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Old 11-09-2021, 01:42 PM   #1
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Location of wall studs?

Hi all,

I'm planning on mounting a Fiamma back rack to the rear wall of my Forester 2551 DSLE.

I'd like to try to hit the studs, if possible, so I don't stress the fiberglass outer wall of the coach.

Anyone have idea where I can find any construction diagrams or blueprints? Do you think a stud finder would work?

I'm hoping one of you had a similar reason to drill into your coach and has some useful info you can share.

Thanks,
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Old 11-09-2021, 02:00 PM   #2
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I can share that on some cool mornings when the conditions are right, I am able to see the location of the framing elements based on how the moisture on the surface of the coach forms.
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Old 11-09-2021, 06:45 PM   #3
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As mentioned above, on a cool morning when there is condensation on the exterior walls, you’ll be able to see where the wall framing is. I don’t know if you have those weather conditions in Florida, but I witnessed it on my motorhome just last week.
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Old 11-09-2021, 07:03 PM   #4
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Thanks for the info. Quick update:

I spoke with a rep from Forest River and he absolutely did NOT recommend hanging the bike rack from the rear wall, as it was not engineered for the continuous load, especially over bumps or rougher roads. It could crack the gel coat, and would definitely NOT be covered under any warranty I might have left.

I ended up canceling my order for the Fiamma bike rack.

I came up with a cheaper, more convenient solution in the meantime. I’m going to install a hitch receiver on the front of my rig and just use the hitch bike rack I already have.

I don’t know why I didn’t think of that sooner.

Again, thanks for the advice!
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Old 11-09-2021, 07:08 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by FrankKrar View Post
Thanks for the info. Quick update:

I spoke with a rep from Forest River and he absolutely did NOT recommend hanging the bike rack from the rear wall, as it was not engineered for the continuous load, especially over bumps or rougher roads. It could crack the gel coat, and would definitely NOT be covered under any warranty I might have left.

I ended up canceling my order for the Fiamma bike rack.

I came up with a cheaper, more convenient solution in the meantime. I’m going to install a hitch receiver on the front of my rig and just use the hitch bike rack I already have.

I don’t know why I didn’t think of that sooner.

Again, thanks for the advice!
Because you’re choosing to install a hitch receiver on the front of your vehicle, I’m assuming you have something prohibiting you from using the 2” receiver hitch on the rear of your Forester.
Am I correct?
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Old 11-09-2021, 09:01 PM   #6
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That’s right. I have a hitch-mounted swing out cargo box on the back and in the future I plan on bringing a dinghy, so I needed a different option for the bikes.
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Old 11-09-2021, 09:14 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by FrankKrar View Post
That’s right. I have a hitch-mounted swing out cargo box on the back and in the future I plan on bringing a dinghy, so I needed a different option for the bikes.
Hitch-mounted swing out cargo box.
I have no idea what you mean.
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Old 11-10-2021, 02:26 PM   #8
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I originally used a 2-bike hitch mounted rack on the back of my 3011DS but I was concerned about how much it bounced on rough roads, no matter how much I tightened it up and fastened bungy cords to the ends. Also, I could not use it when I was pulling my toad. I replaced it with a Swagman 2-bike RV Bumper Rack that fastens on the rear bumper. It is rock-solid and easier to load. I can still use my hitch mounted tow bar for pulling my Wrangler with the bikes mounted. I purchased it from Amazon Canada but I don't see it on the U.S. site. It looks like there is at least one similar product but it is cheaper than the Swagman so it might be a flimsy knockoff. The Swagman appears to be very well built and works perfectly.
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Old 11-10-2021, 04:42 PM   #9
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Remember the studs such as they are are just 1x2 and I wouldn’t hang anything more than a small picture frame from that.
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Old 11-10-2021, 06:02 PM   #10
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Yup, that’s basically what the Forest River rep said as well. I have a front mounted DrawTite hitch receiver being delivered on Monday.

This is the one I’m getting if anyone else has the E-450 chassis.

Reese 65053 Front Mount Receiver with 2" Square Receiver opening https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001E8GVAA...ing=UTF8&psc=1
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Old 11-12-2021, 05:59 PM   #11
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I put a hitch receiver on my dinghy and use a hitch mounted bike rack.
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Old 11-12-2021, 07:58 PM   #12
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I ended up going with a front mount for my bikes too. Glad I did!
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Old 11-14-2021, 09:16 AM   #13
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Looks great. Nice job.
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Old 11-25-2021, 07:19 PM   #14
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If you have a metal frame borrow a pinpointer from a metal detectorist. If wood, use a studfinder.
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Old 11-25-2021, 07:50 PM   #15
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Originally Posted by lvoorhees View Post
I ended up going with a front mount for my bikes too. Glad I did!
I don’t have a front mounting, so I’m not speaking from experience, but would that not be a huge distraction looking at those bikes in front of you all the time? As well would they not get really dirty from road grime and bugs, causing you to put a cover on and distract even more.
Just saying!
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Old 11-25-2021, 07:56 PM   #16
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I don’t have a front mounting, so I’m not speaking from experience, but would that not be a huge distraction looking at those bikes in front of you all the time? As well would they not get really dirty from road grime and bugs, causing you to put a cover on and distract even more.
Just saying!
And you really don’t want to put a cover on them or you will seriously reduce the air flow to the engine potentially causing an overheating issue.
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Old 11-26-2021, 05:26 AM   #17
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Originally Posted by kenandterry View Post
Hitch-mounted swing out cargo box.

I have no idea what you mean.
Where did you get that? Looking for solutions for a generator for my 5th wheel.
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Old 11-29-2021, 12:02 PM   #18
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I have a 2018 Forester 2291 and often tow a ski boat. I mounted a front tow hitch for my Kuhl bike rack. We have 2 ebikes we usually take with us. I lower the seats and lower one of the bikes handle bars to reduce the distraction factor. Bugs have not been an issue. The hitch is easy to install and very stable with the 90# of bikes on the rack. When not towing the boat the bikes go on the back.
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