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Custom Tandem Roof Rack: Carries the Tandem with the Wheels On!

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Donkeeboy

· Nurse Ben
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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I took a Thule Sidewinder, swapped the stock tray for a piece of 6061 aluminum channel (84" x 3" x 1.5"), drilled the channel for the sidewinder (two bolts), drilled the channel for a cross bar mount (two holes), then used a couple bungee straps to secure the rear wheel.

To mount the tandem on the rack, I have my wife stand on the tailgate, I place the rear wheel onto the channel about where it will sit when fully mounted, then she holds it steady as I lift the front of the tandem and drop the front wheel into the tray and stabilizer, then all I do is pivot up the sidearm, strap down the rear wheel, and away we go!

We often use a cam strap from one side of the rack to the other, across the stoker bar, to further stabilize the tandem. We could drive locally without the strap, but it makes me feel more comfortable with the strap in place.

So far we have driven back and forth to local spots and as far as three hours away to Bent Creek, speeds up to 80mph and not a wiggle!

The rack was a leftover from my biking days, I think they can be found for $100-150 used on Ebay. The channel I purchased from On line Metals, $75 delivered.

Here's the rack unmounted, I'll post a pic with the tandem mounted once I remember to take a picture with the tandem mounted :rolleyes:

 
#3 ·
Thanks for the inspiration Ben. We recently picked up the type which requires taking the wheel off and really really dislike the fuss, especially with the spacers that we have on the Phil Wood front hub. I've been thinking along these lines as well. Looks pretty straight-forward, just need to find myself a sidewinder arm.

Ours is mounted on top of our Aliner camper, so not exactly like a roof, but same idea. I was very uncomfortable with the amount of wanging around the thing did when driving off-road, so I fabbed up this stabilizing arm. Just an aluminum pole with a ratchet strap cannibalized from another bike rack. Works like a charm.
 

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Discussion starter · #4 ·
There is no reason to take off a wheel, we have been using our tandem rack for a year, recently I drove across the country through high winds, and the rack and tandem arrived unscathed.

A Thule side arm attached to an aluminum channel works great, doesn't require wheel removal, AND it ends up costing less than a production tandem rack.

Seriously, someone should sell this set up, making the channel a two piece would reduce the size for shipping.
 
#5 ·


here's a pic of what I have. I turned around the sidearms since this pic was taken. I like your set up Nurse Ben, I ,was just trying to do something so I wouldn't have the long extrusion hanging out if we all wanted to ride our own bikes. plus , not much deck room.
 
#7 ·
Perhaps a strut (a stick :)) from the bumper to the point where the wheel is resting. It would interfere with opening the tailgate, but if you worked out an attachment that was quick and easy.... perhaps it would be acceptable.
 
#9 ·
With the Avalanches we have another option, I used a Yakima Frontloader, and let the rear tire land on the bed cover. I like how freerider1 has a rack on the covers, is that bolted on? For now, I just use tie downs to secure the rear wheel. Here's a pic from a recent family ride.
Image


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
#12 ·
freerider1 said:
yep , bolted through the covers and sealed. thought about doing it that way but, tire is in way and have height issues.
Click to expand...
If you don't mind sharing, can you show me how you bolted thru the covers? Really like your setup so I can get rid of my straps. TIA.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
#13 ·
Ciclistagonzo said:
If you don't mind sharing, can you show me how you bolted thru the covers? Really like your setup so I can get rid of my straps. TIA.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
sorry so late getting back to you on this. Ill get some picks tomorrow. going to order the channel that Ben talked about. want something sturdy. as far as my rack mount, started with the Yakima #6 landing pads and a set of the Yakima control towers.just have to make sure you seal the holes. also, make sure drilling holes in your bed covers.
 
#14 ·
Ciclistagonzo said:
If you don't mind sharing, can you show me how you bolted thru the covers? Really like your setup so I can get rid of my straps. TIA.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
here is the picks of how and where. the one problem i had was the front mount were a bit too forward for for the tire or bike to clear cladding so i had to move the sidearm back by drilling new holes and reversing clamps.
my original mount was old SST towers and custom bent clamps that held on the side of the bed panels. hope this helps. feel free to ask more questions, I'm in an avalanche club so, tons of ideas. thanks.
 
#15 ·
Thats kinda of funny, two pictures with a Chevy Avalanche truck and a Ventana tandem, we also have a Avalanche and a Ventana tandem.
I also made my own tandem mount, but I remove my front wheel so there is less rear overhang. I'll post pictures, although it is not mounted on my rack at this time.
 
#19 ·
You should be able to loosen the fork bolts( as opposed to removing them) right? then slide the axle out. I know that's not the most efficient, but imo, a fork mount is by far more superior way of transporting bikes, especially a tandem, but I understand your problem though.
 
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