Using the Bike Bunk to Carry Bikes While Towing a Travel Trailer with a 2015 Ford Expedition

Question:

I currently have a 2015 Ford Expedition EL and towing a 2015 Apex Ultra light trailer model 276BHSS. I have 7 bicycles that I pack up in the trailer everything time we go camping and sometimes it can get messy bringing them into the trailer. I was looking into an A frame bike rack and interested in purchasing the bike bunk part cc-275 with the Saris Bones hitch 4-bike rack because of its light weight. I was wondering if there will be an issue with the tow vehicle turning radius and or accessing the trunk because the vehicle is an suv and not a open box truck like a pick up.

asked by: Trevor

Expert Reply:

The Bike Bunk # CC-275 is a great option for carrying bikes on a trailer. But the problem is since the bike rack will be mounted on a trailer you will have to use a bike rack that is rated for use on a trailer. The (DISCONTINUED) Saris Bones SA884 is not rated for trailer applications.

The lightest 4-bike rack that is rated for use on a trailer is # S64400 and it weighs a little over 30 pounds. That leaves about 70 pounds capacity for the bikes or 17-1/2 pounds per bike. The average adult bike weighs about 30 pounds.

What I would do is carry 2 of the bikes on the Bike Bunk with the Swagman XC, # S64650, which weighs just around 25 pounds. The other bikes would have to be carried either in the trailer or split between the trailer and your 2015 Ford Expedition. Also, if you do it this way, turning clearance and hatch clearance won't be an issue. If you have light enough bikes you may be able to use the Swagman Original # S64400 or # S64152-2

expert reply by: Michael H