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?

[Lakejumper]

I installed the bolt-on style receiver hitch after relocating the spare tire carrier to under the front frame. I then installed the Mount n' Lock bumper safety supports ( like the ones in post #7) and it's a great combination. I have had receiver hitches welded to the frame on previously owned RVs.

[welove2drive]

I fabricated a hitch for the rear of our trailer not long after we got it. When I made up the hitch I added a loop using link from a heavy chain welded to the front face of the cross tube. I use this to run a tie down strap from the upper portion of the bike rack down to the loop. This is all it takes to get rid of the whip action that the bikes tend to do when not tied down some how. A lot of people say don't do it. I say do it but do it correctly.

[Flapper]

I had also looked at a rack called "Jack-It" by Lippert. It fits over the tongue jack of a TT, and can carry two bikes. Seems pretty slick!

But, with upgrading batteries, etc., putting the bikes there may begin to push my truck's receiver rating. I do have gobs of extra truck payload, though....saw a post elsewhere where someone put a receiver between the pickup bed sides, just behind the rear window, and then used a conventional bike rack (since I have 2 of those!). Sure, have to get in the bed to load/unload, but since I have the Ford "old man" step to get in, shouldn't be much of an issue. One of the many things to do - go to the local welder and see what they can make up, for how much. Only challenge will be making something that can clear my roll up bed cover, so I can continue to use it while towing and carrying bikes.

[RoyBell]

Here's what I did to transport bikes. http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/28407171.cfm

It's kind of a hassle having to lower and raise the table on each trip and mount the bikes but it's better than leaving them on the back of the trailer.

I put a bumper trailer mount on as well. When at the camp site I lock them up on a bike rack off the bumper then. They transport inside the trailer though.

[jersey_traveler]

jerem0621 wrote:
First hand experience here... buddy's Fiver rear bumper was ripped off by overloading it. We were traveling with them.

Use a receiver hitch and then attach some eye bolts to the back wall to secure the bikes on the rack, attached to the receiver.

Also, you may want to contact the trailer frame manufacturer to make sure the frame is able to handle a rear receiver.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

To avoid problems with the paper thin factory bumper I had the local welder cut off the factory bumper, mounts and all. He then mounted a new bumper using 1/4 inch stock. Rock solid. The only problem is you cannot store the sewer line in it any more. But I had not been doing that since they always fell out on me anyway.

[hohenwald48]

I got 2 of these. They come with carry bags. Fold 'em up and put 'em in the back of the SUV. They stay clean and no bouncing around on the rear bumper of the TT. Problem solved.

Bikes

[harley4275]

for my bikes , i took 1" hose and cut them about 6" lengths with the side slit open , Put them on frame between bikes where thye will touch to stop paint scratches.
also put 4 eyescrews (2 each side) on the corner of camper where there is a rubber trim covering the corner piece. That is where the screws are for holding trailer togather. Then use racket straps to secure bikes from wobbling ...works great.

[camperforlife]

I had a custom welded hitch put on the back of one of my trailers and had zero issues of hitch or bumper failure. With that said the bounce was still very prominent with the bikes and they beat against each other and nothing I did helped. If you don't have great bikes then put them back there. I have a pair of $2K bikes and they absolutely will not travel on the back of a trailer.

[jerem0621]

First hand experience here... buddy's Fiver rear bumper was ripped off by overloading it. We were traveling with them.

Use a receiver hitch and then attach some eye bolts to the back wall to secure the bikes on the rack, attached to the receiver.

Also, you may want to contact the trailer frame manufacturer to make sure the frame is able to handle a rear receiver.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[hohenwald48]

I've seen hundreds of rear bumper and receiver mounted bike racks on travel trailers in various RV parks. I suppose some have fallen off but I've never seen it or heard any first hand reports. I wouldn't do it but many do. But then, I've seen folks do a lot of things I'd never do. Unloading the tongue weight with 20# of bikes on the rear would be the least of my concerns.

[myredracer]

If you want to see how an OEM rear receiver should be done, go look at a Nash TT. Even then, I sure wouldn't want something hanging on for dear life at the rear of my TT where I can't see it. But you see trailers in CGs all the time with rack/mounts at the rear so it must be okay... 🙂

[SoundGuy]

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. 😉

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

Just to be clear - this in no way compensates for unloading the trailer's gross tongue weight with bikes (and rack) mounted so far aft of the axles. :E Read my post again - where did I even mention the word "bumper"? Answer - nowhere. :S

[wade68025]

bikecarriers.us has several models. Some attach to the rear bumper and some to the frame.

[Hannibal]

We use a Thule double track bike rack in our factory 2" hitch receiver on our Jayco travel trailer. The pin is a bolt that snugs the drawbar tight in the receiver. Bikes ride pretty solid.