I don't have a hitch I would have to have that installed first.

But I am wondering about the length of the Dummy...has anyone had any problems with it mounted on the rear of the vehicle? Using a roof rack is out, for when my fam'bly hits the road they pack so much junk I have to put the cargo carrier on the roof rack.

Any suggestions and experiences will be welcome, thanks!

There are a couple of racks that attach to the spare tire holder - so you may not need the hitch mount. If you can get your bike to hang diagonally, it might not stick out quite so far on each side.

Really? I have never seen one that attaches to the spare holder...any examples? Gonna do a search..

I haul my Xtracycle on a hitch rack behind a newer LandCruiser. Works fine. I would think you need a hitch rack as the tire on the Rav4 is off to the side.

Got some excursions coming up this summer and I would love to take the BD along. Have any of you hauled your Dummy on your car/truck/SUV yet?

We have a Toyota RAV-4, which has the spare tire thing on the rear door, so that probably precludes using a rack that hangs on the door itself. I am thinking I may have to go with one that fits in the trailer hitch...of course since I don't have a hitch I would have to have that installed first.

But I am wondering about the length of the Dummy...has anyone had any problems with it mounted on the rear of the vehicle? Using a roof rack is out, for when my fam'bly hits the road they pack so much junk I have to put the cargo carrier on the roof rack.

Any suggestions and experiences will be welcome, thanks!
I have a Hollywood Sportrider II reciever mounted rack that works great for long wheelbase bikes. I have carried my Big Dummy on it, but unfortunately, I didn't take a picture. I do have pictures of a couple of my other long bikes on it though.
http://batpxg.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pNrLlB8QZgwq7ei8SpoaSQDCVeY4RZdSLmzdRBezztJTChVt_OAC4u9dtgmF0cHLlDD-wxk8iaSvwqtiFu9nL0Q/Schwinn%20002.jpg
http://cid-c5aa741102f41823.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/My%20Bikes/Recumbent%20on%20the%20car%20rack%20002.jpg

Well...dang! That 'bent is longer than the Dummy! I will have to check that out. I have seen some of that style on fleabay, but didn't know if they would extend to match the long wheel base of the Dummy. I guess I will have to get "hitched" after all.

Thanks!

Well...dang! That 'bent is longer than the Dummy! I will have to check that out. I have seen some of that style on fleabay, but didn't know if they would extend to match the long wheel base of the Dummy. I guess I will have to get "hitched" after all.

Thanks!
Yup. The tandem is quite a bit longer than the Dummy too.

Maybe ask on the Tandem forum.

I bought a recumbent tray to put on my roof rack for hauling around my Xtracycle. It works ice, but i ran into the same trap that you did- carrying extra camping gear in the cargo box on the roof and needed to move things onto the back.

After that I tried a Rhodegear spare tire rack. It worked, but it only holds two bikes and since my spare tire is mounted off to the side the bike sticks out one side of my car.

Latest thing I switched to a a Thule hitch mount rack. This keeps things centered in the back of my car so no parts are sticking out too far on just one side. I do run and extra strap from the hitch mount rack to my roof rack for my own piece of mind. I'm not sure if it makes a difference or not, but i feel better driving down the highway with it on.

Jon

I used to use a Yakima Tread Head on my Jeep - it mounts to the spare tire carrier rather than the hitch. The thing with the hitch mounts, not unlike the roof mounts, is that sometimes you have a need for that 'space'. If you anticipate ever towing a trailer while hauling bikes, the hitch mount is not for you.

There are several mfrs that make spare-tire mounted racks. The better ones are adjustable horizontally so you can better center your load on the vehicle even if the spare tire is offset. The cheesier mounts attach to the tire itself, not to the spare tire mount.

With regards to the difficulty of running a cargo box with bike racks, I just went with longer crossbars on my Yakima and have room enough that I can mount two racks outside of the Q-towers and a cargo box inside. IIRC, it's no more expensive to get longer bars at the outset. The only minor problem I've had is that I have a tiny car, and my passengers like to hit their head on the crossbar over the door when getting out. I stuck some foam pipe insulation on there, so it's more an inconvenience for them than a hazard.

I haul mine in my Tacoma using motorcycle-style straps. It's not ideal, but it does work. Here's an older photo to show you how far it hangs off the back:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3280/3065812861_1d6579578d_b.jpg

Obviously, add the front tire and it extends that much further. Currently, I leave the front tire and Old Man Mountain rack on and strap the complete bike down. Having the Kickback kickstand deployed is a big help with stability.

