Hello,My 2017 Grand Design Reflection comes with a factory installed 2 inch receiver. I have health issues that do not allow me to walk long distances. I was considering the Bama Scooter Groundhog 450 and the 5 star hauler ramp at the bottom of the page.Bama ScooterThe weight of the scooter is 340 pounds and I am not sure how much the ramp weighs although it is aluminum. The weight limit according to the sticker on my 5th wheel is 500 pounds.My questions:Has anyone used one of these scooters? Is it a decent scooter? What are the pros and cons?What about putting this on the back of my 5th wheel? Is this combination safe? Has anyone done something like this and would you do it again? Why or why not? Can I do anything to make this package more safe and secure?Are there any viable alternatives? We go to Willowtree a lot and they have a beautiful trail around the lake that we enjoyed walking. You could see all sorts of wildlife. Now I can't make the walk and even going to the pool we have to drive over and park my truck. It would just be nice to use something like this to get around the campgrounds.Thanks!Dave

Likely the receiver is not rated for that much weight. But to be sure ask the mfg.

Be careful or your scooter will be gone but hopefully not injure anyone.

I built my own hitch and carrier. It has two 2x4 receivers. The bike, carrier and hitch weigh over 1000 lbs. So far I'm very happy with it.

donn0128 wrote:Likely the receiver is not rated for that much weight. But to be sure ask the mfg.As I stated there is a manufacture label right on the back of the RV that's states it is rated at 500 pounds.

That's very heavy. - I would either look at a smaller model of mobility scooter. My mom had one and it only weighed about 100lbs. This was not the light duty one. - Or consider bumping up to a golf cart for more capability.Personally, I would prefer a swivel wheel trailer. 500lb hung off the back with just a 2" square tube is a lot of stress and strain. With a swivel wheel trailer, you start with around 50% of the weight off the hitch. The hitch is actually two receivers and there is no torque applied to the hitches so they are under far less strain. (this is not the same as double towing as the trailer is locked in line with the camper and you can turn and back up the same as normal).

Bama Scooter on back of my 5th wheel help deciding

donn0128
Explorer II
Jun 21, 2018
Likely the receiver is not rated for that much weight. But to be sure ask the mfg.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Jun 21, 2018
Be careful or your scooter will be gone but hopefully not injure anyone.
4x4ord
Explorer III
Jun 22, 2018
I built my own hitch and carrier. It has two 2x4 receivers. The bike, carrier and hitch weigh over 1000 lbs. So far I'm very happy with it.
dpgllg
Explorer
Jun 22, 2018
donn0128 wrote:
Likely the receiver is not rated for that much weight. But to be sure ask the mfg.

As I stated there is a manufacture label right on the back of the RV that's states it is rated at 500 pounds.
valhalla360
Navigator
Jun 22, 2018
That's very heavy.
- I would either look at a smaller model of mobility scooter. My mom had one and it only weighed about 100lbs. This was not the light duty one.
- Or consider bumping up to a golf cart for more capability.

Personally, I would prefer a swivel wheel trailer. 500lb hung off the back with just a 2" square tube is a lot of stress and strain. With a swivel wheel trailer, you start with around 50% of the weight off the hitch. The hitch is actually two receivers and there is no torque applied to the hitches so they are under far less strain. (this is not the same as double towing as the trailer is locked in line with the camper and you can turn and back up the same as normal).
laknox
Nomad
Jun 22, 2018
Problem with swivel wheels is that some states consider them part of the trailer and some don't, so you're, in effect, towing doubles. May or may not be legal. State x state issue. People from PA will need to chime in on this.

Lyle
Second_Chance
Explorer II
Jun 22, 2018
dpgllg wrote:
Hello,

My 2017 Grand Design Reflection comes with a factory installed 2 inch receiver. I have health issues that do not allow me to walk long distances. I was considering the Bama Scooter Groundhog 450 and the 5 star hauler ramp at the bottom of the page.

Bama Scooter

The weight of the scooter is 340 pounds and I am not sure how much the ramp weighs although it is aluminum. The weight limit according to the sticker on my 5th wheel is 500 pounds.

My questions:

Has anyone used one of these scooters? Is it a decent scooter? What are the pros and cons?

What about putting this on the back of my 5th wheel? Is this combination safe? Has anyone done something like this and would you do it again? Why or why not?

Can I do anything to make this package more safe and secure?

Are there any viable alternatives? We go to Willowtree a lot and they have a beautiful trail around the lake that we enjoyed walking. You could see all sorts of wildlife. Now I can't make the walk and even going to the pool we have to drive over and park my truck. It would just be nice to use something like this to get around the campgrounds.

Thanks!

Dave

Are you sure you read the label correctly? The OEM receivers on the back of the Reflections have always been rated for a max 300 lb. load. To be safe, you'll need to have something fabricated and welded to the frame with more than one attachment point.

Rob
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Jun 22, 2018
4x4ord wrote:
I built my own hitch and carrier. It has two 2x4 receivers. The bike, carrier and hitch weigh over 1000 lbs. So far I'm very happy with it.

Wow, better you than me. That looks way too sketchy for me, it looks like it hangs out there quite a ways from the trailer. I didn't see where you mounted a camera to watch the bike.

I'm sure you're happy, but it would scare the heck out of me. One good thing, I'm sure the people following you hang back quite a ways. :)
4x4ord
Explorer III
Jun 22, 2018
I don't need a camera. With the rear living area there is an easy chair up against the back window. I get my wife to ride back there and keep an eye on things.
dpgllg
Explorer
Jun 22, 2018
Second Chance wrote:
dpgllg wrote:
Hello,

My 2017 Grand Design Reflection comes with a factory installed 2 inch receiver. I have health issues that do not allow me to walk long distances. I was considering the Bama Scooter Groundhog 450 and the 5 star hauler ramp at the bottom of the page.

Bama Scooter

The weight of the scooter is 340 pounds and I am not sure how much the ramp weighs although it is aluminum. The weight limit according to the sticker on my 5th wheel is 500 pounds.

My questions:

Has anyone used one of these scooters? Is it a decent scooter? What are the pros and cons?

What about putting this on the back of my 5th wheel? Is this combination safe? Has anyone done something like this and would you do it again? Why or why not?

Can I do anything to make this package more safe and secure?

Are there any viable alternatives? We go to Willowtree a lot and they have a beautiful trail around the lake that we enjoyed walking. You could see all sorts of wildlife. Now I can't make the walk and even going to the pool we have to drive over and park my truck. It would just be nice to use something like this to get around the campgrounds.

Thanks!

Dave

Are you sure you read the label correctly? The OEM receivers on the back of the Reflections have always been rated for a max 300 lb. load. To be safe, you'll need to have something fabricated and welded to the frame with more than one attachment point.

Rob

I went back out and re read the label and you are correct it is 300 pounds so this is not going to be an option for me.

Look at plan a B which I'm not sure of yet

Dave

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