Putting a receiver on a 5er???

[Indy500]

Is it possible to a hitch on the rear of the 8288wsa rockwood ultra lite? Need some way to carry bicycles

[Bama Rambler]

Since that RV has such a limited cargo carrying capacity it's frame is going to be pretty light, so I'd say that you'd be pushing it to even try carrying a couple of bikes back there. Also those bumpers aren't designed or attached to carry anything more than the spare tire.

There have been people who have installed Safety Struts and then used something like the Curt bolt on receiver to haul a bike carrier.





Just be aware of the moment (dynamic load) you're putting on the bumper and attachment on a bumpy road.

[bayoubraud]

I have the exact set up Bama has pictured on my Rockwood 8286. I have pulled a 5x8 loaded with my golf cart and had zero problems.
I dont have a rear view camera so I mounted a couple pieces of rod with flagging on the end and attached to the gate. Now i can see the flagging stick out on the side and know trailer is ok.

Hope this helps.

[Indy500]

Originally Posted by Bama Rambler

Since that RV has such a limited cargo carrying capacity it's frame is going to be pretty light, so I'd say that you'd be pushing it to even try carrying a couple of bikes back there. Also those bumpers aren't designed or attached to carry anything more than the spare tire.

There have been people who have installed Safety Struts and then used something like the Curt bolt on receiver to haul a bike carrier.





Just be aware of the moment (dynamic load) you're putting on the bumper and attachment on a bumpy road.

Thanks Bama, I was hoping to mount something to the frame and not the bumber. I've seen people hang bikes from the ladder on the rear ,but I dont think this is the answer. I'd be afraid the ladder would have to much weight. But then again I weigh 200 lbs and the ladder seems to hold my big ###

[formerFR]

well, your RV is a "rockwood ultra lite", so it's already built to be lighter and therefore not as 'beefy' on the chassis side, and can be problematic for anyone wanting to 'hang' something off it's rear. Not only does it then create more of a problem with tail-wag, and a lot of unintended pressure on the side-to-side movement of the chassis, but could also result in bike drag when entering or exiting driveways or road transitions, since you're now extended the tail another 3 or 4 feet.
Maybe you could simply store them in the RV itself...

[rockfordroo]

See posts #2 and #12 here for the receivers I had welded to the frames of my Roo 19 and Mini Lite 2503S:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...oo-107358.html

There are some other ideas in the thread.

[Palinduff]

If the frame can’t handle a couple of bicycles, you’re in trouble. I put a receiver on my Puma and pull my atv on a utility trailer behind. Probably 1100lbs, with no problems. Yet.

[sparkycamper]

Originally Posted by Indy500

Is it possible to a hitch on the rear of the 8288wsa rockwood ultra lite? Need some way to carry bicycles

Yes you can! Take it to a place that installs hitches, they should weld it on and all the needed support. I have a 8299BS and you can get the cargo rack from the factory, i chose not to and had a hitch installed instead.

[nayther]

I put one on my wildcat. Had it custom made as I didn't trust the bolt on ones:


https://www.etrailer.com/RV-and-Camp...urt/13703.html


because I haul a dirtbike on mine (about 300# with rack). I also added a rearview camera so I can see it. If I were just hauling bikes I'd go with the bumper reinforcing and bolt on receiver like Bama suggests. The bounce a LOT back there.

[Randy-2198]

There have been numerous posts on attaching a bike rack to a "bumper" on a trailer. The metal is pretty thin. Some have lost there bikes.

I had a 2" receiver welded onto my frame of a 5'er. It is tied in with 3 cross members. I waited until the factory warranty ran out. It was not cheap, $900. I use it to triple tow 3000#. It has worked flawlessly, so far, for 2+ years. In the Midwest there are plenty of boats towed behind 5'ers.

The other option is a bolted receiver system into the main frame rails like the Curt. The guys who bolt them in swear you should not weld on your frame. The guys who weld them in say they have the skill and do so all the time and have a perfect success rate.

If all you are doing is adding a bike rack on the back, then either type is better than adding a simple recover to the bumper.

As an option for the cautious folks, I also added a $100 Peak brand digital backup camera to keep an eye on the wheels and axle of my little trailer. Works intermittently, but I get a look with every guardrail, passing vehicle or building on the side.

[Indy500]

Originally Posted by sparkycamper

Yes you can! Take it to a place that installs hitches, they should weld it on and all the needed support. I have a 8299BS and you can get the cargo rack from the factory, i chose not to and had a hitch installed instead.

Thank you sparkycamper, your outfit looks great. My 5er looks exactly like that. small trailer may be the way to go, the tongue weight of a small trailer would be less than a bike rack , if loaded correctly.

[jtesta1]

I have an 8288ws and put bumper braces on along with the curt bolt on receiver hitch. I purchased a cargo rack from harbor freight and carry my generator and water softener with no worries.

[B and B]

Weld up a hitch and give it a try. I have seen threads where people have their Generator, spare fridge, blue sewer hauler, firewood, gas cans, spare propane on the back of the ultralight. Aids in heavy tongue/pin weight with the fulcrum effect. Make sure you look at upgrading wheels and tires maybe even upsize axles as you will be over weight.

[youroo]

Originally Posted by B and B

Weld up a hitch and give it a try. I have seen threads where people have their Generator, spare fridge, blue sewer hauler, firewood, gas cans, spare propane on the back of the ultralight. Aids in heavy tongue/pin weight with the fulcrum effect. Make sure you look at upgrading wheels and tires maybe even upsize axles as you will be over weight.

I posted a Pic long ago of a unit just as you described, they even Had to add cables to the outer edge of platform and drilled through the Rear Wall of the 5th wheel and put large plates inside the Cabinets' for additional support!This was on a New unit not a POS! He said the Roads were/are to rough for Unsupported Rear Platforms! Youroo!!

[Indy500]

As I said in the original post,,, I want to haul a bicycle, not a fridge, not firewood, not, not ,not all the other stuff.

[spock123]

I have seen people pulling trailers with there fifth wheels, Ocean Lakes campground in Myrtle Beach SC. All the rv manufactures says not to do it but it’s your camper. Do what you think is safe

[Palinduff]

I have an 8 ft box and can put two bikes in the box behind the cab. Not sure which box you have, but if there’s room, that could be an option. It cost me a grand to get my receiver welded on.

[Indy500]

Maybe I will remove the spare tire, put the bike there and put the spare in back of the truck bed

[CHICKDOE]

get a roof mounted bike carrier and put on the roof of the tow vehicle?

[jheacox1]

Originally Posted by Indy500

Is it possible to a hitch on the rear of the 8288wsa rockwood ultra lite? Need some way to carry bicycles

Get a front hitch and Rhino rack from etrailer for your TV. I have one on my 2015 F250 and it works great. Took an hour or so to install.