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Old 11-03-2016, 03:34 PM   #1
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Bike Racks

Hi there... we are new to trailer camping having upgraded from a popup camper. I have a 246RKS travel trailer and wanted to know about putting a bike rack on the back.... What are your experiences? Any suggestions? Thanks!~
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Old 11-03-2016, 03:48 PM   #2
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Do a search...lots of very recent discussions on this topic.
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Old 11-03-2016, 06:29 PM   #3
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Yep hundreds of threads on this subject.
It's a hotly contested topic.
Do a search and you'll have enough reading for a week.
Many threads have pics.
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Old 11-03-2016, 08:02 PM   #4
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Welcome to the forums, Steve.

It's funny, but every forum has it's hot button topics. For some reason, bike racks is one of them here. There really is a lot of good info out there with all kinds of "stories" about what makes one option great and the same option the worst thing you could ever do.

I'm not sure what options your trailer could have come with, but my Chaparral 390 didn't have the Lippert frame mounted rear rack as an option. I suspect it is due to the length. The other Chaparral over 42 ft didn't have the option either. My rear bumper came with 2 stickers on it. One said nothing over 150 lbs and the other said Absolutely NOTHING can be attached to the bumper.

Here is the one that came on the shorter Chappys. It attaches to the frame rails and looks like it would do a pretty good job. I'd call Coachmen or your dealer and see what options they could give.



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Old 11-03-2016, 08:17 PM   #5
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Having not seen your bumper or frame rails, it is hard to provide a definite answer. I have seen many add a receiver to the bumper and carry their bikes on a receiver style bike carrier. But before you do, IMO you are going to want to insure that your bumper can carry the weight of the bike. One product out there that I have seen is a product by Mount-N-Lock. I have not personally used this product but the reviews of those who have used it are mostly positive. It may be something that you would want to check out.
https://www.mount-n-lock.com/mnl-car...ruts-hilohitch
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Old 11-03-2016, 08:19 PM   #6
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Welcome Steve, like everyone said it is a hot button topic. I have seen bumpers overloaded and tear away from the TT (bumpy roads and a fulcrum pulling on a thin 4" box). If you attach one use the frame for support or reinforce the bumper. Racks on the Tow Vehicle work well also, roof or front mounted.
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Old 11-04-2016, 09:47 AM   #7
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My TT has a sticker on the rear bumper that says attaching anything will void my chassis warranty.
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Old 11-04-2016, 07:00 PM   #8
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Don't put much of anything on the bumper or it will become a dragger.
Coachman can't put a rack on the longer models because of the factory line can't handle any more than the 42 '. It's a shame too because the factory fold up rack is a good one. I carried a generator and 42" aluminum tool box on our 29RKS.
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Old 11-04-2016, 07:22 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tom39 View Post
Having not seen your bumper or frame rails, it is hard to provide a definite answer. I have seen many add a receiver to the bumper and carry their bikes on a receiver style bike carrier. But before you do, IMO you are going to want to insure that your bumper can carry the weight of the bike. One product out there that I have seen is a product by Mount-N-Lock. I have not personally used this product but the reviews of those who have used it are mostly positive. It may be something that you would want to check out.
https://www.mount-n-lock.com/mnl-car...ruts-hilohitch
That is an awesome product, and best price when ordered as a combo!
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