Hitch for travel trailer

Smk · 03-23-2019, 06:16 AM

Should I get a hitch installed on the rear of the trailer for bikes or one that uses the rear bumper the third option one on the front over the of the propane tanks ?

**Flybob** · 03-23-2019, 06:48 AM

We will need more information to provide a good answer. What type RV do you have? Recommend you add it to your signature.

You will get many answers, here is one. If you have a large 5th wheel or Class A it is possible to add a hitch mounted bike rack, however choose the rack carefully as there is a large amount of bouncing on the back of an RV and bikes will take a beating. If you have a lite or ultra lite TT you have to be very careful as the frames are not designed for any extra weight. If you choose to try it be sure to reinforce the frame and add a welded rack. Do not add a bumper mounted rack as the bumper and its mounts are not designed to support the weight.

lswartz · 03-23-2019, 07:33 AM

I like them in the pickup truck bed best.

**bikendan** · 03-23-2019, 01:00 PM

Best option- carry them in the tow vehicle
Next best option- A-frame mounted rack system
Third best option- carry them inside trailer
Last case option- on the rear of the trailer

Since we have no idea what trailer you have, since you don't have it listed in your profile or in your post, we don't know if it's an ultralight or regular frame trailer. Makes a big difference.
Also, if it's a new trailer, doing such a mod MAY void the frame warranty if it causes issues.

Smk · 03-23-2019, 05:13 PM

Its is a 2017 forest river wildwood 28ckds

**bikendan** · 03-23-2019, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smk

Its is a 2017 forest river wildwood 28ckds

Well, if you bought it new, it still has time left on the frame warranty. It's up to you to risk that because you'd need to have the receiver welded and braced to the frame and bumper.

itat · 03-23-2019, 07:32 PM

I installed a front mounted hitch on my F-250 and use a 2-bike Kuat Transfer bike rack.

itat · 03-23-2019, 07:39 PM

If you have a dinette inside, some folks have installed fork mounts on the underside of the seats and secure the bikes with those. That only works for bikes that have quick release axles though.

cpslim2000 · 03-24-2019, 03:42 PM

My vote is for the ones over the propane tanks. I don't like the idea of extending my rig any more then it already is by hauling them on the back.

Smk · 03-24-2019, 04:49 PM

Does it change anything with the weight on the hitch?

**bikendan** · 03-24-2019, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smk

Does it change anything with the weight on the hitch?

Sure it does. It adds to the tongue weight.

MNTravler · 03-24-2019, 09:24 PM

When we purchased our new trailer last year, I asked this very question to the dealer. They said that putting a bike rack on the back bumper of the travel trailer voided any warranty with the trailer bumper. When I inquired about adding a 2" receiver hitch to the trailer frame, the dealer said that it could be done, but again, it voided the warranty on the frame. I purchased the type that goes over the hitch of the power lift jack on the tongue. Easy to install and didn't really change any amount of added weight.

**bikendan** · 03-24-2019, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MNTravler

I purchased the type that goes over the hitch of the power lift jack on the tongue. Easy to install and didn't really change any amount of added weight.

Yes it can change the amount of tongue weight.
2 average adult bikes can add 80lbs, plus the Jack-It adds another 25lbs.
So it could easily add at least another 100lbs to the tongue weight.

MNTravler · 03-25-2019, 09:04 AM

Bikendan, what I should have said was really not any amount of change that was noticeable. I, too, have an equalizer hitch and I did change my first setting to compensate for the change with the Jack-it rack. I know you see a lot of bikes strapped to the back trailer bumper, but in my mind I don't think they are structurally sound enough to hold that extra weight. Guess one would need to see based on the make/model of camper you have. The Forest River dealer I worked with wouldn't enough discuss such an option.

**bikendan** · 03-25-2019, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MNTravler

Bikendan, what I should have said was really not any amount of change that was noticeable. I, too, have an equalizer hitch and I did change my first setting to compensate for the change with the Jack-it rack. I know you see a lot of bikes strapped to the back trailer bumper, but in my mind I don't think they are structurally sound enough to hold that extra weight. Guess one would need to see based on the make/model of camper you have. The Forest River dealer I worked with wouldn't enough discuss such an option.

I agree on the rear bumper not good structurally. That's why I put my bikes in the truck bed. Some of my bikes were over $1000, so I wouldn't dare risk them on the bumper.

TheWolfPaq82 · 03-25-2019, 12:42 PM

My bike rides in one of two places. #1 - Bed of Truck #2 - Inside the Trailer.

aeblank · 03-25-2019, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpslim2000

My vote is for the ones over the propane tanks. I don't like the idea of extending my rig any more then it already is by hauling them on the back.

That's what I did. I don't give a crap about tongue weight, so that perhaps helps the decision (I'm adding 200+ lbs of batteries on there this season, too).

Took some mods, but I think it's clean. Could drop it down 6-8", but then I'd need to extend my hitch (which I already need to do so I can open my tailgate)

Anyway...pic....

https://i.imgur.com/amf0yhV.jpg?1

upflying · 03-25-2019, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smk

Does it change anything with the weight on the hitch?

Here is a calculator to determine the changes.

https://www.engineersedge.com/calcul...ht-balance.htm

ben31 · 03-25-2019, 01:27 PM

Here is the mount to the tongue's a-frame. Add you actual bicycle rack to this.
https://www.amazon.com/STROMBER-CC27.../dp/B01IC61QYC

aeblank · 03-25-2019, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ben31

Here is the mount to the tongue's a-frame. Add you actual bicycle rack to this.
https://www.amazon.com/STROMBER-CC27.../dp/B01IC61QYC

I started with that. Used straight 1-7/8 pipe instead of the bent ones. Also welded on a 1-5/8" pipe for the swagman bike rack. Between both it moved the bikes rearward at least 16", if not 20". Well worth the effort, IMO.

As an aside, bikes suck. Such a pain to haul.

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