Recreational & Family - Bike rack on front mount hitch

I'm thinking of getting a hitch mounted bike rack. I have a Silverado truck that we tow our trailer with. I thought a hitch mount would be great for everyday use, but also need a way to take the bikes when camping. Taking them apart and fitting them into my covered truck bed is a hassle.

So now I'm considering buying a front hitch receiver for my truck. They have bolt on models for my truck for about $150.

Would bikes on the front block my vision too much for driving? Do the bikes get really messed up from being in the front like bugs or damaged?

What is a decent "family man priced" four position hitch rack?

Thanks

I'm pretty sure the bikes would stick up past the hood and interfere with the visibility. But you would have to actually try it and see.

What are you towing when you go camping? Would it be possible to put the bikes in whatever you're towing?

I have a vintage airstream. It's not desirable to load it with bikes. We stop on the side of the road sometimes to use it for lunch or other needs.

Also there is no way to add a hitch to the rear of the trailer because of the trailers frame construction.

I do have two folding bikes I can put in my pickup, but need two more bikes for the kids. I'll probably try the hitch mount because I'd like it for normal non trailering use. Any strong opinions on a four bike carrier?

Can you get 4 bikes in the back of the pickup? kinda like this.

http://www.rackwarehouse.com/images/bannerimages/pickupbikerack665.jpg

If so, go to www.rackwarehouse.com and look through their racks.

I just purchased a hitch and carrier yesterday, and while researching them stumbled across towing hitch racks (http://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Hitch_Bike_Racks-co-Towing_Rack.aspx) that allow you to carry bikes while also towing a trailer. I didn't have a need for that system (so I can't give any feedback on how well it works) but it looks like it might work for you. I've been pleased with etrailer.com so far, but I haven't actually received the order yet - UPS says it's scheduled to be delivered on Wednesday; considering that I placed the order yesterday and got free shipping, they're doing well so far.

I bought a Bodiak brand bolt on front hitch for my F-350. It bolts to the tow hooks, but that lets the bikes ride very high and it blocked my view. I had a welding shop fab a Z- bracket to drop the hitch 12 inches, but not push the bike rack any further forward. I have a yakima bike rack that clamps down on the rear wheel and top tube, but only holds 2 bikes

214120
I have the Swagman XC 2 Bike Rack. Bikes stand up. Frame grip arms slide up and down on the middle brace and hold bikes in place. These are not shown. Bikes are on and off in minutes. This is the product to get. Best $120 I ever spent.

The XC slides into a 2" or 1-1/4" receiver and carries up to 2 bikes.
Frame grip arms have a soft-frame coating to protect your bike's finish.
When not in use, the rack folds up for easy storage (on or off vehicle).
The XC carries the widest variety of bike frames in its class.

Thanks for the info Doug. Sounds like a good option.

The rack I'm considering is the Hollywood HR1400. A little pricy at $350 but holds two or four bikes. Requires a 2" hitch.

You said, "covered truck bed". Is that a tonneau or topper? Either way mounting some bikes is feasible and will still allow you to tow the Airstream.

http://www.carrackadvice.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/2009-chevy-silverado-tonneau-cover-rack-bike-carriers-719-300x300.jpghttp://www.carrackadvice.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/tracrac-caprac-truck-cap-rack-300x300.jpg

towing a trailer already , Id go with the roof-rack on the bed canopy.
Thule or Yakima..