Hitch mounted bike rack anyone?

[backcountrymedic]

Just wondering if anyone has a hitch mounted bike rack on their Vanagon/Westy. Reviews? Pros/cons? Pics?

GoWesty's 2" receiver hitch is finally available again, and I'm thinking about getting one with a Yakima bike rack set-up. It's a bit of $$$, but better than climbing up top to load/unload my beach cruiser...

Cheers!
-Jared
_________________
No need to bear the weight of your worries, you let them all fall away...

Sector 9 longboard
Kona Kikapu Deluxe MTB
Novarra Big Buzz
Electra Cruiser
'01 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

[Bruce Wayne]

I got a rack a few years ago from Les Schwab ($125) that fits my 2" receiver. holds 4 bikes. it is extended on the bottom to where you can put a ball on that to tow a trailer. I have had it for 8 or so years and just recently joined the VW ranks and plan to use it with a small ( 3' x 4' ) trailer that weighs about 300 lbs loaded.

[backcountrymedic]

Thanks Master Wayne! How's the Boy Wonder?

-Alfred
_________________
No need to bear the weight of your worries, you let them all fall away...

Sector 9 longboard
Kona Kikapu Deluxe MTB
Novarra Big Buzz
Electra Cruiser
'01 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

[Randy in Maine]

Mine is a Thule. Works great and I can still get to the engine and rear hatch.

[wbx]

Hey Jared,

Have you considered one of Gary Lee's racks? I'm not sure if you are looking for a hitch rack specifically (it does have it's advantages), but i think the hatch rack is the way to go. The only thing that might trump that would be a swing-away hitch rack...

-Damon
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'84 Westy (first owner).......but my daily driver has pedals
My "perspective" mantra:
A Volkswagen Vanagon is just a material thing,
As such, it is of the earth,
And if i need to, I can let my Van go.

[70coupyel]

One of the reasons I bought the Van Again bumpers was the 2'' rear hitch.I also just got an upper end Thule(with locks and folds down) and it's a really nice set up.It was a lil more than I wanted to spend but by the time you add up the extra cost of the hitch lock and the cable lock it wasn't that much more than piecing it all together.

http://www.etrailer.com/pc-BRFT~TH954.htm
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[cityside]

Our Swagman Twister for three bikes cost $90 online and does exactly what it is supposed to do.
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There are only two things in life, ... but I forget what they are.

'89 westy
'90 325ci

[John Sullivan]

I have a 2 inch receiver hitch on my westy. I use the Bauer Revolution bike rack. It is awesome. It has swing away capability allowing you to move the bikes and open the tailgate. I also have the 2 additonal bike add on which allows me to carry 4 bikes. I got mine from Whitney, but I don't think they carry it any more. I did see one on Craigs list http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/373452070.html in the bay area.

I bought my hitch from Dennis Haynes on Long Island. He makes a really nice hitch for the Vanagon.

[backcountrymedic]

Damon-

Have looked at Gary Lee's stuff. In fact, I have his side-mount ladder(the portable one), and use it to access the box on top. His work is awesome, but a bit pricey for my uni-tasking desires (bike rack only).

I ended up purchasing GoWesty's 2" Receiver Hitch. Just got it installed. It's friggin' bomber!! I also purchased a Yakima King Pin 4 bike mount (got a killer deal through REI). Been working lots of overtime with all the fires, hence the extra $$$.

I'll post pics of the whole sh'bang tomorrow. Got everything done right at dusk, so no light for pics.

Cheers!
-Jared
_________________
No need to bear the weight of your worries, you let them all fall away...

Sector 9 longboard
Kona Kikapu Deluxe MTB
Novarra Big Buzz
Electra Cruiser
'01 Toyota Tacoma 4x4