Hoisting the bikes up on the bike rack

[CampingFamily1]

We use two collapsable folding stepstools to get the bikes up on the camper bike racks.  I put duct tape on the feet of the top one so it doesn't slip off.



We got these from our dealer.

Here is a better one online
http://www.amazon.com/Plastics-105-4WH-White-Foldz-Two-Step/dp/B0013GAPE6/ref=pd_sim_dbs_sg_5

[mfeeley]

I usually have had too many beers to use a set-up like that...looks dangerous!

[Red Barchetta]

You're joking right? 

We use a 2-step step stool that stores easily in the PU's front storage trunk.  Great for putting the PU's awning away the night before departure also (if we don't want to do it with the roof half-way down while popping-down departure morning).

[pupnut]

I've been wrestling with the logistics of this as well.  We have a highwall and would need to toss four bikes up there. (if we got a rack setup)
I still have no idea how I'd safely do this while out camping... without putting a knee through the roof or having a bike crash on my head, or toppling off a makeshift contraption like yours.  Think safe and find a better way!
The two step ladder idea sounds better, but I can't justify the space it would take up with our current packing list.

[mfeeley]

If you used a 2-step step ladder (which I think would be a bit safer!), you might be able to bungie cord it to the spare tire on the rear??? Not sure of your PUP exact design but I've seen many larger TT and Motorhomes do that with chairs and larger step ladders.

m

[amn385]

I have a Fleetwood High Wall with the Pro-Rac bike rack that carries the bikes on the roof of the pup.  I am a little under 5' 7" and don't have much of a problem.  I don't use a step stool or anything else while lifting them on to the roof.  I do have to step on the tongue to thread the "stabilizing straps" around the seatpost for the bikes in the middle.  We have the rack that carries 4 bikes. 

For stepping up I usually stand on the storage bins we bought from Lowe's that carry our supplies (lantern, white gas, etc.).  They are Black with the Yellow lid and I believe are called "The Superbox".  They are a stackable 27 Ga. plastic bin with a 400 lb. load capacity. 

[mstrbill]

The two step ladder idea sounds better, but I can't justify the space it would take up with our current packing list.

I carry a 3 step ladder, it's tall enough to put away my awning on my highwall Niagara should  the weather conditions worsen. And I can easily put the bikes on the yakima racks on my camper shell.

[skipro]

Sorry, that set up just does not look safe.  I would encourage you to use some of the suggestion offered here.  I'm confident that their cost is much less than a trip to the ER.

[CampingFamily1]

Thanks for the concern and warnings.  I only use the 2 stools for the middle bike.  The 2 outside bikes are easy to handle without a stool.  The middle bike requires more work to get the rear wheel in place and the front wheel locked down.  I used to only use the top green stool and that worked but the two stools worked better and easier.  Usually my 2 stool idea is very stable.  Only once when hefting a big bike in place did I feel it starting to tip over and the I just shifted my weight.  Falling would have meant falling on top of the roof as most of my body is leaning over the roof, with the top down. 

I really should consider getting the 2 step stool below.

[Oz and Us]

I really should consider getting the 2 step stool below.

When we owned a popup I took along a Rubbermaid step stool like this ... takes up a bit more space to store but is totally safe to stand on.

[CampingFamily1]

Thanks.  I might just go back to using the one big stool, and not stacking them.  I have to stretch a little more but it works.

[Jean]

Maybe the newer trailers are higher than the older ones?

I'm 5'4 and put the bikes (yes, even the middle bikes) on our pro rac style rack by myself.  If dh is available to do it, that makes it much easier of course, but I can do it, and have done it.

I understand the high walls, but otherwise I'm clearly missing something.

Jean

[ngatel]

I use the same stool as Oz posted. Big footprint on each leg. We quit putting our bikes on the highwall roof (space is better utilized with solar panels anyway), and it is a pain, even before we did the lift.