Salem Cruise Lite Bumper Strenth?

tonkabeast · 10-03-2012, 10:26 AM

Alright all you Cruise Lite owners out there (or experts in general)

Anyone know if the bumper of these TT can hold a bumper bike rack? I have heard nightmare stories of bumpers falling off

due to them not being welded to handle the weight of a couple bikes.

My old trailer never had a problem with this but I thought I would throw it out there and see if anyone has any feedback.

Triguy · 10-03-2012, 10:51 AM

Tonka,
Is there a sticker on the bumper? Mine is an ultra-lite frame and definitely does not allow a bumper mounted bike rack.

You might have read many of those posts on the forum. Generally, its considered a really bad idea unless allowed for by FR (or any other manufacturer for that matter).

I'll move this to the Salem section, too, so more Salem Lite owners can help you.

tonkabeast · 10-03-2012, 10:54 AM

Thank you for moving it to the Salem section.

I don't remember seeing a sticker but I didn't really check. The only items attached to the bumper right now came factory installed and that is the tire and BBQ.

tonkabeast · 10-03-2012, 11:18 AM

Now that I found the Salem Forum I think I have found my answers in other posts....I will look deeper before posting in future. Totally my bad thanks all for putting up with a newbie!

Triguy · 10-03-2012, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonkabeast

Now that I found the Salem Forum I think I have found my answers in other posts....I will look deeper before posting in future. Totally my bad thanks all for putting up with a newbie!

That's no problem. Everyone needs to start somewhere.

So, what is the answer? Can you use a bumper mounted bike rack with your trailer?

tonkabeast · 10-03-2012, 11:48 AM

After all the posts on how FR welds their bumpers and based on the fact that these are "ultra-lite" so they are going to take the weight from somewhere and the bumper is one place.

One note I found on FR's site is that they do make an optional "backpack bumper rack" and that one comes with a re-enforced bumper to accommodate that upgrade from what I have been able to find.

Jamisonhouse · 10-03-2012, 11:57 AM

The back pack rack is welded to the frame. Without reinforcements i wouldn't even dare. We have a cruise light as well and the dealer all but laughed at me when I asked about a bike rack for our trailer without modified bumber.

tonkabeast · 10-03-2012, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jamisonhouse

The back pack rack is welded to the frame. Without reinforcements i wouldn't even dare. We have a cruise light as well and the dealer all but laughed at me when I asked about a bike rack for our trailer without modified bumber.

Thank you! That confirms my findings.

Night Stone · 10-17-2012, 08:59 PM

Our dealer had the welder reinforced our bumper for our aftermarket cargo rack. Here are some pictures, our trailer is a Salem Cruise Lite 181BH. The Rack is rated for 250lbs max. The un-reinforced bumper can hold up to 70lbs, basically your spare tire.
The ones offered by Forest River has a thicker and reinforced frame in order to use the optional cargo rack of theirs. You would have to buy the trailer already equipped with one at a lot or ordered a new trailer with that option included in it.

Dave

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