Old Blue's Blog - Racks

Racks

Bike Racks

First rack: Thule folding rack using GoWesty hitch

Thule Rack

Heavy, but has folding arms and a tilt-away feature. Holds up to four bikes and comes with anti-sway cages, strap, and security cable (which, according to a fellow van owner who has the same rack, can be defeated so it's basically useless).

Modifications: Added safety tape and a Recon 26418RD 15" light bar since the tail lights are obscured by the bikes.* The light bar is the same width as the rack's arms; so, it's simply mounted onto the fourth bike pads and held in place with the Thule rubber bike straps. The bar uses a flat-four electrical connection.

* Kind of odd. For all the safety crap the USA requires on vehicles, not a single bike rack comes with a light, nor did I find any rack-specific lights available (back in 2011 or so). However, these options are readily available over in the UK.

This rack was sold in 2019 and replaced by…

Second rack: Fiamma T3 Carry-Bike

Fiamma Bike Rack

Parents' van came with a Fiamma bike rack. Seeing how easy it was to un/load, how lightweight it was, and the fact that it could stay on the van while in the garage (bottom folds up), I decided to replace the Thule rack with a Fiamma. Money well spent – I love it!

Hitch Rack

Hitch Haul

Hitch Haul

Being tired of moving a bunch of stuff out of the way in the van every night when going from camp to camp, I decided it was time to move said stuff out. Found an aluminum version of the Hitch Haul at my local Sportsman's Warehouse. Mounted to the hitch using two locking, anti-sway hitch pins.

Modifications:

All of the more bulky items go into a Rola bag (originally bought for the Westfalia luggage bin), which is strapped to the Hitch Haul. Update 2017: Rola bag is back to being used in the Westy bin; bought a Hitch Haul bag to strap onto the rear carrier.

Since my parents got their own van, the Hitch Haul has been in storage. The Rola bag was given to my dad after he discovered the old GoWesty luggage bin bag leaked really bad.

Luggage Rack

rifle case

Up in the Westfalia luggage rack resides a Bald Eagle-brand rifle case that I got online as a closeout. It holds awning accessories & exterior lights.

Updated: 1-Jan-2024