I've been interested in a hitch solution. And love the engineering/though behind MWE racks, where you not only get hitch rack capability, but you can swing the rack out:

http://mweracks.blogspot.com/

Only problem with MWE is they seem to be having a hard time launching their business.

My mom own a Rav and I would NEVER try to use a spare tire rack on it and risk the extra weight screwing up the door.

I HATE loading on the roof and loading a heavy bike like a Dummy would really suck.

I'd build a custom rack if you are bringing only one bike out of some steel and make a T to go in the hitch. With as long as the Dummy is I would use a rack the you remove the front wheel and lock it into the rack. Like this. http://www.rei.com/product/783751 and bolt that to the T. I actually found in a yard sale for $10 a very simple single carrier rack that has become my favorite by far. It fits tight to the bumper and I just leave it on all the time on my older 4Runner. It is sturdy and my vertically challenged wife uses it as a step to get stuff out of the back with the window down.

If you need to carry multiple bike then buy mounts like these : http://www.rei.com/product/670315 you can get non locking for $17 at Performancebike
Mount them to one of these utility baskets: http://www.southwestwheel.com/store/p-3066-standard-folding-cargo-carrier.aspx I got a non folder for $45 at wally world. Mounted two roof rack tracks in it and it works great.

I thought it was against the law to have your load extend beyond the width of your vehicle. I don't know. I would suggest removing the wheels though if possible. Please change lanes to pass. Thanks

I mount mine on my VW Rabbit using a Rocky Mounts Lariat SL Recumbent rack with a disc brake adaptor. Works fine and it's easy enough to get on and off with everything taken off the back.

I think you've got it backwards -- you should be towing the RAV-4 behind the Big Dummy.

;)

08 Miata, oh never mind. I caught on to the random issued plate thing two days ago.
Plate issued in May, Got the BD in May.:)

My Xtracycle-equipped bike fits inside my Taurus stationwagon if I put the seats down. I don't have to, but it becomes even easier if I take the front wheel off.
For the record, my Bike-E recumbent fits similarly, though it's easier if I take the seat off.

08 Miata, oh never mind. I caught on to the random issued plate thing two days ago.
Plate issued in May, Got the BD in May.:)
When ya gotta use a trunk lid mount carrier, nothing beats that Saris Bones. I sold a ton of those when I had my shop, and got nothing but positive feedback. Used one myself for a while when a hitch mount wasn't an option.

The miata setup was a NE road bike plan I had for last summer.
Then my rotor cuff acted up. Even the best laid plans. :p
Feels too iffy with the BD. Luckily,I got a pickup plan B.

Bat22, no one replied to my comment on the legality of transporting items wider than the vehicle. I certainly hope there are laws against what you were trying to doing with that Big Dummy and Miata. That's a cyclist's worse nightmare.

On a similar note, watch out for lawn care trucks, they tend to have rakes and stuff sticking out beyond the wide truck beds typically found on such vehicles. This is a tip I heard on The Spokesmen podcast. Thought I would pass that along.

Bat22, no one replied to my comment on the legality of transporting items wider than the vehicle. I certainly hope there are laws against what you were trying to doing with that Big Dummy and Miata. That's a cyclist's worse nightmare.

On a similar note, watch out for lawn care trucks, they tend to have rakes and stuff sticking out beyond the wide truck beds typically found on such vehicles. This is a tip I heard on The Spokesmen podcast. Thought I would pass that along.
As long as the load does not exceed 96" in width, you should be good on any road. 102" is allowed on designated routes. Exceeding the width of the vehicle is not an issue in any jurisdiction as far as I know.

OK, I'm agin it though.

OK, I'm agin it though.
Would you rather he buy an 8 ft wide Hummer to haul it with? Obviuosly, a protruding load requires extra attentiveness on the part of the driver, but it's not illegal.

I got those WIDE LOAD signs for nothing.:)
I don't find the Miata too doable. The pack frames go in the small trunk.
Add another bike and supplies for two on an interstate ride?

Would you rather he buy an 8 ft wide Hummer to haul it with? Obviuosly, a protruding load requires extra attentiveness on the part of the driver, but it's not illegal.

No, I would not offer that as a solution.

You didn't know of any laws prohibiting protruding loads in your previous post, now you know that there aren't any. Excuse me if I doubt your credibility on this subject.

http://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~chinnery/driving.html

That was the only link I looked at after Googling "Laws prohibiting protruding loads". I believe there are regulations against it here in Maryland also, and probably in most places, but that's just a guess. I would suggest looking into it before you try a stunt like this.

