Travel Trailer Bumper Rack

scbrown063 · 03-26-2017, 12:23 PM

I see lots of RVs with cargo racks attached with a hitch. I would like to add one to mine but I've read horror stories about them snapping the bumper off. Without adding reenforcement brackets or drilling into the frame to add support, I'm wondering if anyone has one on their RV and if they've had any issues. I want to carry my Ryobi 2000 watt Generator and 5 gallon gas can and maybe some other odds and ends. Advice?

bob caldwell · 03-26-2017, 12:24 PM

What trailer?

scbrown063 · 03-26-2017, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob caldwell

What trailer?

Solaire 247rkes

bob caldwell · 03-26-2017, 12:31 PM

Most of the horror stories are from people that have ultra lights and lights....
I would think a person would have better luck if the gennie tray could be fashioned to set on top of bumper, as there's be less leverage for road shock

Kimber45 · 03-26-2017, 12:33 PM

I have added to two different units and never had an issue. Always very mindful of weight. The travel and bouncing effects exaggerates the effect of the weight.

Based on all the threads and info it seems to either be big no no or a proceed with caution. Take a good look at the construction/bracing on your bumper. Standard thought is it voids any frame warranty. My new unit has a sticker on the bumper warning you of that. If the warranty is up then make your own choice and use caution and have fun. (I hope the generator is light)

scbrown063 · 03-26-2017, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kimber45

I have added to two different units and never had an issue. Always very mindful of weight. The travel and bouncing effects exaggerates the effect of the weight.

Based on all the threads and info it seems to either be big no no or a proceed with caution. Take a good look at the construction/bracing on your bumper. Standard thought is it voids any frame warranty. My new unit has a sticker on the bumper warning you of that. If the warranty is up then make your own choice and use caution and have fun. (I hope the generator is light)

The Genny is a 2000 watt inverter. Probably about 50 lbs if even that. But I'm still under warranty and don't want to jeopardize that so I'll probably wait. Lol. Thanks for the info.

**bikendan** · 03-26-2017, 01:24 PM

Your Solaire is an ultralight trailer.
You'll need to have it reinforced with welding braces to the frame for support.

scbrown063 · 03-26-2017, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikendan

Your Solaire is an ultralight trailer.
You'll need to have it reinforced with welding braces to the frame for support.

Thanks for the info. I looked at my warranty and any mods to the frame will void it so I'll wait awhile.

**bikendan** · 03-26-2017, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scbrown063

Thanks for the info. I looked at my warranty and any mods to the frame will void it so I'll wait awhile.

Yep, that's what it says.
If you own a trailer still under warranty, it's up to the owner whether or not to risk it.
Some do, most don't.

Personally, my bikes are too valuable to risk them.
I prefer to keep my bikes inside the trailer or in/on my truck.

itat · 03-27-2017, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scbrown063

Thanks for the info. I looked at my warranty and any mods to the frame will void it so I'll wait awhile.

Your profile says you have a Nissan Titan and you're pulling a TT. Any particular reason you can't put the bikes in the truck bed? There are lots of ideas floating around the forum for carrying bicycles. It's one of the most frequently asked questions here.

rockfordroo · 03-27-2017, 05:53 PM

Don't just hang a receiver on your bumper.

See the thread below. Post #2 is the receiver I had put on my Roo 19 and Post #12 is the receiver I had put my Mini Lite 2503S. I carry 2 bikes on a Thule TH990XT platform rack.

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

On my Mini Lite, I also moved my spare to under the trailer in front of the axles. See here:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ite-91088.html

See post #5 here for some other ideas.

**Flybob** · 03-27-2017, 06:15 PM

The term ultra light does not only refer to the trailer body, but also the frame. Your frame is most likely a manufactured I beam. This frame is not the same as on a larger 5er with an drawn I beam. You not only need to be reinforce the bumper, but also the frame. Also before you spend money on something attached to the back of a TT follow one with something back there. It's kind of like a carnival ride.

scbrown063 · 03-27-2017, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itat

Your profile says you have a Nissan Titan and you're pulling a TT. Any particular reason you can't put the bikes in the truck bed? There are lots of ideas floating around the forum for carrying bicycles. It's one of the most frequently asked questions here.

I wanted a cargo rack not bike rack. I usually have the bed full of other stuff... Lol

Jimmy NPS · 03-28-2017, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scbrown063

I wanted a cargo rack not bike rack. I usually have the bed full of other stuff... Lol

Yes we store lots of stuff in our trailer as well as on the back bumper. Our f150 is generally full with 5 or 6 people plus all their luggage and gear in the trailer. Food, coolers supplies and a big big camping lounge chair in the back of truck. We were told by a neighbour that water could be off at several sites last year so now we fill up our water tank at home before we leave (good tip for you if there are water restrictions in place in your state). Everything else goes on back of trailer and on roof.

5picker · 03-28-2017, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flybob

The term ultra light does not only refer to the trailer body, but also the frame. Your frame is most likely a manufactured I beam. This frame is not the same as on a larger 5er with an drawn I beam. You not only need to be reinforce the bumper, but also the frame. Also before you spend money on something attached to the back of a TT follow one with something back there. It's kind of like a carnival ride.

Flybob is absolutely correct... but as of recent, there are a few exceptions.
We have the Flagstaff 8529IKBS which is considered a 'super lite'. (NOTE: not ultra lite)

It has a true drawn I-Beam frame with heavy duty frame extensions out the rear holding a H/D 4" square bumper. It is designed to come from the factory with a folding bike rack as an option.

I decided to build my own incorporating an expandable rack to hold things like coolers and generators. Here it is with the folding bike rack removed.

Bottom line... check your frame design and rear carrying capabilities and make an informed decision about your particular unit.

pdqparalegal1 · 03-29-2017, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scbrown063

I wanted a cargo rack not bike rack. I usually have the bed full of other stuff... Lol

I was wondering how the thread went from generator and gas to bike rack. They also sell a rack to mount on tongue but looks like it makes propane bottles hard to remove. In any event, get a good welder to make modifications.

rockfordroo · 03-29-2017, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdqparalegal1

I was wondering how the thread went from generator and gas to bike rack. They also sell a rack to mount on tongue but looks like it makes propane bottles hard to remove. In any event, get a good welder to make modifications.

The OP never stated that he's seen rack attached with a hitch but was worried about the bumper falling off. He never stated he wanted a rack "above" the hitch. He did say he didn't seem to want to add any reinforcements, but I think that's impossible. "Most" folks end up with a platform rack and a beefed up 2" receiver, hence I posted my receivers in Post #11 That may be how we got here.

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