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Ladder bike rack
I have a 1995 Lazy Daze, 26.5' which does not presently have a hitch set-up. I was wondering if the ladder bike racks are a very good option or if I should spend the money to have a hitch added to the motor home? Any opinions? Thank-you.
Re: Ladder bike rack
Reply #1 –
According to the spec sheet for 1995 LDs, a 'trailer hitch' was standard equipment on all models; yours must have been removed for some reason? (Maybe someone can explain a reason to remove a trailer hitch? All I can think of is that it may have been removed to repair water leak damage?) 
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Ladder bike rack
Reply #2 –
We used one for a short while to carry two bikes. It did  the job, but
1. If you need to get on the roof for some reason, the bikes and rack need to be removed.
2. The bikes extended past the side of the camper by perhaps 6”
3. The bikes partially obscured the tail lights on the passenger side. However,  A standard hitch mounted rack may well do the same.
4. Unless you were really, really careful, the bikes would scratch the paint on the camper.

I would go with the standard trailer hitch.

Re: Ladder bike rack
Reply #3 –
Thank-you for your input. We definitely have no hitch and it doesn't appear as though there ever has been one. At any rate, I believe I will purchase a couple small folding bikes and carry them inside the rig while traveling. We are not hard-core bikers so the little folding bikes would work fine for us.
Re: Ladder bike rack
Reply #4 –
While adding vent covers to my MB I figured that it was easier to access the roof by climbing out through the front emergency access hatch than climbing the rear ladder.
2004 26.5 MB
Enjoying retirement traveling, Rzr riding, photography, and of course the 2 grand girls!
Re: Ladder bike rack
Reply #5 –
As a road-racing cyclist, I am presently going through the same decision making process. There are a lot of different ways to mount bikes, each with their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to security and stability, I wish I could say I've come up with an answer that suits my particular needs, but I really haven't just yet.
 
For most people, a standard hitch rack will do just fine. Many have options for swing-away or tilt-down access.
1983 20'
Re: Ladder bike rack
Reply #6 –
When I had the back of my 92 MB apart I checked the ladder backing on the middle posts. It was 1/2 ply panels about 12”x12”, with 3/4” screws holding the ladder brackets. I replaced that with 3/4 plywood about 18”x 18” and bolted through. Now I feel like it is very well anchored, but still can’t bring myself to hang a bike off it. Probably would work, but I’m chicken.
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: Ladder bike rack
Reply #7 –
I too am chicken.  Bicycles bouncing on the ladder mounts must impact the ladder mount with forces greater than the weight of a man.  Especially a Schwinn bicycle on California interstate highways. Then the leaks start.
Rodney
1988 Mid Bath
 
Re: Ladder bike rack
Reply #8 –
Well, the good thing is, if you've got a road racing bike, it weighs about 1/5 as much as an average camper's hybrid road/trail bike. You're probably still better off not using the ladder.

We have pretty standard/heavy bikes, and use a front hitch-mounted rack.  There's enough room to get behind them for engine access, even without using the fold-down option.  It suspends them from the top instead of wheels, though, so loading isn't always quick. We often tow off the back, so that hitch is occupied.

The comment about 'bouncing on the rack' is telling, too.  Whenever transporting stuff, it needs to be lashed down with non-elastic strapping so bouncing and impacts are eliminated, so all elements move as one.  There's still non-impact inertia, but the hammering is gone.

Chip
2000 Front Lounge