Carry 2 Bikes with an Arvika Bike Rack on a Forest River R-Pod

Pat, from Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, recently purchased an Arvika Bike Rack System for his 2013 Forest River R-Pod 177 Travel Trailer from us here at Racks For Cars. Pat was planning to tow his trailer with his 2010 Ford F-150 and wanted to carry his bikes on the front of his R-Pod rather than on the back of the travel trailer.

Pat gave us a call and after some discussion he decided to purchase the Arvika Travel Trailer Bracket, Arvika 2 Bike Attachment, and Arvika Telescoping Support Arm so that he could carry his two bikes on the tongue of the trailer above the propane tanks. He also purchased the Arvika 2 Inch Hitch Bracket to be able to mount the 2 Bike Attachment onto his truck's hitch for day trips when he does not tow his trailer.

Here is some feeback from Pat about the installation, shipping speed, and Arvika bike rack system in general.

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Greetings from Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.  Here's some feedback from my experience in mounting my new Arvika 7000 system bike rack. The rack was installed on my 2013 Forest River R-Pod 177 trailer.

The assembly went OK, especially after reviewing your very helpful video. The printed instructions leave much to the imagination but the video tied everything together. I was outside during assembly watching it on my phone. All the parts and pieces were there, nothing missing.  Thanks for double wrapping all the boxes with extra cardboard and plastic wrap. Without that extra wrapping, I'm sure the boxes would have been destroyed by the shippers.

If you look at my pictures, the travel trailer A-Frame bracket went on the r-pod with a pretty good fit. I did have to remove and will later relocate the brake-away plunger switch. The mount is forward of the battery box and behind the LP tank mounts. It's really sturdy since I bought and installed the telescopic arm. I thought the arm was a good idea even if I only carry two bikes.

The only negative I can think of is the process of removing the 2-bike attachment from the trailer mount and transferring it to the receiver hitch bracket for day trips away from the trailer. I noticed that I would have to remove two bolts holding the bike carrier each time I transfer it. I don't think I would consider that. It's too bad that the mount is not designed to be "quick disconnect" without the use of threaded nuts and bolts.

Overall, it looks like a good design and a much better choice to carry a bike on an RV. I will never again carry bikes or anything heavy on the flimsy rear mounted receiver of my r-pod.

Thanks for getting the boxes out so quickly, they arrived in five days!

Best regards from the States...

Pat

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Pictures of Arvika Bike Rack installed on R-Pod

Once the bikes were loaded up onto the rack Pat was kind enough to send us some photos of the bike rack installed on his trailer with the bikes loaded onto it. He even took it for a test run and took some photos with the truck towing the trailer. He is now on his way to Florida for a vacation!

Close up of Arvika Travel Trailer Bracket

This picture shows the Travel Trailer Bracket bolting around the A-Frame of the R-Pod. The Bracket requires at least 4.5 inches of space along the A-Frame to be properly attached.

Close up of Arvika Travel Trailer Bracket and Telescoping Support Arm

This picture shows the Travel Trailer Bracket and Telescoping Support Arm attached to the A-Frame and Jack Post. The Telescoping Support Arm helps support the weight of the bikes at the front of the bike rack.

Picture of bike rack with bikes loaded

You can see in this picture that the bikes sit in the trays of the Arvika bike rack and are held in place by arms which attach to the frame of the bikes. The wheels are also secured with a wheel strap.

Picture of bike rack with bikes loaded - side view

In this picture you can see that the bikes sit just ahead of the trailer body and behind the jack post. Positioning the bikes as close to the trailer body will prevent issues with turning radius especially when backing into a tight spot.

Picture of bike rack with bikes loaded - front view

In this picture you can see clearly how the bike frames are secured. The arms which clamp the bike frame can move to accommodate different frame shapes and styles.

Side view of bike rack with trailer attached to truck

Here you can see that the bikes are position nicely away from the truck to avoid any contact when turning.

Side view of bike rack with trailer attached to truck - canopy open

Pat was even able to open his canopy for quick access to gear while traveling without needing to remove the bikes.

Full view of bike rack, trailer, and truck

Pat is now ready to head down to Florida with the R-Pod and bikes loaded up!

Parts used in this installation

• Arvika Travel Trailer Bracket 7000-AF
• Arvika 2 Bike Attachment 7002-26-C
• Arvika Telescoping Support Arm BR-AF

Need to carry bikes on your Forest River R-Pod?

Arvika bike rack systems are the perfect option for those looking to carry bikes on an R-Pod or any other model of travel trailer. Arvika bike rack systems attach onto the tongue of the trailer which is safer than the rear of the trailer. Check out the above parts or give us a call at 1-855-884-7225 for more information.

Happy camping!