Custom 4-bike hitch carrier

[iggibar]

I've been working on this with my dad(at his work place) for a week(we don't have too much free time available). We started working on this because I hated the fact that all the one's that I wanted were ridiculously expensive knowing how simple they were, while also adding stupid things on it that I don't even want. Tilting is a feature I don't want, but was on EVERY one that I was looking at. We aren't done with it yet...possibly one more week to go. When done, it will have 4 independent clamps on each arm that can be adjusted for each bikes frame size. Once the bikes are on it, you lower the upper arm and lock it. There will be one lock on each arm. We still have a triangle support post that goes from the main vertical post to the 2 arms. So far, as is, it can easily hold 800 pounds, as we tested it with a compressor pushing down it's maximum 800 pound limit on it. The tongue weight does't even exceeded that, but if you know me, you would know that I like to OVER-DO EVERYTHING! It's a 2" hitch. The upper arm's(the one's that will go over the the bike's frame) are placed there now with a place-holding bracket. That bracket will be a little taller when done.


Here's a pic:
What do you think?

Don't mind my neighbors grass...they are dumb.

[cofetym]

Looking good.

[theirishscion]

Looks like excellent progress. Wish I still had access to a metal shop, I'd be right there with you...

I have one of those overpriced Yakima carrier's your talking about, and whilst it's reasonably well made, it should have cost ~$50, not the $160 I seem to remember it did. Is it me or is there some weird cartel thing going on with regards to roof boxes and other roof-mount equipment. They all seem to be irrationally expensive, full of nickel-and-dime-y extra parts and generally infuriating to try to buy.

[iggibar]

Originally Posted by theirishscion

Looks like excellent progress. Wish I still had access to a metal shop, I'd be right there with you...

I have one of those overpriced Yakima carrier's your talking about, and whilst it's reasonably well made, it should have cost ~$50, not the $160 I seem to remember it did. Is it me or is there some weird cartel thing going on with regards to roof boxes and other roof-mount equipment. They all seem to be irrationally expensive, full of nickel-and-dime-y extra parts and generally infuriating to try to buy.

Thanks!
As for those roof boxes, they are they only thing I would actually want to spend the most money I can on one because they actually do extensive testing to prevent mpg loss, while increasing the drag by as little as possible. We've been there when we had the chevy suburban. No two boxes were the same, even if they looked close to being the same.

[theirishscion]

Originally Posted by iggibar

Thanks!
As for those roof boxes, they are they only thing I would actually want to spend the most money I can on one because they actually do extensive testing to prevent mpg loss, while increasing the drag by as little as possible. We've been there when we had the chevy suburban. No two boxes were the same, even if they looked close to being the same.

Right, I can see the legitimacy in charging a bit for a really nicely engineered (and wind tunnel tested) top box, and indeed the prices on the top boxes themselves aren't outrageous, but most of the accessories; how they can charge $85 for a couple of ratcheting tie-downs or $35 for a molded plastic mounting grommet (4 required @ $140 total for most applications) with a straight face, I have no idea. Makes Honda factory accessories look like a steal

[iggibar]

Finally got it done!
Got everything on, and shortened it a bit more. Brushed it down-

Taping up and getting it ready for priming-
Priming-

Painting-

Adhesive pad strips finally came in. Ready to go!-




I'm really happy with it!

[theirishscion]

Big pimpin'! Now if you could just see your way clear to building one to carry two long wheelbase RANS recumbents, my wife and I would be extremely grateful :-D

[oejeffrey]

so would you be willing to make another one in red ?? if you got the time I got the dime. Wow I am a poet and didn't know it !!!!!

yeah it was bad. Sorry !!

[iggibar]

Originally Posted by oejeffrey

so would you be willing to make another one in red ?? if you got the time I got the dime. Wow I am a poet and didn't know it !!!!!

yeah it was bad. Sorry !!

Most likely not. Not because we couldn't do another one, but because it require use of work tools, which means not doing actual work. It would cost a lot. Probably not beneficial to you. It is to us though. Sorry.

[oejeffrey]

well I had to ask

[gewf631]

Originally Posted by iggibar

Finally got it done!

I'm really happy with it!

In the end, that's what's most important. One thing I like to do for anything that might end-up rubbing, is to use that plastic paint - the stuff that wrench handles are coated with. (one brand is Plasti-Dip). It comes in basic colors, but adds an extra layer of protection for your toys.

Alternatively, a buddy of mine took something to a shop that sprays bedliner - he just asked them to spray the next time they had a truck to do. Think it cost him $10.

One thing I do like about those overpriced carriers, is that most of them swing or hinge out of the way, allowing access to the hatch without taking the carrier off the vehicle.

[iggibar]

Originally Posted by gewf631

In the end, that's what's most important. One thing I like to do for anything that might end-up rubbing, is to use that plastic paint - the stuff that wrench handles are coated with. (one brand is Plasti-Dip).

I have it lined with Stoneshield(link works) It's similar to the clear 3M that's placed on the rear hatch to protect against the wiper blade, but tougher. Have it on the rack where rubbing can occur, and all over my bike

I do love Plasti-Dip though! I use that on almost everything I can put it on(same with the stoneshield)!