Bumper mount bike rack?

ebcobra93 · 05-18-2015, 04:59 PM

Has anyone mounted a bike rack to their Roo bumper rail? Does anyone know the weight carrying capacity of the Roo bumper?

I know various vendors sell bike racks and/or adapters designed to fasten to a standard 4" RV bumper. But, I've read several reviews saying that the bumper weld points are not strong enough to safely carry bikes in that fashion. I'm also worried about having the bikes on the back of the trailer where I can't easily see them.

Anyway, just wondering if anyone can tell me that it isn't an issue (strength of bumper).

I have a 2016 Roo 183 and my tow vehicle is a 2014 Explorer. Right now, I'm leaning towards a roof mounted rack for safety reasons, but I'd rather just get a bumper adapter for my existing 4-bike hitch mount if it works (don't want to buy another rack). It's mostly for 2 kids' bikes, but I'd also occasionally like to bring two adult bikes as well.

**ependydad** · 05-18-2015, 05:11 PM

To the bumper, oh he-double-hockey-sticks (aka "heck") no. The bumpers themselves are flimsy crap.

Some are building hitches to the frame with good success. Some are still having issues with that.

For bikes, inside the camper, on the tow vehicle, or over the A-frame of the tongue are your main options.

ebcobra93 · 05-18-2015, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ependydad

To the bumper, oh he-double-hockey-sticks (aka "heck") no. The bumpers themselves are flimsy crap.

Some are building hitches to the frame with good success. Some are still having issues with that.

For bikes, inside the camper, on the tow vehicle, or over the A-frame of the tongue are your main options.

Yeah, that's my initial thought as well. I would need some convincing evidence that says otherwise I think.

Although, I have two friends that say they've been doing the bumper mount for years with no issues. I'm hearing too many horror stories though...

Do you have any info on the A frame mounts? I'll have to research that one.

**ependydad** · 05-18-2015, 05:35 PM

I've never used any, but I found a few with a quick Google search.

The big problem there - they'll make your tongue weight climb quickly. Is your receiver on the Explorer capable for it?

ebcobra93 · 05-18-2015, 05:40 PM

Found this... A-Frame Trailer Tongue Hitch for Bike Rack

Looks promising. More than I'd like to spend though...

ebcobra93 · 05-18-2015, 05:43 PM

Tongue weight would be close. I have 140 pounds to spare (dry) on tongue weight. We're loading the trailer up this weekend (first real outing) and I'm going to get it all weighed.

**ependydad** · 05-18-2015, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebcobra93

Found this... A-Frame Trailer Tongue Hitch for Bike Rack

Looks promising. More than I'd like to spend though...

Yep, for something so simple - they're hella spendy.

**ependydad** · 05-18-2015, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebcobra93

Tongue weight would be close. I have 140 pounds to spare (dry) on tongue weight. We're loading the trailer up this weekend (first real outing) and I'm going to get it all weighed.

Make sure you do all 3 weights (truck + trailer w/ WDH; truck + trailer w/o WDH; truck-only).

The rack looks to be 35 pounds. The bike rack is going to be 20-30 (guessing?). And then each bike. I think you'll eat into that 140 pretty quick with 2 or 3 bikes.

Cheers, mate.

ebcobra93 · 05-18-2015, 06:03 PM

Plus full propane...

My existing rack is the swing away style, so it's probably pushing 50 lbs on its own. I'm on travel for work right now, so I can't actually weigh it.

Yeah, I'd say I'm at tongue weight limit fully loaded.

**bikendan** · 05-18-2015, 07:04 PM

Since your trailer is new, doesn't it have the sticker on the bumper stating that any mods to the bumper, will void the frame's warranty?

ebcobra93 · 05-18-2015, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikendan

Since your trailer is new, doesn't it have the sticker on the bumper stating that any mods to the bumper, will void the frame's warranty?

I looked for that, on the bumper and frame itself, and there isn't any sticker.

I'm going to just put the kids' bikes inside the trailer for now and not bring the adult bikes until I figure out a solution.

I also found out that some A frame mounts won't work with my Equalizer WDH (if they'd work at all due to tongue weight limits).

yetavon · 05-18-2015, 08:54 PM

we have a spare tire mount rack that's been used on a CRV, Pop-Up and our previous HTT, one trip down with 2 Mt bikes without issues...yet

TakeItEasy · 05-18-2015, 08:59 PM

I had this one when I had a trailer. It worked well. http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Carg...on/CC-275.html

rockfordroo · 05-18-2015, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Since your trailer is new, doesn't it have the sticker on the bumper stating that any mods to the bumper, will void the frame's warranty?

You know, I went to 5 RV shows this spring and I don't think I saw even ONE of these stickers you guys talk about.

dado39 · 05-18-2015, 11:00 PM

Have look in to many options I think a front hitch reciver is what I am going to do. the a frame mounted style can only hold 100 lbs ,back
Bumper to weak ,roof mount very $$$ ,inside scratches and get inside dirty.

ebcobra93 · 05-19-2015, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dado39

Have look in to many options I think a front hitch reciver is what I am going to do. the a frame mounted style can only hold 100 lbs ,back
Bumper to weak ,roof mount very $$$ ,inside scratches and get inside dirty.

If I had a pickup, I'd consider the front mount. It would look ridiculous on the front of my Explorer ;o)

The A frame mount might work for me, but I need to ensure I'm not exceeding the tongue weight rating. Also, my existing hitch mount rack by itself weighs over 50 lbs. Would need to get a lighter rack in addition to the A frame mount (more $$$$). Not happening any time soon.

Marines0811 · 05-19-2015, 07:19 PM

Here is a old thread. Pretty cool rack looks strong.
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ad.php?t=23345

dogevans · 05-20-2015, 10:02 AM

I saw this setup on another camper and duplicated. It has worked just
fine for over 2 years. I removed the spare tire from back bumper and
mounted it under the battery compartment using 2 pieces of 2" angle
and 3/4" all thread with lock nuts. It fit real snug. Must make sure
your unit has the space to do this.

Next I got 4 - 1" angles approx 5' long and attached them along all
four corners of the back bumper with 2 - 4" box U clamps (like the
ones that hold the spare tire mount) toward the ends of the angles.
Do not fasten the U clamps tight but slightly loose. I made mine,
but you can buy a receiver that will bolt over your 4" box bumper,
and bolt it in the center of the bumper over the 4 angels and bumper
very tight. The reason for leaving the U clamps loosely holding the
angles is so that any rocking motion of the bike rack will be transferred
to the angle irons and not totally to the bumper which could cause
stress and fatigue to the welds holding the bumper.

The hitch should only be used for bike racks and NEVER for trailers
or storage platforms.

I traded off the 21SS, and have no pictures.

Hope this makes sense.

6wate · 05-26-2015, 04:56 PM

I have my bikes on a rack on the back. I did two things to significantly strengthen the setup: 1) install safety struts (https://www.mount-n-lock.com/product...e-safetystruts), and 2) use a ratcheting tie down to the trailer I-beam frame to reduce the torquing action. I purchased the bumper hitch adapter from Princess Auto in Canada and a conventional bike rack. Pictures included. It provides a safe and relatively low cost setup and reduces tongue weight.

10Boomer · 06-05-2015, 04:04 AM

Still crack frame for me.

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