Back bumper rack

[Bighorns]

Has anyone ever built a rack to hold a fold up picnic table on the rear bumper of a fifth wheel.Table is the size of a standard picnic table except for it folds up flat. The weight of the table is 75 lbs.

[1oldtruck]

I'm sure a local welding shop could build something and attach it to the frame rather than the bumper. I would take the FW and table to them for an estimate. They could build exactly what you want.

[C_Schomer]

I built a rack on the back of one of our 5ers for a 10' alum. pontoon boat so a rack for a 75 lb table should be easy. Heavy gauge unistrut was the best material for that job and I used 12" strut clamps around the pontoons. The 4" sq. pipe bumpers are history so I'd build out from the frame, probably with at least 2" square pipe 11 gauge. I think I'd build 2 upright posts with a trough or angle iron across the bottom for good uniform support of the table and figure out something to hold the table from bouncing off. Craig

[Need-A-Vacation]

What about a couple aluminum roll top tables that store in a bag like the fold up chairs do? We have a couple that we use for various things. Something like this table or this which is very similar to what we have. Bought both of ours from Sportsman's Guide.

Just a suggestion.

Good luck!

[bpounds]

Interesting to me that the OP has a 2012 Cougar. Our 2011 Cougar came standard with a sliding rear rack that is just about the size of that table. I never use the darn thing and wish it wasn't there. But obviously it is something available. Maybe your dealer could retro-fit?

[rugermark2]

Go to a fab shop and tell them what you want, be specific about your requirements and needs. They should be able build what you want.

Dick_B wrote:
I've been a wet blanket before on this Forum and here we go again. Why would one want to `carry' a picnic table on an RV when there are picnic tables at most of the campgrounds; at least the private ones. How does one get a 75 lb. table up on a rack even if one could be designed? How often would such a table get used?

Not everyone camps the way you do.

[filrupmark]

[tahoemc]

bobx2 wrote:

avvidclif1 wrote:

Dick_B wrote:
I've been a wet blanket before on this Forum and here we go again. Why would one want to `carry' a picnic table on an RV when there are picnic tables at most of the campgrounds; at least the private ones. How does one get a 75 lb. table up on a rack even if one could be designed? How often would such a table get used?

It's easy to get on the rack, just pick it up. He said 75 lbs not 750. I have one and they are nice.

I would have a good welder add a receiver hitch to the back of the 5er and then build a rack for the table. The receiver hitch could be used for other things if not carrying the table.

Haha, I was thinking the same thing. I agree with getting a hitch put on to carry the rack. I haven't seen a bumper that I would be comfortable with anything more than a spare tire on it.
Why does everyone assume that everyone else camps in camp grounds? Myself, I hate camp grounds, and only stay in them when there is no other choice.

Yup, city slicker;). For those who of us who boondock or remote camp, an outside table is wonderful. And 75lbs is not that heavy - if the winds in WY are anything like the winds around here, you need something with some weight to it.

Agree with the others, forego the bumper attachment and have something welded to the frame. A folding cargo rack may be a good option for carrying other things besides folding tables. We have one and its rated for 250lbs, but I don't think I would ever go that heavy. We usually use it mainly for up to 3 bicycles. And if you don't need/use it, it folds up out of the way and shortens your length by a couple of feet.

[whiteeye42]

Dick_B wrote:
I've been a wet blanket before on this Forum and here we go again. Why would one want to `carry' a picnic table on an RV when there are picnic tables at most of the campgrounds; at least the private ones. How does one get a 75 lb. table up on a rack even if one could be designed? How often would such a table get used?

Not everybody goes to campgrounds with full hook ups i myself would rather go to the bookdocks so i would need the table and 75lbs is not that much to lift but if it was me i would be looking for a lighter table and as far as making the carrier for it i would weld a trailer hitch right to the frame and built a rack to fit the table.

[Steakman]

The probelm with the back "bumper" is that is for all intents and purposes soley a poop hose container. Useless for all intents and purposes other than that and carrying your spare. Way too thin to consider adding some steel tubing to make a usefull area for extra storage.

My opinion of course...but have been in the welding industry for a fair amount of time...
Anyway...this is what I did - light and strong.





I realize that not all will be able to do this on their own..but not too hard if you have a welding machine and know how to use it...in either Alum or light wall steel HSS tubing.

Rgds,

Stk

[Racine96]

Mine came with a factory installed large bike rack that can probably hold a picnic table. So it can be done, but needs to be done well.

[bobx2]

avvidclif1 wrote:

Dick_B wrote:
I've been a wet blanket before on this Forum and here we go again. Why would one want to `carry' a picnic table on an RV when there are picnic tables at most of the campgrounds; at least the private ones. How does one get a 75 lb. table up on a rack even if one could be designed? How often would such a table get used?

It's easy to get on the rack, just pick it up. He said 75 lbs not 750. I have one and they are nice.

I would have a good welder add a receiver hitch to the back of the 5er and then build a rack for the table. The receiver hitch could be used for other things if not carrying the table.

Haha, I was thinking the same thing. I agree with getting a hitch put on to carry the rack. I haven't seen a bumper that I would be comfortable with anything more than a spare tire on it.
Why does everyone assume that everyone else camps in camp grounds? Myself, I hate camp grounds, and only stay in them when there is no other choice.

[avvidclif1]

Dick_B wrote:
I've been a wet blanket before on this Forum and here we go again. Why would one want to `carry' a picnic table on an RV when there are picnic tables at most of the campgrounds; at least the private ones. How does one get a 75 lb. table up on a rack even if one could be designed? How often would such a table get used?

It's easy to get on the rack, just pick it up. He said 75 lbs not 750. I have one and they are nice.

I would have a good welder add a receiver hitch to the back of the 5er and then build a rack for the table. The receiver hitch could be used for other things if not carrying the table.

[Bighorns]

FYI, 99.9% of the time we camp in nonestabliished / dispersed camping areas in the mountain area near our home. The table folds up into a flat piece approximately 6 ft long x 4 ft wide x 2 inches thick and it unfolds in seconds. It is made by lifetime if you would like to look at them. We eat most meals outside and the table would be very convenient instead of having to hold your plate in your lap. I thought someone may have dealt with this before..

[Dick_B]

I've been a wet blanket before on this Forum and here we go again. Why would one want to `carry' a picnic table on an RV when there are picnic tables at most of the campgrounds; at least the private ones. How does one get a 75 lb. table up on a rack even if one could be designed? How often would such a table get used?