newbie with question

[popliferup]

Greetings all. I'm a lifer in a popup, been in them for 45 years. I have a 92 Starcraft Galaxy 12.  We have 5 bicycles and need to get a bike rack.  I've used a swagman ONCE. Scratched my bikes like crazy. The Sixnall is awful expensive.  A neighbor showed me this pic.  Anybody use one of these? Bike Rack
Also I will do a search but is there a reasonably priced replacement for a failed hot water heater?  Thanks!
JD

fixed link - JR

[Icanoe2fish]

I do not like that rack at all. You run the risk of putting dents in the roof with the load/jarring on four small points IMO. Much larger foot pads would be better, like the old roof rack suction cups sort of thing, especially if you have an ABS roof. I'm also not fond of the method of attachment. The small clips that the ratchet strap is attached to looks light, or at least to me.

I looked up the Sixnall and it doesnt look too bad, though I still dont like the 4 point system. It appears that the CL unit is a knockoff, though more cheaply built.

[starpr]

The four supporting points look like door stoppers. I agree with the previous post, the weight of the bicycles, plus the force of the tie-downs and the movement on the road directed to four like 1 inch radius points could cause problems. Also, with some many roof materials, how can the salesman assert "will not cause leeks"? Any written warranty? I will not expect much support after the sale for a Craigslist ad. Just my opinion.

[jbolds442]

walk away from it ! I had one and  it put the nicest hole in the roof. It is a lot of weight plus being tied down  plus the bouncing of the trailer it eventually just  pokes right through. you need something that sits on the  edges  where it is stronger.

[popliferup]

Thanks for the feedback. I will send the CL maker a message and ask him some questions. I like the fact that I can get one assembled and not have to wait for it as we are going camping soon.  I'll let you know what he says.

[popliferup]

Well, here's what he said,

Hello and thanks for viewing my ad.   I did develop my rack after using a Swagman rack which was a nightmare to get the  bikes in and  they got all scratched up.  I was trying to think of a better way and saw the Sixinall (way too expensive and clunky looking to me) on the internet and I spent about 4 hours measuring and creating a template. I did choose to use rubber chair feet on mine and after about 5 years my old Starcraft has some dimples in the roof but no holes.  I have been working on a new “foot” and have purchased several grades of rubber (including hockey pucks!) to see if I can find something that works better on both aluminum and plastic roofs. My goals were to have it be removable, drill no holes and not damage bikes by having them too close to each other.   I would welcome any feedback your friends on the camper site may give me.