Mounting Hitch on boat trailer for Bicycles

[dan144k]

I installed a hitch mount on my boat trailer to insert a my 4 bike rack.

I tried about 10 different positions and this is the only way I found to work. With the square bow on the boat I was unable to mount on a 45 degree angle like I originally thought. I did not try off t back of the trailer.

I also had to use a 12" extension to get into the back of the van and get the bikes away from the van for turning. Also I had a 1-1/4" bike rack, So I had to to use an adapter from 1-1/4" to 2" adapter.

Trailered 6 hours and had no problems, worked great.

Swagman RV 2" Bumper Adaptor (Amazon) $38

 

[Volffas]

Nice setup! I actually have more questions about your tow vehicle than your bikes. What kind of van is that? Does it have all wheel drive? We have been looking for something to haul our whole family and the boat. I have decided that Chevy Express vans are probably the best. But I'm not sure of their towing capacity or performance. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[dan144k]

I think I posted most of this info in the tow vehicle section also.

It is a 2010 chevy express 2500. 12 passenger. 6.0 litre motor and 6 speed transmission RWD.
I think it s rated to tow 9000 lbs.
It tows my boat like it is not even connected to the back. I think it has plenty of power.

When it is empty is when it rides the worst, rough on the Chicago roads. I modified my suspension so it rides empty pretty well now. I removed a leaf spring and added a air suspension kit with air bags; had to add a rear facing sway bar with the softer springs to control the cross winds on the highway.

Also upgraded the stock tires to Michelin. And stock tire pressures are listed at 50psi front and 80psi rear, I run 45 psi front and 55psi rear, and have snsors to monitor pressure and temperature.

Personally I have not needed to have 4 wheel drive yet. I have launched several steep tennesse ramps and also some gravel ramps and no problems yet.

When something happens to my express van, I will most likely replace it with another van for 12 maybe 15 passengers. My family is me, wife, 3 year old. But we use the van on trips and often have 6 or 8 people with us. The van is simple but we like it. Also nice when we take boat out because I have everyone meet at my house and then we go launch boat.

 

[jetboater4life]

@Jump Right In
How about this approach?

 

[Jump Right In]

@jetboater4life if you mean the one pictured above, it is possible, but I think a bit of the problem is my Thule Apex 5 is too long. It may still work in the above set-up, although I would have to investigate it further. Still looking for more ideas... but thanks to everyone so far.

 

[jetboater4life]

@Jump Right In not only do we have the same boat but we also have the same bike rack. Same trucks too, but yours is a little newer.
If the method @dan144k doesn't work for our setup then maybe welding a hitch to the back of the trailer.

 

[biglar155]

I installed a hitch mount on my boat trailer to insert a my 4 bike rack.

I tried about 10 different positions and this is the only way I found to work. With the square bow on the boat I was unable to mount on a 45 degree angle like I originally thought. I did not try off t back of the trailer.

I also had to use a 12" extension to get into the back of the van and get the bikes away from the van for turning. Also I had a 1-1/4" bike rack, So I had to to use an adapter from 1-1/4" to 2" adapter.

Trailered 6 hours and had no problems, worked great.

Swagman RV 2" Bumper Adaptor (Amazon) $38
View attachment 9501
View attachment 9502 View attachment 9503

Nice Setup Dan.

Just as an FYI to others, you DO need to "de-rate" your towing capacity when you use an extension like that. I believe a 12" extension halves tow capacity and tongue weight capacity (it may vary by manufacturer - not sure). So if you're already getting close to the capacity of your vehicle and add one of these extensions, you are asking for trouble.

I suspect Dan is O.K. with a 2500 van but if it's a 50% de-rated he's probably getting close.

Don't want anyone going out and breaking something!

 

[Volffas]

I think I posted most of this info in the tow vehicle section also.

It is a 2010 chevy express 2500. 12 passenger. 6.0 litre motor and 6 speed transmission RWD.
I think it s rated to tow 9000 lbs.
It tows my boat like it is not even connected to the back. I think it has plenty of power.

When it is empty is when it rides the worst, rough on the Chicago roads. I modified my suspension so it rides empty pretty well now. I removed a leaf spring and added a air suspension kit with air bags; had to add a rear facing sway bar with the softer springs to control the cross winds on the highway.

Also upgraded the stock tires to Michelin. And stock tire pressures are listed at 50psi front and 80psi rear, I run 45 psi front and 55psi rear, and have snsors to monitor pressure and temperature.

Personally I have not needed to have 4 wheel drive yet. I have launched several steep tennesse ramps and also some gravel ramps and no problems yet.

When something happens to my express van, I will most likely replace it with another van for 12 maybe 15 passengers. My family is me, wife, 3 year old. But we use the van on trips and often have 6 or 8 people with us. The van is simple but we like it. Also nice when we take boat out because I have everyone meet at my house and then we go launch boat.

Ah yes, I rember asking that question already. Sorry, it seems my mind is slipping these days. Thanks for the response! (again).