Arvika Bike Racks

jebelhafit

I've been looking at the Arivka bike racks that have a special attachment for T@B and Little Guy trailers over the propane tank on the front.  The mounting bracket requires that you drill holes into the A-frame of the trailer.  The Arvika system appears to be very well made, but I have concerns about drilling four holes on each side of the A-frame for the mounting brackets.   

Has anyone tried mounting one of these racks?

Nomad

Is this the rack that LittleGuy sells in the shop?

jdargis

I have just finished installing this rack on my T@B.  If you are doing the install yourself, you will need two "c" clamps to hold and find your placement point on the trailer frame.  There are no suggested measurements where to place on the T@B frame.  You are on your own where you think it should fit.   

Pros:
1. Seems to well made, with a decent finish coat on the frame members.
2.  Bottom brackets when drilled and mounted to the trailer frame are very solid,

Cons:
1.  Upper frame members slide into the lower brackets and held on height position by a thumb screw, I think under load and the bouncy of the trailer they would loosen up and drop the carrier down on my propane cover. (I drilled through the inserted upper frame and lower brackets and will install a bolt through both members when traveling, thus it cannot drop)
2.  Even with the thumb screw tightened down and the bolt inserted through, I would like less movement in the rack.  (Working on that cure, they do make a bracket to attach to the carrier frame and jackstand.  But I have a toolbox, which I carry my sewer hoses in, which is attached to the frame between the propane cover and jack-stand.  So that will not work for me.)
3.  I replaced all the bolts that where part of the rack and also that came to mount it to the frame, with stainless steel bolts.  Extra $30.
4.  Also, had to cut off and reattach the gray tank sewer hose fitting and create a new support for it.

Make sure you have good quality steel drill bits, because the cheap ones will not do the job.

jebelhafit

PXLated said:

Is this the rack that LittleGuy sells in the shop?

Yes, this is the same rack although I bought it from an Arvika dealer.

jebelhafit

Many thanks Jdargis.  I plan to mount the frame just in front of the propane tank, so the upper frame supports will be at their lowest point.  I also purchased the telescopic support arm that you refer to, so I am not worried about the structure moving.  Thanks again for your advice.

jebelhafit

Here is the final result.  The rack is moved slightly forward to allow the propane tank to open without raising the height of the rack.  This positioning works for 2 bikes, but would probably be too far forward for 3 or 4 bikes.  The drain hose attachment had to be moved back, but is still readily accessible.  The support arm attached to the jack stand makes a rock solid installation.

JacobyO

I really like the idea of this. I have been looking for a way to carry the bikes on my Outback. I wonder if this rack will work with the Outbacks platforms. Any ideas?

Nomad

I'm pretty sure the Outbacks have the same frame as the regular T@Bs - Just a different axel/height. So it should mount the same.

JacobyO

I am more concerned about the clearance of the aluminum platform adjacent to the propane/battery compartment. I looked at my setup and as you have mounted in the picture it won't clear. Really cool option though. Might have to figure something out in that style.

Nomad

JacobyO - Do all Outbacks come with that platform? For some reason I thought it was an option/accessory. With that, I can see where it could be a problem.

Cykilar

What model T@B do you have @gbelhafit? Thx

Amjones

Has anyone tried this front mount Arvika on a Silver Shadow?

DeeDee

jebelhafit, did you have to cut your gray water drain to relocate? @jdargis mentions cutting and It looks like that is what we will also have to do in order for the rack to be fully supported. Do you have an idea of the measurement from the front of the trailer to where you attached your mounting brackets? As previously stated, instruction are less than helpful.