Adding rails to factory Roof Rack for bikes - Page 2

03-01-2005, 03:44 PM

The owner's manual should specify the weight rating of the roof rack. If it
is 100 lb, that is three mountain bikes or four road bikes.

Another down side to a rear rack is that it may be in the way when you want
to open the trunk or tailgate. I HAVE wiped off a bike on a low overhanging
roof, and it's disgusting. But, having done it once, I doubt that I will
ever let it happen again.

As to reaching high and dropping a bike: Costco has a little folding
stepladder for about $20 that is perfect for this. Also, I hang a piece of
carpet down the side of my wagon while I'm loading/unloading.

03-01-2005, 05:30 PM

I guess I should have mentioned that the reason to load-up the bikes,
some of the time, is to go camping. I have a Jayco 1406, 2300lb 280 lb
tonge weight, so the hitch mount bike rack to tow with was a good idea,
but the rating on the one I got years ago is 2500 lb so with the camper
and some food and gear, I am over. Plus the bikes hit the jack on the
trailer.

That also fills the back of the blazer with stuff, like I said, I have
3-4 bikes to take plus the Burley bike trailer for the little one.

I prefer to use the top of the Blazer over the top of the camper so we
can take the bikes to the trail if it is not near the campground or if
we want to see the other end of the trail. (the kids cannot ride that
far yet...)

so, mount the roof rack to the factory rack, or get the towers that sit
on top the roof?

Stick with the two big players or venture out into cheaper solutions?

Yes I am afraid of ripping them off the top when I get home, but I
cannot pull into the garage with the trailer attached, and if it is not
attached, I will use the hitch mount carrier.

thanks

03-01-2005, 05:30 PM

I guess I should have mentioned that the reason to load-up the bikes,
some of the time, is to go camping. I have a Jayco 1406, 2300lb 280 lb
tonge weight, so the hitch mount bike rack to tow with was a good idea,
but the rating on the one I got years ago is 2500 lb so with the camper
and some food and gear, I am over. Plus the bikes hit the jack on the
trailer.

That also fills the back of the blazer with stuff, like I said, I have
3-4 bikes to take plus the Burley bike trailer for the little one.

I prefer to use the top of the Blazer over the top of the camper so we
can take the bikes to the trail if it is not near the campground or if
we want to see the other end of the trail. (the kids cannot ride that
far yet...)

so, mount the roof rack to the factory rack, or get the towers that sit
on top the roof?

Stick with the two big players or venture out into cheaper solutions?

Yes I am afraid of ripping them off the top when I get home, but I
cannot pull into the garage with the trailer attached, and if it is not
attached, I will use the hitch mount carrier.

thanks

03-02-2005, 08:30 AM

On 1 Mar 2005 18:30:03 -0800, [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] wrote:

>Yes I am afraid of ripping them off the top when I get home, but I
>cannot pull into the garage with the trailer attached, and if it is not
>attached, I will use the hitch mount carrier.

Assuming you have a garage door opener you might employ our trick.
Whenever the bikes go on the roof rack the garage door remote is
tucked safely away. Best place, in the bike's seat bag.

jeverett3<AT>earthlink<DOT>net [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

03-02-2005, 08:30 AM

On 1 Mar 2005 18:30:03 -0800, [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] wrote:

>Yes I am afraid of ripping them off the top when I get home, but I
>cannot pull into the garage with the trailer attached, and if it is not
>attached, I will use the hitch mount carrier.

Assuming you have a garage door opener you might employ our trick.
Whenever the bikes go on the roof rack the garage door remote is
tucked safely away. Best place, in the bike's seat bag.

jeverett3<AT>earthlink<DOT>net [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]