I have a 2011 Jayco 314BDS. It does not have a rear hitch. I am wondering if the rear bumper will support a bike rack that holds 4 bikes. 2 adult, 2 kids?I am thinking of installing a rear receiver by bolting it to the bumper. You can buy after market add-on receivers and was thinking of getting one. Has anyone done this? Do you think it will support the weight?Any advice is appreciated. Thanks

DO NOT DO THIS! Though they sell those types of mounts and racks for bumpers, this is a very bad idea. The bumper will not last long and will crack. These bumpers are basically thin sheet metal and flex like a beer can. The constant flex back and forth soon destroys the bumper. What you want to do can be done, but the receiver must be integrated with the frame of the trailer not relying on the bumper for support.I had a buddy weld on such an arrangement on my old trailer and will be doing the same to my new one in the future.

Ryan - please do a search on this forum for past threads on this. Some have pictures of what can happen. This topic had come up so many times before and the answer is still the same.

Hi,It would be possible to mount a proper receiver to the trailer frame. It depends on the frame type what will be required to mount such a receiver. I have a cousin that has a 2" receiver on his cargo trailer, with a rack that carries a 350 pound motorcycle on it. This helps lessen the very high hitch load, so he can tow it with his car - a Honda Van.If your frame is something like 1/8" wall tubing with 2" width and 6" tall, it is still possible to mount the hitch to that tubing, but it will need to be reinforced with some 1/2" pipe in the tubing where each bolt is located. If the frame is I-beam type, that is much easier to install a hitch on it. C frame channel, like found on a F-350 is very simple too.But sadly, most trailers are made with lighter weight frames, so that they will be lighter overall, and do not offer a great place to attach the hitch to it. The bumper is only going to hold it's own weight, and perhaps the sewer hose. The 100 pounds of bikes, out there vibrating and swinging to and frow, that will add a significant load to the hitch. Fred.

Here's what I bought for my travel trailer:http://www.support-rack.com/us/shop/sr3000/It goes on the A-frame. It's very stable, safe, and worth every penny.

Do not put anything on the rear bumper of a TT that you are willing to lose.

Rear bumper bike rack - need advice | Good Sam Community

Ron3rd
Explorer III
Jul 25, 2014
DO NOT DO THIS! Though they sell those types of mounts and racks for bumpers, this is a very bad idea. The bumper will not last long and will crack. These bumpers are basically thin sheet metal and flex like a beer can. The constant flex back and forth soon destroys the bumper. What you want to do can be done, but the receiver must be integrated with the frame of the trailer not relying on the bumper for support.

I had a buddy weld on such an arrangement on my old trailer and will be doing the same to my new one in the future.
wmoses
Explorer
Jul 25, 2014
Ryan - please do a search on this forum for past threads on this. Some have pictures of what can happen. This topic had come up so many times before and the answer is still the same.
Golden_HVAC
Explorer
Jul 25, 2014
Hi,

It would be possible to mount a proper receiver to the trailer frame. It depends on the frame type what will be required to mount such a receiver. I have a cousin that has a 2" receiver on his cargo trailer, with a rack that carries a 350 pound motorcycle on it. This helps lessen the very high hitch load, so he can tow it with his car - a Honda Van.

If your frame is something like 1/8" wall tubing with 2" width and 6" tall, it is still possible to mount the hitch to that tubing, but it will need to be reinforced with some 1/2" pipe in the tubing where each bolt is located.

If the frame is I-beam type, that is much easier to install a hitch on it. C frame channel, like found on a F-350 is very simple too.

But sadly, most trailers are made with lighter weight frames, so that they will be lighter overall, and do not offer a great place to attach the hitch to it. The bumper is only going to hold it's own weight, and perhaps the sewer hose. The 100 pounds of bikes, out there vibrating and swinging to and frow, that will add a significant load to the hitch.

Fred.
rcarpe06
Explorer
Jul 25, 2014
Here's what I bought for my travel trailer:

http://www.support-rack.com/us/shop/sr3000/

It goes on the A-frame. It's very stable, safe, and worth every penny.
APT
Explorer
Jul 25, 2014
Do not put anything on the rear bumper of a TT that you are willing to lose.
wmoses
Explorer
Jul 25, 2014
My bumper has a sticker that says attaching anything will void my warranty. That clearly states where the manufacturer stands on this issue and there is something behind that.
rcp123
Explorer
Jul 25, 2014
rcarpe06 wrote:
Here's what I bought for my travel trailer:

http://www.support-rack.com/us/shop/sr3000/

It goes on the A-frame. It's very stable, safe, and worth every penny.

Does this come with the 2" receiver as well, or just the frame? The website shows a poor pic so it is difficult to see.

If this came with the 2" receiver, then I would get it and order a separate 4 bike rack to go with it.
time2roll
Nomad
Jul 25, 2014
Four bikes? I do not recommend it.
Take it to a shop and have a receiver put on.
dadmomh
Explorer
Jul 25, 2014
Absolutely NO. This question comes around frequently and the bumper is way too flimsy to hold one, let alone 4. Making ANY mod to the frame will void the warranty and you may kick yourself later. If your trailer frame is out of warranty, you might consider it. Bikendan is the go-to guy here for bike transport and he can be a goldmine of wisdom on this. If he doesn't chime in, suggest you send him a PM.
OH48Lt
Explorer
Jul 25, 2014
Most rear bumpers on TT's are thin metal suitable only for storing your sewer hose inside. However, some are well built, and you wouldn't have any strength issues hanging a bike rack on there. Depends on what you have. Our FunFinder came with a good rear bumper that is thicker than most and is welded right onto the frame with full welds. If the factory puts that heavy spare tire on it, it's probably good.