Tandem carrier D.I.Y. mods for regular carrier
07-05-20, 06:54 PM
#1
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Tandem carrier D.I.Y. mods for regular carrier
We have been faithful to sticking around through this pandemic, but we've got a trip planned soon, and now I'd like to improve the way I carry my bike.
The current reciever mounted rack is fine for shorter trips, but there's always a risk of scratching the paint, or losing the bike altogether. That's not likely, but there's no reason not to try to improve. I looked at another rack I purchased used and figured out if I fabricated a new fork mount, and some longer legs, it might work.
The first thing i did, was drill thru a piece of 3/4 dia stainless for a skewer, and spin the ends to duplicate my fork
more to follow....
The current reciever mounted rack is fine for shorter trips, but there's always a risk of scratching the paint, or losing the bike altogether. That's not likely, but there's no reason not to try to improve. I looked at another rack I purchased used and figured out if I fabricated a new fork mount, and some longer legs, it might work.
The first thing i did, was drill thru a piece of 3/4 dia stainless for a skewer, and spin the ends to duplicate my fork
more to follow....
Last edited by bazil4696; 07-06-20 at 10:54 PM.
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07-05-20, 08:21 PM
#2
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Look forward to seeing what you come up with. I've got a couple old thule big mouth bike carriers, I'm looking for a side mount and was thinking of linking together the channels to make one extra long one and have two ways of grabbing the bike on the roof rack. Like many things tandem the roof rack tandem carrier is way overpriced.
07-06-20, 11:27 AM
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So, the first thing to do was cut 2 new 1 1/4 square tubing 6" longer each side to accommodate the long wheelbase and centre the bike. I just drilled new holes and bolted them back in, using the original plastic end caps
I used a piece of 1 1/2" square tubing and machined a pocket for the locknut. This lips over the 1 1/4" tubing nicely.
I milled a pocket on the angle to fit the 1 1/2" tubing to the strut.
Checking the centres, height, and overall satisfaction before welding.
Looks like its ready.
07-06-20, 11:34 AM
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Here is the clamp lever I used.
Final check with a precision level after welding. Looks great. Ready to try the bike on it tonite! I spent about 2 1/2 hours making it. I used stainless steel because I work building food equipment, so offcuts were available, and it's cheaper than powdercoating steel...
07-06-20, 11:06 PM
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I got home from work with the modified rack on my car, and had my stoker come help me load the bike on it's new rack. WHOOPS! About TEN INCHES too short on the left side. Seems to me I checked those dimensions, cause they're THE ONLY ONES THAT MATTER! How much longer does the rack have be to fit the bike safely??? At least 22 inches longer than original....
07-10-20, 01:19 PM
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It fits
I might shorten the hitch bar to get it closer to the bumper
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07-11-20, 02:48 PM
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I’d be uncomfortable driving with the bike sticking out wider than the car. When we hauled a tandem across the back, I took off both wheels, rotated the for k backward, and the bike was just inside the width of the mirrors. I still worried about clipping something in tight spaces.
Sticking out beyond the mirrors,would worry me too much.
Sticking out beyond the mirrors,would worry me too much.
__________________
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
