Legality of bike rack attached to toad vehicle

Mrmedia · 03-23-2019, 11:14 AM

Traveling in Class C Minnie towing Forrester. Bought DW an inexpensive bike. Bought a Scout rack for Forrester hatchback. Think I read somewhere that it is illegal to tow or use rack on toad vehicle. Only 1500 miles left on trip.
Can anyone confirm my thoughts?
Maybe just wishful thinking!

BobC · 03-23-2019, 01:10 PM

Apparently it's not a legal issue but that some manufacturers feel that there's too much "action" at the back of the toad that would place undue stress on the bike rack.

Here are a couple of links that may help (Google for many more):

https://www.etrailer.com/question-291656.html

Why Bike Racks can't be on a toad - iRV2 Forums

Mrmedia · 03-23-2019, 02:09 PM

Thanks, question answerd.

FIRE UP · 03-31-2019, 04:37 PM

Wow,
I don't know where all this stuff comes from. Of course it's legal to install a bike rack back there. If it wasn't, the revenue from the tickets written, ALL ACROSS THE U.S. would phenomenal. The entire planet puts bike racks back there, on toads, coaches, pickups, spaceships and more. As has been stated, where SOME bike rack manufacturers might be concerned is, if one has a structure, i.e. receiver, etc. that is flimsy, and their rack and YOUR bicycles are not STRUCTURALLY SAFE and stable mounted, then you could be in for some damage to the vehicle (from bikes bouncing back and forth), the rack itself, the receiver, and all that. We've seen as many as SIX bicycles mounted back behind there. Talk about FLIMSY!!!

Now, the rack is legal, the bikes are legal, but what's NOT LEGAL is, if something is obstructing the view of either or, or both, the license plate or tail lights. And even then, some LEO would have to be bored to tears to take the time to stop you for either of those. Not to say it can't happen. But, the potential for it happening is about as good as the odds of winning the lotto.

We've carried bikes back behind our toads for eons of time. I've had every kind of LEO behind me in all kinds of states and not one has even looked twice at our situation. You'll be just fine.
Scott

4gone · 03-31-2019, 06:19 PM

Had bikes on my toad for decades. Usually 4. I did buy a rack i am confident is strong and it is mounted in a 2" reciever class 3 hitch. I also use the magnetic roof mounted lights that sit above the bikes as the taillights are obscured.