Performance Extrasport. I have to lie down beside hitch to align the bolt hole. No biggie.
Slide the tire cradles to the end for the BD.

No, I would not offer that as a solution.

You didn't know of any laws prohibiting protruding loads in your previous post, now you know that there aren't any. Excuse me if I doubt your credibility on this subject.

http://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~chinnery/driving.html

That was the only link I looked at after Googling "Laws prohibiting protruding loads". I believe there are regulations against it here in Maryland also, and probably in most places, but that's just a guess. I would suggest looking into it before you try a stunt like this.

Ok, well I didn't do a general search on the subject, I took it from the FMCSR, which regulates motor carriers. I will stand corrected.
Oh, and I do have some (long ago) experience with hauling wide pemit loads. The regulations there are based on overall width, not width of load with relation to the vehicle, with the exception of rear overhang.

Performance Extrasport. I have to lie down beside hitch to align the bolt hole. No biggie.
Slide the tire cradles to the end for the BD.
I had to do that with mine for the first while too, but after a while, you can kind of see where to stop inserting just by the wear line. Suppose you could speed that process by scribing or painting a line on the top of the bar.

I have a 2" hitch reciever,xtrsport is 1 and 1/2" .
A rotomold u shaped sleeve is used to fill the difference.
With use, the sleeve widens to the point it slides on the xport arm.
I gotta eyeball 3 holes to line up. No biggie,haven't done it at night yet.:)
Gotta shove off and backtrack yesterdays ride.
LBS had to order a the crank arm cover. Never had to deal with
an oversize BB before.

Oh, and I do have some (long ago) experience with hauling wide pemit loads. The regulations there are based on overall width, not width of load with relation to the vehicle, with the exception of rear overhang.

Well, it sounded like you knew something about vehicle width regulations. My knowledge is based on a couple of conversations with sales people decades ago. Concerning putting roof racks on a subcompact and concerning carrying a tandem on a rear rack. The shorter rails where recommended for the roof rack. The attachment to put a tandem on the roof rack would have cost more than the bike, so I carried it on a rear rack with the wheels removed. i only needed to transport it by car once, to bring it home from where I bought it.

Performance Extrasport. I have to lie down beside hitch to align the bolt hole. No biggie.
Slide the tire cradles to the end for the BD.

Would you mind uploading a shot of your BD in that rack when you get a chance? Thanks!

I'll try to take some side shots over the weekend.

I may have mentioned this already, but your load is too wide!
Nobody seems to want to hear this. Rent a U-Haul.

Well, it sounded like you knew something about vehicle width regulations. My knowledge is based on a couple of conversations with sales people decades ago. Concerning putting roof racks on a subcompact and concerning carrying a tandem on a rear rack. The shorter rails where recommended for the roof rack. The attachment to put a tandem on the roof rack would have cost more than the bike, so I carried it on a rear rack with the wheels removed. i only needed to transport it by car once, to bring it home from where I bought it.

Correction, it wasn't longer rails I was advised against using, it was longer crossbars. It was a sales person, not a lawyer or policeman who told me that it was illegal to use a roof rack that extends beyond the width of the vehicle, but why would he lie? I was told the same thing by another salesman when looking into transporting a tandem on a rear rack.

I have a registered trailer that's wider than my bike.

Put your bike in your trailer then. Driving your car as pictured is probably illegal.

My trailer is wider than my bike also. :)

I'll try to take some side shots over the weekend.


This appears to be a pickup...try removing the soft topper and putting the bike in the bed...probably with the tailgate down...

I made sure my trailer met the state regs before I paid for it.
The trailer is wider than my bike.
Don't think a company would put out a rack that couldn't
pass the DOT.

I speak motorcycle trailer.

That rack fully extended may or may not pass DOT depending on the vehicle to which it is attached. Do you think I would get pulled over if I mounted that rack and a Big Dummy onto the back of my trailer??

As pointed out earlier, regulations about vehicle width and regulations about protruding loads are not the same regulations.

Just to be clear, are you saying you haul a trailer that's wider than your BD's length behind a motorcycle?

Put your bike in your trailer then. Driving your car as pictured is probably illegal.

My trailer is wider than my bike also. :)

Are you some sort of DOT offical?

Before you spouted off did you even bother to look up the law?

You are coming off as a total tool about this and the fact is you don't know what you are talking about.

