[Migolito]

My plan for Alaska is to hotel AND tent. Tenting means; tent, two sleeping bags and two sleeping pads at a minimum. Even with my super lite super compact backpacking equipment I don't think I can manage all that in the trunk. So, some type of luggage rack (no trailers) is gonna be needed. On reading the forum it sounds like the current mounting of luggage racks sometimes causes cracks in the trunk.
Has anyone came up with a better mousetrap on luggage racks? Better mounting, mounting to something otherthan the lid, reinforcing the lid, etc?

 

[Two Wheel Wing]

Some guys have installed "packit" racks on the back of the bike. I think Fossil92 had one on his for his cross country trip. He may even have some pics posted. You can carry a lot more without worring about cracking the trunk.

 

[fossil92]

Here's what we used, like Two Wheel said. Also had the top bag on luggage rack but put the light things in it (Bike cover, 2 sets of raingear & some small items).

The link below has the pics in it.

http://www.goldwingowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3771

 

[Migolito]

Very nice! Thats what I'm looking for. Thanks guys.

 

[fossil92]

Migolito,

Here is the list of the parts. Keep in mind, mine was for a 1500. Don't know what you have. The hitch would be the only thing that might be different.

http://wingstuff.com/pgroup_detail/...l1500/294_goldwing_trailer_hitches_racks/des/

http://wingstuff.com/pgroup_detail/...l1500/294_goldwing_trailer_hitches_racks/des/

http://wingstuff.com/pgroup_detail/...bag/?goto=/pgroup_list/gl1500/396_t_bags/mfg/

Good Luck on your planned trip.

 

[Migolito]

Thanks Fossil,
How much weight apprx did you carry on the rack and did you notice a handling change at all?
M

 

[fossil92]

M,

The load rating is 35 lbs. We had the bag loaded with clothes & some small items, got it all packed (3 sets of clothes for each of us, toiletries, extra shoes, & misc.) took it to the bathroom scale & it weighed 28 lbs on the rack. It worked great for 29 Days & 9000+ miles. Not 1 issue.The best part is when you get to Hotel at night you just pull the Hitch pins & carry it in to your room luggage & rack in one.

As far as the extra weight. I didn't even know it was there.

 

[Migolito]

I originally was thinking along that general line as well. Basically, flat bar stock contoured to the lid with a rubber type gasket. I'm amazed that the manufacturers haven't done that yet! But, the hitch concept solves the issue much better. Load is low, more load, removable, keep the stock look, etc.
Fossil, that weight is more than enough. My tent is 2.5, sleeping bags are 2.8 each and pads are 1.2 each. It looks like I'll be able to add some luxury and take a stove for some cocoa/coffee
My first 'long' multi-day trip is this November. Basically, a loop from S-Cal to San Francisco to Tahoe to Vegas and back. I'll have a better idea of what I need and don't need.