Rear bumper bike rack - need advice
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 re...
Forum Discussion
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.
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.
