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Old 11-21-2016, 06:37 PM   #1
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Remove rear bumper? Why not?

I want to put a receiver hitch welded to my frame on my 2011 A122. But I don't want it to stick out as far as it would need to clear the "decorative" bumper.

Why not take that thing off? Everyone always talks about how worthless it is. It's just extra weight. What's it good for anyway? I don't have a warranty anymore so that's not an issue. I've seen other RVs that don't have rear bumpers. The spare tire "tells you" when you back into to a wall or sign or something. Probably does less damage than if the cheesy bumper hits the wall or sign.

Thoughts?
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Old 11-21-2016, 06:42 PM   #2
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Might be a gotcha moment with an insurance agent or an agent of the law. Let us know if you have any issues.
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Old 11-21-2016, 06:50 PM   #3
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The frame on an A122 is not designed for a lot of extra weight on the back. From your description, it sounds like you plan to carry something more than a spare tire. Might not work well.
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Old 11-21-2016, 10:28 PM   #4
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I removed the small bumper on the rear of my A122. Welded a 4 inch square bumper. Works great and they sell a 2 inch receiver that bolts to it.
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Old 11-22-2016, 03:49 PM   #5
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We just purchased a 2017 Flagstaff high wall hard side. During the walk-through I questioned the lack of a rear bumper and they said hard sides are no longer shipped with one. I confirmed that with Forest River and they stated that they really aren't bumpers but used for the support of the beds in the tent trailers. They are all built with the same frame and no longer include it on the hard sides since it is not needed.
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Old 11-22-2016, 08:58 PM   #6
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Banjo64,
Did you do this yourself or have someone do it. I like the sound of this, especially since when we had our blowout and had to have the trailer towed, the rear 'bumper' was bent while loading the trailer on the bed of the tow truck, not bad, but bugs me. Would like to put something more substantial on the back. More details please!
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Old 11-22-2016, 11:30 PM   #7
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Some people have successfully put bike racks on A Frames. I wouldn't do it but that is me. Before you make any mods, weigh the camper loaded on the way to camp one day. Make sure to get the axle and tongue weights.

You can calculate the change in balance that would occur from putting bikes on the back. The balance of the modded trailer needs to have at least 10% of the total weight on the tongue for safe towing. 12% is better.

If you hang the bikes back there, please use a safety cable just in case your mod is not as good as you hoped.
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Old 11-22-2016, 11:32 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wobbles View Post
Might be a gotcha moment with an insurance agent or an agent of the law.
Very doubtful.
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Old 11-23-2016, 10:29 AM   #9
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My son is the welder in the family. But any metal fab. Shop can do it
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Old 11-23-2016, 03:15 PM   #10
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http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ml#post1031894
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