15' Keystone Hideout 28BHS - rear bumper attachment

[5Cent]

A rainy Sunday has found me preparing for next weeks trip and some time to start looking at future enhancements to the unit. We picked the unit up in late April and the camper has been great on the last 2 trips!

I want to add a spare tire to the unit, along with a platform and/or bike carrier. I am fully aware of the OEM weight ratings and failure rates when weight is added without additional support. My question is,has this design been around for a few years, or new? Our 97 Prowler was just dinky brakets, but Keystone has used square tubing. Definitely beefier, but the length of welds leaves alot to be desired. Has anyone full length welded the OEM square tubing and attach a thicker walled bumper?

Spacing:


Side view:



Welds:

[PacNWChris]

I recently took the tire and mount off of my Salem Hemisphere Lite 282RK because I wanted to move some weight forward (rear kitchen = heavy in the back). The tire and mount I removed is about 65lbs and had U-bolts holding it to the bumper which is identical to Keystone's. (I used to have a Springdale 256RLLS)

[5Cent]

Thank you for your responses. I agree on the OEM carrying capacity, but a ST225/75/15 will weight close to 100lbs, and bikes even more when applying the torque load.

I should have stated this is a project for next year after I am out of warranty. I am not looking to put 600lbs on the back, just want to see if anyone has used the existing square tubing from Keystone when putting on a rear hitch and/or platform.

[JJBIRISH]

I know it’s not what anyone that ask this question wants to hear, but You can carry a spare on it as is, because the spare sits very close to the bumper and is a fixed attachment…

But I would forget the platform or bike rack that would be extended beyond the spare… Then weight of the heavier bumper and supporting iron will eat heavily into the rear load capacity of the trailer… None of the chassis parts not just the bumper are built for it and you may also void the warranty on your new trailer by modifying or welding on the chassis…

This is the very thing that brought about the TH designs… others that claim to have done it successfully or not, would not equate to being a good idea… especially with some of the questionable set-ups that get recommended on the forums here from time to time…

In the end, it’s your trailer, your nickel, and your liability if it fails and I have seen plenty of those…
Good luck and above all be informed before diciding…

[tkoden]

I called Keystone on my trailer and I was surprised to find out that it was rated at 150 lbs capacity. Not sure what you want to put back there but bikes and a tire shouldn't weigh that much.