Adding rack to rear of trailer

gmc6000 wrote:

Lantley wrote:

N-Trouble wrote:
I cant see 150lbs hanging off the back of a 30+ft trailer doing much to affect the handling. Probably wont take more than 50lbs off the tongue.

.
150# off the back behind the axles will take 150# plus off the tongue.
The weight will affect the performance/handling of the RV.

Sorry, but this could not be further from the truth. The only way this would be possible is if the trailer was perfectly balanced (front to rear) on the axles, which it is not.

150# on the back will do very little to change the weight on the tongue. I would be surprised if you lightened the tongue by more than 10-20 lbs at most.

Mount it and don't worry about it.

Good to see someone understands trailers AND physics.

I had a welding shop weld a receiver (with a bunch of bracing) to my travel trailer. I have this rack and carry 4 bikes most of the time - http://www.kotulas.com/deals/garage-and-auto/scooters-and-bikes/2in1-cargo-carrier-with-4bike-rack-500lb.-capacity

I will say that I can definitely tell when I have the rack/bikes back there. I usually just move things around in the bed of my truck - generator, wood, etc to compensate.

As all will say, weld on a receiver. The bumpers are too weak for any real weight. It cost me $375 for the welding.

gmc6000 wrote:

Lantley wrote:

N-Trouble wrote:
I cant see 150lbs hanging off the back of a 30+ft trailer doing much to affect the handling. Probably wont take more than 50lbs off the tongue.

.
150# off the back behind the axles will take 150# plus off the tongue.
The weight will affect the performance/handling of the RV.

Sorry, but this could not be further from the truth. The only way this would be possible is if the trailer was perfectly balanced (front to rear) on the axles, which it is not.

150# on the back will do very little to change the weight on the tongue. I would be surprised if you lightened the tongue by more than 10-20 lbs at most.

Mount it and don't worry about it.

Lets start with what is the current TW before the rack is added.

GramaandGranpaA wrote:
I need feed back on adding a rack to the rear of my Sundance 323BH XLT travel trailer. I just purchased a pair of Honda generators and would like to add a rack to the rear of my trailer to carry the generators and a pair of 5 gal gas cans.

Would this weight, aprox 150 lbs, affect my trailer sway ?

Also any suggestions as to how to mount a rack or rack design ?

Thank you !!

It depends on how much tongue weight you have right now. I my do nothing or it may do a lot.

Case in point is my trailer. If my ol lady loads two heavy suit cases on the bed (in the very rear of the trailer) it can and will induce sway. If I move the weight up front the sway will go away.

I would not do this.

Lantley wrote:

N-Trouble wrote:
I cant see 150lbs hanging off the back of a 30+ft trailer doing much to affect the handling. Probably wont take more than 50lbs off the tongue.

.
150# off the back behind the axles will take 150# plus off the tongue.
The weight will affect the performance/handling of the RV.

Sorry, but this could not be further from the truth. The only way this would be possible is if the trailer was perfectly balanced (front to rear) on the axles, which it is not.

150# on the back will do very little to change the weight on the tongue. I would be surprised if you lightened the tongue by more than 10-20 lbs at most.

Mount it and don't worry about it.

N-Trouble wrote:
I cant see 150lbs hanging off the back of a 30+ft trailer doing much to affect the handling. Probably wont take more than 50lbs off the tongue.

.
150# off the back behind the axles will take 150# plus off the tongue.
The weight will affect the performance/handling of the RV.

I cant see 150lbs hanging off the back of a 30+ft trailer doing much to affect the handling. Probably wont take more than 50lbs off the tongue.

Moved from Forum Technical Support

Make sure to weld it to the frame and you'll be OK.

Most would recommend against this idea. This much weight that far back will definitely change the towing characteristics of your trailer. You will need to make significant hitch adjustments to counter this.

Also, there is no way to just bolt some kind of platform to the rear bumper of your trailer. The bumper will not hold the weight OR the forces caused by bouncing while towing. (even bicycles can cause problems just bolted to the rear bumper)

You will need to weld your platform directly to the trailer frame and also add extra support pieces to safely hold 2 generators and gas cans.

My opinion: not a good idea. Find somewhere else to carry your generators - like in the bed of your truck.

Hopefully others will chime in with more positive ideas for you.