Adding a rear receiver

[Flapper]

We're in shopping mode, and looking at the various models. One thing desired would be a rear receiver on whatever new TT we get, so we can mount a bike rack. Looking at Curt Hitches website, they have a bolt on RV hitch - max tongue is 300lbs. Which would do just fine. BUT - in the instructions, they warn that use with non-towing loads without auxiliary stabilizing straps voids the warranty.

Of course, nothing on their site about what this is.

I realize that the rear end is subject to lots of up and down pounding, so the back is not the best place...but rather than use a tongue rack on the trailer, I'd rather add weight up there with more batteries, and counterbalance with the bikes.

Can anyone enlighten me about these straps? Any other aftermarket receivers that would work better?

[harley4275]

nickthehunter wrote:
"Stabilizing straps" means you lag bolt a couple of screw eyes through the wall of the trailer into a stud up about top of bike level, and use the screw eyes and ratchet straps to hold the bikes from bouncing and floundering around. May need a couple down low also depending on how the ones up top work out.

Exactly ....I put 4 (2 each side) eye screws into the corner of the rear of the trailer where the rubber trim covers the screws that hold it together. Added a ratchet strap to stop bikes from bouncing...works great and have used this idea for 3 trailers . Like said earlier ,you cannot see them but I know they are solid.

[bobndot]

Do you have to carry them on the rear of your TT ?


Personally, I think you would also have to add shocks as well as a rear fabrication.
I think TT's bounce around too much for a rear rack, and I don't like not being to see them while they are bouncing.

Carrying them at a location where you can monitor what they doing may be a big plus if one of them decides to go off on it's own without you.
If the TT mfg wanted people to carry bikes back there they would offer the option. Instead, they leave it up to you. Remember, liability, this is a mod that YOU made and relieves the mfg. of any liability.

What about using other options ? Where you can see them.

Truck bed
Trailer Tongue mount bike rack
Front hitch on truck

[SoundGuy]

sch911 wrote:
As long as the hitch is connecited to the frame of the TT you're good to go. As stated do not attempt to bolt one to the bumper!

Famous last words and those I disagree with completely. Certainly welding or bolting to the frame of the trailer, not the bumper, is an absolute necessity BUT that doesn't in any way prevent the bikes from heaving up and down as the trailer is towed along at highway speeds NOR does it do anything to compensate for unloading the trailer tongue with weight that sitting as far aft of the axles as could be possible. Many ignore this advice and hang bikes off the far rear of the trailer anyway but that doesn't in any way change the fact it's a BAD idea.

[twxsby89]

I just installed a set of these this past weekend, and will be trying them out, with 4 bikes mounted to a bolt on receiver.
THey claim 400 lbs. My TT bumper has a sticker that says 200 lbs max. These brackets prevent (or minimize) the twisting that causes the thin bumpers to fail.

https://www.mount-n-lock.com/

[sch911]

As long as the hitch is connecited to the frame of the TT you're good to go. As stated do not attempt to bolt one to the bumper!

[time2roll]

Get to a hitch shop and have something welded to the frame.
Bike carriers mostly say no to the rear of an RV.
I think Swagman say OK. Perception of too much bouncing I suppose.
My bikes have traveled thousands of miles without issue.

[Flapper]

SoundGuy wrote:
What can be said that hasn't already been said many times before, other than to repeat that bolting a bike rack to the rear of any trailer is a bad idea. :E Not everyone agrees but it's probably fair to say most do. 😉

Just to be clear - I was looking at the full, real, bolt on hitch - NOT a bumper mount!

[nickthehunter]

"Stabilizing straps" means you lag bolt a couple of screw eyes through the wall of the trailer into a stud up about top of bike level, and use the screw eyes and ratchet straps to hold the bikes from bouncing and floundering around. May need a couple down low also depending on how the ones up top work out.

[SoundGuy]

What can be said that hasn't already been said many times before, other than to repeat that bolting a bike rack to the rear of any trailer is a bad idea. :E Not everyone agrees but it's probably fair to say most do. 😉