Enclosed, Secure Bumper mounted Bike Rack

4advtr wrote:

BTW, I have checked with the manufacturer and they checked with their engineering and confirmed I should be able to load 300 lbs on my rear bumper no problem, so covered there.

Wellllll ....

1. I just can't believe that number;

2. There is a HUGE difference between a "STATIC" and "LIVE or DYNAMIC" load on a bumper and they didn't specify that difference.

3. Installing things that seem to look secure and hide something is more inviting to someone thinking and wanting to acquire whatever you are trying to protect and hide for their use.

4. I wouldn't do what you are contemplating and if you do I would HIGHLY recommend installing a rear view camera so you can watch all that HEAVY and EXPENSIVE stuff hanging off your bumper.

Larry

4advtr wrote:
Snip...
I just wanted a good way to keep our fairly expensive bikes somewhat secure while travelling.

BTW, I have checked with the manufacturer and they checked with their engineering and confirmed I should be able to load 300 lbs on my rear bumper no problem, so covered there.

I sure WOULD NOT be doing what you are thinking of doing! The weight of the bikes plus the weight of that device and the bouncing up and down during travel is almost a sure invitation to disaster - I don't care what the engineers say.

It is really a shame that one of our members, who posted pictures of his bumper/bike system laying in the road during a trip, has taken the pictures down or the site is no longer in business so we cannot see them anymore. Those pictures would convince you not to do what you are thinking of doing!:E

You might want to take a look at this thread for some good information about loading the rear bumper. The OP is the one I referenced in the paragraph above but starting on P.5 of that thread is some good information that you can probably use for your project.
Barney

ScottG wrote:
Just make sure you reinforce or replace you existing bumper with a heavier part. The bikes create leverage that the spare tire doesn't come close to.

X2, all travel trailer bumpers are basically sheet metal bent into a square. They can barely hold a spare tire IMO. Take a close look at yours and you'll see. The constant flexing will crack it like a beer can.

We use a Yakima rack on our trailer but welded thick angle iron underneath that the 2" receiver is welded to. Very solid as it does not depend on the bumper for support. If you have a buddy that welds, it's normally a simple job.

ScottG wrote:
Just make sure you reinforce or replace you existing bumper with a heavier part. The bikes create leverage that the spare tire doesn't come close to.

You can say that again!

And not just due to the leverage/weight of the bikes themselves...According to this specs link for the product described, the rack/container itself weighs at least 150 pounds EMPTY.

Just make sure you reinforce or replace you existing bumper with a heavier part. The bikes create leverage that the spare tire doesn't come close to.

that looks similar to one that I saw years ago, from Germany IIRC. that was designed to hold one or two bicycles in a clam shell fashion. had two wheels and you could remove it and roll it to chain it to a tree etc.
bumpy