What Is The Best Way To Carry Bikes On A Pop Up?

Question:

Hello! What is the best way to carry two mountain bikes with a total weight of 60lbs on a pop up camper? We have a 2019 Rockwood freedom 1940 Ltd. If I install roof racks do I have to drill holes? If I install a rear hitch mount on the back of the pop up, does it mess with tongue weight? Double hitch? I have a Yakima trey style hitch mounted rack that I would love to use with the pop up if possible. Thanks for the help.

asked by: Nick

Expert Reply:

Adding a roof rack like the SportRack Pop-Up Camper Roof Rack # SR1020 would require drilling to install. The rack installs on the roof of your pop-up camper by first picking out the desired location of the roof rack. You will then take a 1/8-inch drill bit and drill holes through the roof that line up with the holes on the feet of the roof rack. Using the included hardware you will then bolt the crossbars onto your roof to secure the roof rack. It has a weight capacity of 200lbs so that should work fine including 2 bike carriers like the Malone Pilot TC ST Roof Bike Rack # MPG2103.

Another option is that you could add a hitch to the back of your camper for use with a bike rack, but you could not use it with your tray style Yakima rack in that situation. Yakima tray style bikes are not rated for use on a trailer and only the Long Haul # Y02476 hanging bike rack is a model they recommend using in this application.

I have included video resources for these parts so you can review.

A roof rack for your tow vehicle to mount a bike carrier to is another option as well. If you can provide more details there as far as year, make, and model, I can make a recommendation.

expert reply by: Patrick R