Hello All,
New guy here. Been enjoying all the info & finally have something to contribute.
Built this porch/rack to haul my bike(s). I wanted something that would travel well and not have me constantly looking on the rear view
to make sure my bike was still there. Originally I made it for my F150, but adapted it to fit the F250. It's seen 8 years of service, on-road
and off.
It's a dual port style, leaving the standard receiver free. The step folds up for travel, the ramp slides under the "porch", and the rear tie-down
arms slide into the body ( not a fan of bloody shins ). I'm in the process of upgrading to LED auxiliary lights.
Things I would do different;
1. Use slightly lighter gauge steel for the body. Taking it off and on is okay, but would be nicer if it was lighter. Then again, it ain't gonna budge....
2. I'd go for the style of rack where the wheels fit into rectangular "holes", rather that the tray like I have. This would make it a little less wide as well
as eliminating any side to side rocking/rolling. And I'd use steel instead of aluminum.
3. I'd try to make the "porch" section a little lower, as this would help my "entrance angle" entering the camper. I paid alot of attention to
ground clearance, and have never touched ground, so I think there is room for a little lowering of that area.
4. I originally used expanded metal for the back step. Worked well, until my dog got her nail caught in it. Boy did I feel bad. Never again,
only wood.
5. Getting in the camper with the bike mounted; It can be done, but it's a squeeze. I would at least move the bike back 6 inches or so.
I'm still stewing on my ideal solution. I've looked into a swing out concept, similar to the tire/gas can racks, but not quite sure yet.
The extra real estate would come in handy for hanging out back there too.
Things I got right;
1. Everything that moves/slides has a lock. Same pins that hold the step up hold it down. No accidental slips.
2. I mixed some sand in the final coat of sealer for grip. Even in the pouring rain it has good traction. A little rough on the gear sometimes,
but worth it.
3. I modified the license plate holder to a quick-release style. Un-screwing & re-screwing the plate was not good.
4. Hot dip galvanizing ( Oakey-Chrome ). Well worth it.
Overall I love my porch, can't imagine traveling without it. Hope this helps.
Craig