102 inches wide is legal without special permit (WIDE LOAD permit and markings) on most roads. Municipalities can regulate down to 96 max but the road must have that posted. That is pretty well the standard in North America including Canada and Mexico.

As long as that bike is not wider then 102 inches it is perfectly legal. The width of the vehicle it is mounted on does not matter just as it is totally legal to pull a trailer wider then the vehicle towing it as long as the trailer does not exceed 102 inches in width.

Mirrors mounted on a vehicle 102 inches wide can extend an addtions 10 inches on both sides making for a overall width of 122 inches.

Just so you understand how wide 102 inches...a Semi trailers are typically 96-100 inches wide and that bike would fit with room to spare still attached to the back of the truck.

Some References:

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/trucks/trucksize/width.htm
http://www.masspike.com/travel/trucking/index.html
http://www.dot.state.co.us/truckpermits/lcvfyis.pdf
http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/sw/overview/index.htm


Don't bite down to hard on that foot. :lol:

Check your first link, reg #35111.

Check your first link, reg #35111.

Hmmm Chewey. :lol:



In TX the law makes no conditions just says vehicle and load no wider the 8ft.
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/lw/width.htm


I guess it really depends on the state.

Would it ever be enforced? Very doubtful. I'm pretty sure cops have a lot better things to do then hassled somebody hauling a bike and I bet if you asked 10 officers what the law is I bet very few could tell you.

One of my neighbors is a cop. He says I am road legal.
Thanks Grim, for the Mass Turnpike link.
I went to the state rmv link for recreational towing and it
allways went to commercial towing and state payments.
My state is pushing a"ticket bicyclist" training program for cops.

One of my neighbors is a cop. He says I am road legal.
Thanks Grim, for the Mass Turnpike link.
I went to the state rmv link for recreational towing and it
allways went to commercial towing and state payments.
My state is pushing a"ticket bicyclist" training program for cops.

From what I have been able to dig up, it appears only California has addressed the issue of protruding loads on passenger vehicles. Probably a law passed in reaction to a lawsuit or something.
Here's a picture of my BD on the back of the Kia Rondo.
http://cid-c5aa741102f41823.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/My%20Bikes/Big%20Dummy%20on%20the%20rack.%20003.jpg
Can't find a thing in the Ontario Highway Traffic Act that says I can't do it.
Also, I am a professional driver of many long years experience, so I am always well aware of the dimensions of my vehicle. If I come to a town near you, don't worry, I'm not going to clip you when I meet you on the road.

Hmmm Chewey. :lol:



In TX the law makes no conditions just says vehicle and load no wider the 8ft.
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/lw/width.htm


I guess it really depends on the state.

Would it ever be enforced? Very doubtful. I'm pretty sure cops have a lot better things to do then hassled somebody hauling a bike and I bet if you asked 10 officers what the law is I bet very few could tell you.

What are you talking about? The third sentence on that webpage; "A passenger vehicle may not carry a load extending more than three inches beyond the left side line of its fenders or more than six inches beyond the right side line of its fenders."

A little furtur research shows the exact same type reg here in Maryland. Zero inches left side, six inches right side. It seems pretty standard stuff to me.

One of my neighbors is a cop. He says I am road legal.
Thanks Grim, for the Mass Turnpike link.
I went to the state rmv link for recreational towing and it
allways went to commercial towing and state payments.
My state is pushing a"ticket bicyclist" training program for cops.

This is all I can find for Mass; "Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, no passenger motor vehicle shall be operated on any way if such vehicle has the side wall or thread of any tire projecting outward beyond the outer portion of the fender or side body panel, unless such vehicle is equipped with four-wheel drive or is otherwise modified and intended for off-the-way use."

So I guess you're OK there. Turn the front end around (sidewall or 'thread' extending beyond fenders), or mount knobbies (intended for off-road use) and you're good to go! I'm not a lawyer though, and I don't know how to do a thorough search of the legal code, so don't blame me. Here's a link that might help others. http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=315249

What are you talking about? The third sentence on that webpage; "A passenger vehicle may not carry a load extending more than three inches beyond the left side line of its fenders or more than six inches beyond the right side line of its fenders."

A little furtur research shows the exact same type reg here in Maryland. Zero inches left side, six inches right side. It seems pretty standard stuff to me.
Yep "Chewy" as in I put my foot right into my mouth right up to the ankle. aka "you are correct".

OK, this should be the end of it. Showing how the pins and hinges
make this an easy bike carrier.