Coachmen Clipper 16FB - bike rack
We are purchasing a Coachmen Clipper 16FB and are having a hard time finding a bike rack that we can use. We are towing with a Ford Escape and don't have enough extra hitch weight to add a bike rack ...
Forum Discussion
We did some modifications to our rear frame so that we could use a rear mounted bike rack. I did a lot of research on various forums before undertaking this -as said above, it is almost universally advised NOT to use a rear mounted rack because of the added stress to the frame. Our trailer was out of warranty, so voiding the warranty by welding on the frame was not a concern for us.
Our R Pod had an existing 1 1/4" receiver mounted to the cross bar at the end of the frame. The crossbar was welded on each end to the ends of the front to back main frame members.
We used a local welding shop to add weld new triangle shaped gussets between the top and bottom of the existing 1 1/4" receiver and the trailer frame. We needed a 2" receiver for our bike rack. Then he welded a 2" receiver below the existing 1 1/4" receiver to accept the bike rack. He also welded an 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 square cross bar that runs sideways from frame to frame. this is welded to the back end of the 2" receiver with a right angle connector. We use 2 strap tiedowns, one to each corner eyebolt on the trailer to help stabilize the rack.
I have followed the trailer with 2 bikes and watched--there is no wiggle, wobble or sway. We have used this setup for several long trips across the country with no problems. I took the trailer back to the welder and had him inspect everything after our last 6000 mile trip-there were no obvious cracks or breaks.
here are some pictures that help show what we did.
I hope these pictures work--if not, they are located at this page that shows a lot of our trailer mods
https://plus.google.com/photos/111319885746168705351/albums/5995280008984464529?banner=pwa&authkey=CO6m8a2Up6a3Sw
travel safe
Vann
Our R Pod had an existing 1 1/4" receiver mounted to the cross bar at the end of the frame. The crossbar was welded on each end to the ends of the front to back main frame members.
We used a local welding shop to add weld new triangle shaped gussets between the top and bottom of the existing 1 1/4" receiver and the trailer frame. We needed a 2" receiver for our bike rack. Then he welded a 2" receiver below the existing 1 1/4" receiver to accept the bike rack. He also welded an 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 square cross bar that runs sideways from frame to frame. this is welded to the back end of the 2" receiver with a right angle connector. We use 2 strap tiedowns, one to each corner eyebolt on the trailer to help stabilize the rack.
I have followed the trailer with 2 bikes and watched--there is no wiggle, wobble or sway. We have used this setup for several long trips across the country with no problems. I took the trailer back to the welder and had him inspect everything after our last 6000 mile trip-there were no obvious cracks or breaks.
here are some pictures that help show what we did.
I hope these pictures work--if not, they are located at this page that shows a lot of our trailer mods
https://plus.google.com/photos/111319885746168705351/albums/5995280008984464529?banner=pwa&authkey=CO6m8a2Up6a3Sw
travel safe
Vann
